August Smart Lock

http://www.august.com

by willthefirst • 13 years ago

13 13 13 years ago

goldenkey5• 13 years ago

Locks are the kind of thing that you don't want computerized unless it involves biometrics. The 'tech-it-all' attitude is getting kind of tiresome. I've had newer washers with spin alignment sensors that break every year as oppose to my old analog washer that lasted 20 years.. A lock simply shouldn't have any hackable components. A microcontroller with wireless connectivity inside of a lock is the kind of ignorance that the 'omg, tech' attitude invites. As much as I like technical people, there are some folk who will orgasm at anything that has a microcontroller on it - I'm kind of ashamed of those folk - tech is a means to an end, not something you need to turn everything into.

I will say this is very cool though. I would not use it or recommend others do because the components and firmware are NOT open-source, and therefore it cannot be audited and is a HUGE security risk.

javindo• 13 years ago

It seems cool but I have a couple of concerns. Firstly, how exactly is it detecting when someone is nearby? The iPhone doesn't have NFC for example and GPS isn't exactly the most accurate thing in the world. Secondly, it seems as though the device somehow connects to a front panel with a direct shaft to move the lock mechanism, it seems as though it would be fairly easy to compromise with a bit of brute force. How solid is the front panel? The large size also gives a lot of leverage for breaking off.

garrettlarson• 13 years ago

The site says it uses Bluetooth and attaches to a standard deadbolt (that panel is presumably only on the inside of the door).

goldenkey5• 13 years ago

It's not particularly difficult to use two devices to act as a bluetooth mirror and rob someone's house by just walking next to them for 5 seconds.

spb• 13 years ago

Correct me if I'm wrong, but can't somebody pull the batteries out from the outside and lock you inside your house?

andrewcooke• 13 years ago

no, that's on the inside. it replaces the "knob". the keyhole/tumbler remains on the outside so that it can be opened with a key.

August Smart Lock

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