This qualifies as pretty nifty.
When Yale’s parent company purchased August Home in 2017, it promised to ‘create the future of smart residential doors.’ Yale is currently taking the first step in that direction with two new Yale locks incorporating August technology.
The nifty bit: While Yale has made HomeKit-compatible smart locks for a while new, its new models are the first to include an auto-unlock feature. This allows a deadbolt to automatically open as you approach, using Bluetooth authentication and a powered motor.
Per Engadget’s report:
The two new models are the Assure Lock SL, which is a touchscreen keypad, and the Assure Lock Touchscreen that also has a regular key access. The look of the new locks look a lot like the Nest x Yale models, which makes sense since they’re made by the same company. The difference here, of course, lies in the software. Instead of having to depend on the Nest ecosystem, it uses its own August system. This means that these locks also now have Auto Unlock, an August-exclusive feature that unlocks the door automatically thanks to Bluetooth authentication.
These Yale locks are also compatible with the August Connect WiFi Bridge, so you can remotely control the locks even when you’re out of the house. Plus, the new Yale locks are compatible with the August system that creates smart codes for Airbnb guests.
Yale has stated that users car readily upgrade the Yale Assure lock with an August connection for for a $129 price tag.
Both new locks, and the connection kit, will go on sale next month. The Assure Lock Touchscreen will retail for $279 while the Assure SL will sell for $299.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.