August has announced that its thinner and smarter Wi-Fi Smart Lock update is now available. First introduced at CES 2020, the August Wi-Fi smart lock replaces an existing lock to allow convenient smart features such as remote access, automatic unlock / lock, and application and voice controls.

Smart Lock Wi-Fi August has a significantly smaller footprint than its predecessors, which makes it a little easier on the eyes when installed. August claims that the lock is about 45% smaller in volume and 20% thinner than August Smart Lock Pro, its previous driver. Despite its smaller size, the lock still retains its iconic circular design and comes in Silver and Matte Black options.

Size 45% smaller in volume and 20% thinner than August Smart Lock Pro - and without the need for an additional Wi-Fi Connect Bridge - August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has a nice discreet and simple design. It also has some subtle but valuable design features. The locking face provides smoother surface transitions and rounded edges, while the refined, textured ridges surrounding the padlock invite tactility when the lock is manually rotated (the turning mechanism is smoother).

As its name suggests, August's Wi-Fi smart lock also includes built-in wireless connectivity. On-board Wi-Fi means that a separate connected bridge / hub is no longer needed for remote access and smart home integrations. The lock works with Apple's HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as the August Home app available for both iOS, watchOS and Android.

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In addition to smart controls, the August Wi-Fi smart lock includes staples, such as proximity-based auto-lock / unlock, guest keys, and a timeline of activity. The updated lock is compatible with the existing August keypad for unlocking the pin code, and its unique DoorSense feature can warn users if a door is left open or unlocked after a short time.

The August Wi-Fi smart lock has a retail price of $ 249.99 and can now be purchased directly from August.com and Best Buy. The lock will be available through additional retailers starting May 17th.

Arlo Video Doorbell installed in an outdoor frame

Source: Christopher Close / iMore

Arlo's line of connected rooms has long been synonymous with smart home security and for good reason. Arlo has created wireless cameras completely in the mainstream by combining weather resistance, excellent battery life and high levels of reliability, all of which are included in affordable packages.

Arlo's mutation in the world of video bells, however, was delayed a little strangely. At a time when the category of video sounds took steam, Arlo's first entry did not include the video portion, leaving it on the line of his camera. Late last year, the company's first video soner finally made an appearance, as in the case of the strange launch program, the bell comes in its own way, a square video format.

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For the last two weeks I have been testing Arlo Video Doorbell and I thought that the not so traditional approach is quite invigorating. The square format and a familiar method of interaction to answer the doors feel like home on the phone, which makes it one of the best options around you if you meet a few requirements.

Fast, familiar and full of features


Arlo Video Doorbell Review fast familiar and full of features

Arlo Video Doorbell

Bottom line: Arlo Video Doorbell offers impressive videos, fast response times and a familiar interface to answer your door, making it one of the best options around. If you don't mind paying a subscription to record, then you can't go wrong with Arlo Video Doorbell.

good

  • Excellent image quality
  • Easy installation
  • CallKit integration
  • Built-in siren
  • Fast response times

The river

  • Registration and movement areas require a subscription
  • Requires existing wiring for the bell
  • Does not support HomeKit
  • Long application configuration process

One square

Arlo Video Doorbell: features

Arlo Video Doorbell installed in an outdoor frame

Source: Christopher Close / iMore

Arlo Video Doorbell captures out-of-home action with HD quality images at a maximum resolution of 1536 x 1536. Arlo's unique square resolution, labeled 1: 1 by the company, trades a wider, more common field of view for capacity you better see the land (and the packages) in front of it. The bell also supports HDR and uses infrared for night vision, along with a motion sensor that extends 110 degrees horizontally. A microphone and on-board speaker allow two-way listening, and for security, the speaker can play a range of siren tones on request.

Installing the ringtone requires wiring the existing ringtone, as a battery-powered option is missing. The power supply of the bell requires 16-24V from a bell transformer, which is typical for this category, and a small chime kit is included to allow it to ring the existing device. The Arlo bell is resistant to UV radiation and weather and can operate at temperatures between -4 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

Settings Arlo Video Doorbell

Source: iMore

Arlo's doorbell sport connects Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect directly to a home network without an additional hub. Door Sound works with the Arlo app which provides access to features such as call answering, motion detection, motion zones, smart notifications, packet detection via A.I. image analysis and remote activation e911.

Smart home integration includes Alexa Amazon and Google Assistant, but doesn't work with HomeKit at this time. Through Alexa, the ringtone can be configured to ring Amazon Echo devices around the house, be called live on demand, and ringtone events can be held hands-free.

