Use Siri to unlock your door with Schlage’s HomeKit-enabled Sense deadbolt
Another nice smart home product featuring Apple HomeKit support will soon hit the market. Schlage has announced that its Sense Smart Deadbolt can now be preordered. It was originally unveiled earlier this year back at CES in Las Vegas.
First off, a quick reminder about exactly what HomeKit does. The Apple-designed protocol was designed to make it easier for users to interact with products in the growing smart home market. The biggest advantage, for now, is the ability to control and check the status of different devices by simply asking Siri.
And with the new iOS 9 and Apple WatchOS 2.0 updates, users can take advantage of predefined scenes and even activate devices through Siri on the Apple Watch.
With the deadbolt, you can manage and schedule up to 30 access codes through the lock’s companion Schlage Sense app. Using the app, users can also create and delete codes, check on lock status and view activity, and update the settings and check the lock’s battery life.
If you don’t want to use Siri, the deadbolt can be activated through the iPhone app or Apple Watch.
If you don’t want to use Siri, you can even unlock your door with the lock’s illuminated touchscreen, iPhone, or Apple Watch.
The lock can be preordered now for $229 at a number of online retailers including Amazon.com, Home Depot, Lowes, and build.com. It will officially hit the market on Sunday, Nov. 1. You can select from two different styles in a variety of finishes including black, nickel, and bronze. The company also says most homeowners should be able to complete the lock installation, set-up, and programming by themselves.
I’ve had a mixed bag with the two HomeKit-enabled products I’ve previously reviewed – the iHome iSP5 Smart Plug and the Elgato Eve Outdoor Wireless Weather Sensor. But the lock does sound like a great use for HomeKit support. I’m looking forward to trying it out.
