12 May
Blog

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: Simple, Serious Security

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with the door open

"It may look like a sweet snack, but this lock gives you real security and great features."

  • No bridge required

  • Easy to install

  • Automatic unlock and lock function

  • Robust construction

  • Batteries are not rechargeable

  • Stabs out the door

If you're intimidated by installing a smart lock, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock ($ 250) is a good choice. All you need is a screwdriver and five minutes. People say things are foolproof all the time, but in this case it really is. August Wi-Fi also offers many practical functions. Here you will find everything you need to know about this simple, user-friendly Smart Lock.

installation

As already mentioned, installing the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is very easy. In fact, it's the easiest Smart Lock I've ever installed. There are two reasons.

First, the app gives you step-by-step instructions with short videos instead of just pictures so you really can't go wrong. Second, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock does not replace your current bar like the third generation August Smart Lock.

August Wi-Fi lock is installedAugust

You simply remove the thumb on the inside of the door with the Smart Lock. The installation took about five minutes. The connection to the app and the calibration of the lock took a maximum of three minutes.

design

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the little brother of the August Smart Lock Pro. It's 45% smaller and 20% slimmer, making it a slim little lock the size of a snack cake. It is made of either silver or matt black plastic. The August WiFi sticks out pretty far out the door, but that really didn't bother me.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock from the sideAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

What worried me a bit is that my bar is gold. That means my lock is now gold on one side and silver on the other. I can see where replacing the whole thing, including the latch, can be a good idea. These types of locks are not that easy to install, but they look more polished and coherent.

properties

The August app is very intuitive and wonderfully trouble-free. Its functions are very similar to most other intelligent locks on the market. You can unlock August from anywhere and check the activity log to monitor who's coming and going in your house. You can also give friends and family members virtual keys that can be used to unlock the door.

These virtual keys can be set to work at any time or on a set schedule. You can also issue temporary keys that expire at any time. If you want, you can get notifications on your phone when certain people access the lock in addition to the activity log. This means you have ultimate control over who has access to your home.

If it detects you, August Wi-Fi will be unlocked when you approach and lock the door when you move away.

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock also has a feature called Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock. You can use the app to set the lock to recognize your phone or Apple Watch when you come and go through the door. When August Wi-Fi detects your device, it unlocks when you get close and locks the door when you get away.

Via the app you can set up the lock to wait up to 30 minutes before it is automatically locked. This is a good option if other family members leave the house at the same time. I love this feature because I hate taking out my keys or phone to mess around with locks. I usually have my hands full. However, Auto-Lock is not an exclusive feature for August. For example, the Wyze Lock and Danalock V3 have a similar function.

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has a device called DoorSense. This is a small, pill-shaped sensor that you attach to the door frame. This allows the app to tell you whether your door is open or closed. If you have a child, spouse, or roommate who forgets to close the door, this can be useful.

No bridge required

Another thing I really like is that the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock needs nothing more than the tiny DoorSense sensor to work. This is not always the case with intelligent locks.

No bridge clears my sockets for other intelligent devices.

For example, for the Wyze Lock, the Wyze Lock Gateway must be plugged into a nearby outlet for it to work properly, and for the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect, the August Wi-Fi Bridge must work. No bridge clears my sockets for other intelligent devices.

safety

Automating your home is sometimes scary because getting hacked is always a problem. August has several ways to protect you. First, the app has two-step verification to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your account. Second, both encryption using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology and TLS are used to ensure the security of your data.

Are you afraid that you will lose your phone and that anyone who finds it will have access to your home? August has a great feature that allows you to disable the app and virtual keys by accessing the lost phone website. These functions all indicate a higher urgency when it comes to security and data protection in the smart home.

Voice control and compatibility

Regardless of the type of voice assistant you use, you can control the August WLAN. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. Voice commands can be used to unlock and check the status of your door. This is very helpful, especially when I can't find my phone to remotely unlock the door.

