August, Kwikset Add Remote-Access Features to Smart Locks

August and Kwikset, makers of competing smart lock deadbolt systems that unlock when approached by the right smartphone, have both announced their locks are adding remote control over the Internet.

August Connect (pictured) works with the August Smart Lock to set your mind at ease about home security. The Connect simply plugs into any outlet, connecting the Smart Lock —PCMag's Editors' Choice for intelligent deadbolts—to the household Wi-Fi.

This gives the Bluetooth-enabled deadbolt online features like remote access. Now you can tell if the door is locked or not after you leave home—and flip the switch either way. Lock up when you're not home, or remotely unlock it for visitors. There are mobile apps for the August devices for iOS and Android, which also get notifications when the lock is tripped, if desired.

Kwikset, a big name in locks (just check the lock aisle at Lowe's if you don't believe me), isn't going to be left out. Earlier this week it announced Kevo Plus, an extension of the Kevo deadbolt that provides more remote access features. Users of a Kevo have to upgrade their Kevo account to Plus status, and that'll get them a free, low-energy Bluetooth gateway device to plug into their home router via Ethernet—it's a way of getting the Kevo online without Wi-Fi. Just hope your router is close enough to the door for it to get a signal.

New things Kevo owners can do once the gateway is in place: remotely lock or unlock the door; distribute an unlimited number of digital keys to other people with smartphones (for anytime or scheduled use); and monitor in real-time—you don't have to wait to get home to see who has entered and exited.

While the gateway is free, the Kevo Plus account upgrade won't be. Kwikset hasn't said how much it will be. But the upgraded account gives you access to any new features added down the road as well.

As part of the Connect release, August is opening up an application programming interface (API) for developers who'd like to work with the August devices. It's a private API however, for "trusted partners in the home security, home automation and rental Industries," according to the company release.

Partnerships are big for both companies. Kwikset and August both announced one partner in particular a couple of days ago: the popular Nest Learning Thermostat. Lock the door and the furnace can be turned off (set it to Away mode); unlock it to start the heat, etc. You can also check the home temp on the Nest in each company's respective smart lock app. Neither actually require the Connect or the gateway to work with Nest, since the app handles the communication, and your smartphone or tablet has to be online to talk to the Wi-Fi capable Nest anyway.

In addition, the August Connect will soon have integration with the Logitech Harmony remotes and SmartThings home-automation control apps and hubs. Other partners are in the works.

The August Connect is currently up for pre-order on the company website for $49.99; it's expected to ship in February. The Smart Lock goes for $249.95.

Kwikset's Kevo Plus gateway won't ship until sometime in the spring.