Elo Video Doorbell Echo integration screens

Source: iMore

The ringtone does not include any internal storage and relies primarily on the cloud for recording. Cloud storage requires a subscription to an Arlo Smart plan, which starts at $ 2.99 per month for 1 room / ringtone and goes up to $ 9.99 per month for 5 devices. Each plan includes 30 days of video history, which is presented as a timeline through the Arlo app. A subscription is also required for some of the advanced features, such as motion zones and smart notifications.

A familiar vision

Arlo Video Doorbell: What I like

Arlo Video Doorbell View Daytime

Source: Christopher Close / iMore

The installation of Arlo Doorbell was simple, with only two wires on the doorbell, and two wires on the chime are most of the work. Arlo includes almost everything in the box, including a mounting plate, an angle, a power supply kit, a safety key, screws, anchors, wire nuts and wire extenders. For my installation, all I needed was a Philips screwdriver, and the physical part only took about 5 minutes.

Arlo Video Doorbell App Call

Source: iMore

As I mentioned before, the Arlo ringtone uses a square format for the video, which, surprisingly, I love. The square format is perfect for watching on a phone and I like the way Arlo has implemented live viewing right on the first screen of the application. Although not active at first, simply tapping the play button loads the power correctly in line without switching to a different screen. In addition, the app does not force you to orient your phone towards landscape orientation, which is simply beautiful.

The square format is perfect for watching on a phone and I like the way Arlo has implemented live viewing right on the first screen of the application.

Uploading the live stream is fast and responsive, takes only a second or two, and the image quality of the light bell is clear and detailed, even at night. The zoom is just as fluid and I like how most of the ringer controls are exactly where you need them. While I may never use it, I especially like having the ability to set the siren on demand through the app. Just having the capacity definitely adds to the feeling of security offered with the doorbell.

Arlo Video Doorbell App Siren Features

Source: iMore

The button and movement events captured by the doorbell were delivered quickly and securely to the iPhone. I really like the way Arlo presents the push of a button as a standard call, at least on iOS, which makes the answering process instantly familiar. The integration with Alexa worked just as well as advertising, with the recently launched possibility of using an Echo device as a chime that works perfectly at my 3rd generation point.

Yes dawg, I heard you keep touching

Arlo Video Doorbell: What I do not like

Arbo Video Doorbell installation screens

Source: iMore

While the actual physical installation process was quick and easy, installing the ringtone in the Arlo app was a bit annoying. The application section walks users through each step of the installation process, one by one, each with its own screen that either requires going through additional information or continuous touch.

In total, there were over 40 screens for the whole process, which almost made the application portion longer than connecting the doorbell. The app doesn't give users a way to skip anything, so in my case, where I'm pretty familiar with installing video bells, I completed the installation before I even opened the pairing app.

My final complaint about the doorbell is, of course, that a subscription fee is required for cloud registration, motion zone setting, and other smart features. To be fair, Arlo prices are reasonable and offer users a free 3-month trial of the Arlo Smart plan during installation, but if you don't like the idea of ​​subscriptions, then the Arlo ringtone isn't exactly right. .

Arlo Video Doorbell App Timeline

Source: iMore

Now there IT IS a way to register locally, but requires an Arlo base, which is not included in the box, so if you don't already have one, there will be additional costs involved after completing the 3 month process. It would be nice to see that Arlo offers a form of subscription-free storage in addition to having a base, such as just 24 hours or by supporting Apple's HomeKit Secure Video feature. Speaking of HomeKit, the sound at the door does not support it at all at the moment and I have my doubts about Arlo whether or not it will support the HomeKit Secure Video function, because it covers many of the advantages of Arlo Smart plans.

Solid square

Arlo Video Doorbell: Bottom line

4
of 5








Arlo Video Doorbell is a fantastic option for those looking for excellent image quality, easy installation and a host of smart and useful features. Arlo's unique field of view offers a more natural look at life right outside the door, and its iOS integration gives users a familiar way to respond remotely.

All this adds up to an easy-to-recommend ringtone if you can meet some of the requirements. If you have an existing wired door soner, have a capable transformer, don’t mind your subscriptions, and don’t have a preference if it supports the Apple HomeKit, then Arlo Video Doorbell is a great choice. However, if you do not meet the requirements, you will certainly have to look elsewhere.

Fast, familiar and full of features


Arlo Video Doorbell Review fast familiar and full of features

Arlo Video Doorbell

Bottom line: Arlo Video Doorbell offers impressive videos, fast response times and a familiar interface to answer your doors, making it one of the best options around. If you don't mind paying a subscription to record, then you can't go wrong with Arlo Video Doorbell.

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