Are you afraid that a random person can open your door by asking your smart speaker through the window? Don't worry, a four-digit code is required to open it. Small details like this again show that the company takes security seriously. You can also connect the August WiFi to various hubs and services. It is compatible with Airbnb, Samsung SmartThings, SimpliSafe and Apple HomeKit, among others.

Battery problems

The only thing I really didn't like about the August WiFi is the power source. It is powered by two CR123 batteries. You are probably like me and have nothing else in your house that uses this type of battery. That said, you can't just get a couple of fresh batteries out of the trash when they're empty. You need to buy a special backup set to have it on hand.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock batteriesAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

I assume it's a little problem, but I will surely forget to buy new batteries specifically for my lock. I really wish it had a battery like that Friday Lock from Friday Labs. In this knowledge, the battery is designed for three to six months under normal operating conditions.

Our opinion

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a great choice when it comes to automating your door locks quickly and easily. It offers all the functions you would expect from an advanced Smart Lock, such as virtual keys and input warnings. The price is in the upper price segment, but in my opinion it's worth it for the user-friendliness, the high-quality app, the robust workmanship and the mixture of great functions that you can find in first-class locks.

Is there a better alternative?

Well, it all depends on what you want. For example, if you'd rather have a smart lock with a keyboard, the Nest X Yale lock is a better choice. If you want a lock that offers all of the standard features you'll find on most other advanced smart locks without having to replace your bolt, August WiFi is a great choice. Another option is the level lock, which has a similar price but doesn't replace your existing thumb rotation. So it doesn't change the look of your door. However, there aren't as many features like this.

How long it will take?

The August Wi-Fi appears to be well built and robust. Although the housing is made of plastic, the parts that are attached to your door are made of thick metal. I think it lasts no matter how many times you bump into it. There is also a 30-day money back guarantee and a one-year limited guarantee.

Should you buy it

Yes. It's a great little castle with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.

Editor's recommendations




26 Mar
Blog

Google Nest Hub Review: Small, Simple, and Smart

"Google’s Nest Hub is a great way to keep an eye on your smart home."

  • Simple smart home control

  • No camera on the device

  • Small size means it can be placed anywhere

  • Double as a digital photo frame

  • Affordable

  • No camera means no video chat

  • Poor sound quality

  • The screen is too small for media consumption

This review was last updated by digital trends editor John Velasco on March 25th, 2020.

When the Google Nest Hub ($ 149) arrived on our desk, we were surprised. It couldn't be that tiny little box, we thought. Intelligent displays (intelligent loudspeakers with integrated voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Alexa) should have large screens, large footprints and lots of bells and whistles – right?

Google's Nest Hub has other ideas, and while it's tiny, it has some powerful features that make it powerful under the hood. In a way, its simple approach is a refreshing interpretation of the smart display – but it also feels watered down.

Also worth reading

Also worth mentioning is its bigger brother, the Google Nest Hub Max. It has many of the same functions, but has a larger screen, excellent audio performance and a front-facing camera for video calls. It's also more expensive at $ 229.

Small screen, big world

With a size of just over 4.5 inches, the Google Nest Hub is comparatively small and has a 7-inch screen in portrait format, which is attached to an oval fabric stand on the back. Unlike its competition, the giant Amazon Echo Show, which has a 10-inch screen and 4-inch base, the Nest Hub takes up almost no space and can sit anywhere without taking up a lot of space. This makes it easy to fit in many parts of your home.

Unlike other smart displays, the Nest Hub lacks a camera of any kind. This is either a good or a bad thing depending on how you feel about your privacy and lack of video chat ability. The only buttons on the outside of the hub are volume up / down and microphone on / off.

In addition to the Echo Show and the Lenovo Smart Display (another smart speaker with a screen operated by Google Assistant), the size difference corresponds to the comparison of a tablet with a smartphone. The Nest Hub's small size makes it more versatile – most smart displays are designed for primary kitchen use – but it seems like a missed opportunity as the device comes with six months of free YouTube Premium. The screen is too small to be viewed for a long time.

