August's new Smart Lock will integrate with HomeKit

One year after its entré into the lock industry, August announced the release of three new products: a new smart lock, a keypad and a smart cam. The second-generation August Smart Lock -- HomeKit-Enabled, will be available in the next four to eight weeks for $229, which roughly converted comes to £149 and AU$315. Although August will not concurrently release it internationally, they plan to offer the lock outside the US in the future.

This isn't just a redux of the original with new HomeKit compatibility, though. In response to problems with the old faceplate, the HomeKit-enabled Smart Lock will feature a magnetic grip to hold it in place more securely when you turn it. The company has made other small design changes, such as adding a new pattern to the grip of the lock and a new chrome indicator that shows lock/unlock status. The edges of the lock's body have also been smoothed and rounded a bit so it resembles the shape of a doorknob -- something August doubtless hopes will make it feel more familiar for new users.

August has assured us that the new HomeKit-compatible lock will work with older August devices, so if you have the original August Connect, then you will be able to remotely access your new HomeKit-compatible August lock. The one exception is where Siri is concerned: While you're in range for Bluetooth connection, you will be able to use Siri to control the lock, but once you're connected to your local Wi-Fi connection, Siri will only work if you have an Apple TV at home.

Right now, because Apple is not allowing any third-party products to work as bridging devices between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (that is, the tech which facilitates the iCloud-to-Bluetooth communication that a Bluetooth lock needs), it looks like remote Siri functions will require an Apple TV for the foreseeable future. Even the August Connect can't get you there.