New Colorful update to August smartphone-controlled smart lock

August, the makers of a smartphone-controlled smart lock, is one of those companies and they've just announced a new update to the device that could broaden its appeal beyond the early adopter set.

First announced earlier this year, the smart lock allows you to use your iOS or Android smartphone to remotely control the locking functions on just about any door. Once connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, the device’s auto-unlock feature senses when you approach the door and opens the lock. The device also gives you the ability to distribute (and instantly revoke) digital keys to friends and family members who may need access to your home.

The update to the device offers both an aesthetic and technical improvement. August will now also offer the device in multiple colors including silver, dark gray and champagne gold as well as a limited edition red version.

On the security side, August has introduced a feature called EverLock, which detects when you’ve closed a particular door behind you and automatically locks that door as you exit. And while the feature may appear to ramp up the security of one’s home, it does raise the issue of what to do if EverLock happens to lock you out when you don’t have your smartphone with you.

“With EverLock, there is an optional setting to temporarily disable EverLock if you leave the house without your smartphone,” says August CEO Jason Johnson in response to our query on this particular point. “This is particularly convenient if you're just running out to your car or taking out the trash.”

Of course, this doesn’t really solve the problem of that particularly absent-minded person who both forgets to take their smartphone with them and forgets to disable EverLock. But if you’re that forgetful, it might be a good idea to have at least one friend permanently listed as one of your smart lock friends to open your door in case of emergencies.

Previously, August only accepted reservations for the device, but starting today you can place a pre-order for the $199 device scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2014.

Source: mashable