Greg Mombert / Digital Trends

However, the Nest Hub works as a digital photo frame. If you use Google Photos, you can connect your albums to the device during setup and have photos of your choice rotated throughout the day. We loved this feature and found some long lost gems in our collection.

A function called Ambient EQ automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen so that the device fits into the room. You can also adjust the brightness manually. We also appreciate the interpreter mode, a feature that allows you to communicate with people in different languages.

Keep it real

More reviews for smart displays

We love how easy Google Home makes device setup. The Nest Hub is no different – plug it in, open the Google Home app, and follow simple instructions on both screens to get started. Depending on whether you’re already connected to the Google Home ecosystem, you’ll need to take additional steps.

For example, the app asks if you want to set up Voice Match that automatically recognizes your voice and gives you and others around the house tailored answers. You'll also want to connect to streaming music and video services (you'll need to sign in to your accounts) and smart home devices. This is self-explanatory in the recently revised Google Home app.

In our case, we already have a Google Home device in our test house, which made the setup process as easy as connecting the device.

Greg Mombert / Digital Trends

A smart home love bond

The Google Nest Hub is best when connected to a smart home. We like the pulldown screen, which gives us instant access and control over smart home devices that we have connected. You can still use your voice to control lights, plugs, locks, cameras and more ("Hey Google, turn on the lamp on the ground floor"), but the pull-down menu contains a clear list of connected devices and status of each.

For example, you can tap Lights and get a list of connected lights and their status, or select by room to see a list of all connected devices. You only need a few minutes to organize your devices in every room. It is a user-friendly control panel for all connected devices.

Hey Google, what does my morning commute look like?

Google Assistant works the same regardless of your smart speaker, but the Nest Hub complements your interactions by adding a screen. For example, if you want to create a video tutorial on how to cook eggs hard, just say "Hey Google, show me videos on how to cook eggs hard". You can then select from the results displayed using the touchscreen. For a Google Home Mini or Google Home without a screen, Google Assistant simply reads the instructions. This is not so helpful if you are learning visually.

The hub is a nifty way to get a snapshot of what's happening at home.

There are also other uses. If you've connected a Nest camera (or a compatible camera) to the device, you can view the footage in the Google Nest Hub. We have two Nest cameras in our test house and found that viewing footage from them was a seamless process.

You can also answer the Nest Hello video doorbell on the Nest Hub with bidirectional communication. We don't have Nest Hello in our smart home, but we like the idea of ​​having an extra space to monitor movement at the front door.

Google Home Hub

Google Home Hub

Greg Mombert / Digtial Trends

Since Google Assistant is already connected to Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps and other Google platforms, the integration into what we already use is seamless. For example, when we set up the Nest Hub, Google already knew us from our account and usage. Therefore, calendar reminders and the morning commute view were automatically displayed on our home screen. If that scares you, you can adjust what you see.

Ok google, play music on a better speaker

The Google Nest Hub also works as a home hub, but has some shortcomings. The sound quality is the biggest disappointment. It ends up between Google Home and Google Home Mini, and that's not outstanding. It is not loud and bass and treble are missing to make listening a pleasant experience.

The loudspeaker is not loud and the bass is missing to make listening pleasant.

In contrast, the Amazon Echo Spot and Echo Show offer a louder sound and a richer music experience. We understand and respect that Google wanted to keep the device simple, small, and affordable, but it's a missed opportunity not to provide at least adequate sound. Audiophiles or anyone who appreciates a reasonably decent sound will have to pick up another speaker.

The other disadvantage, which we have already pointed out, is the screen. It's just a little bit smaller than we would like. Even an inch would help us enjoy the YouTube videos that we can't access on Amazon devices due to a continuing feud between the two technology giants.

Warranty information

Google offers a one-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship for the Google Nest Hub.

Our opinion

The Google Nest Hub has a lot to offer. We appreciate the focus on smart home controls, the pull-down panel and the functions for digital photo frames. We also appreciate the lack of a camera for those who are concerned about privacy.

We wish Google had made the screen and sound a priority. With free YouTube Premium, it feels like a missed opportunity. At $ 149, however, this is an affordable price for better smart home control.

Is there a better alternative?

It depends on what you are looking for. If you're looking for a smart introductory speaker without a screen, check out Google Home Mini ($ 49) or Amazon Echo Dot ($ 50). Both are enough. If you need the screen for the kitchen and love Google Assistant, the Lenovo Smart Display, available in both 8 and 10 inch sizes ($ 199 and $ 249), is the best choice. However, if you really want the full package, you can pay the additional cost for the Nest Hub Max ($ 229).

If you're interested in Amazon Alexa voice technology, the Echo Show is a great option with a built-in smart home hub, 10-inch screen, and great sound. If you're looking for a smaller smart display, consider the Echo Spot ($ 130), which is meant for a bedside table or desk.

How long it will take?

You can expect Google and Google Assistant to stay here. Google will continue to update and improve Google Assistant technology through firmware updates. However, we cannot guarantee that Google will not introduce another smart display later.

Should you buy it

If you're looking for an affordable smart screen with Google Assistant that focuses on controlling smart homes, buy the Google Nest Hub – as long as you can do without video chats. If you can't, consider the full-featured Nest Hub Max, which also acts as a Google Nest Cam, or maybe an Amazon Echo Show if you prefer Alexa.

Updated March 22, 2019 to add interpreter mode.

Editor's recommendations




02 Mar
Blog

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Review: Slick, Simple, Killer Battery

"With improved audio and a continuing commitment to convenience and ease of use, Samsung has done a lot more to improve the quality of its real wireless buds."

  • 11 hours of battery life

  • Comfortable, light design

  • Additional accessories for an ideal fit

  • Stellar customization app

  • The charging case contains only one charge

Sequels don't always have to be worse than the original. The Terminator 2 was the blockbuster of its predecessor in every way, and Red Dead Redemption 2 was a masterpiece. Now it seems Samsung's new real wireless earbuds could be one of the success stories of the second edition.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds + were unveiled at the company's Galaxy Unpacked event on February 11 and were available for sale on the Samsung website for $ 150 three days later. Judging by the modest price increase of the original Galaxy Buds ($ 129) and the look and functionality of the new buds, it's clear that Samsung knew the wheel didn't need to be reinvented. The company just needed to make some improvements and keep prices low enough to be a serious competitor to Apple AirPods.

The verdict on the G-Buds + is: The latest products from Samsung are just right.

Let's go

As has become the standard for brands like Samsung and Apple, packaging, accessories and the actual Galaxy Buds + adhere to a less-is-more-aesthetic. Opening the compact white box reveals an even more compact, pill-shaped charging case with the buds embedded in it. Also included are a USB charging cable, two additional pairs of earplugs and sports fins, and a quick start guide to guide you through the setup.

The setup is pretty painless by the way. Most major brands have finally made this a simple science, and Samsung is no exception. However, those who are not yet familiar with Samsung wearables have to go through some digital frames.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

First, you want to download the Galaxy Wearable app and give the app access to your phone. Next, download the Galaxy Buds + plug-in, allow a few more permissions for the buds themselves, and the buds will automatically connect to your device when you open the charging case.

From there, the next step pulls the buds out of the case and fits them in your ear.

The buds were a bit small for me with their initial earplugs because the seal didn't feel safe in my ears. After swapping larger tips, I found them to be as comfortable as their predecessors, with an extremely lightweight construction that would almost make you forget that they were there, if not the sound emanating from their double drivers.

That's a lot of battery

One of the biggest improvements that Samsung touted for its new buds was the improved battery, which it claims has a playtime of 11 hours between charges. With the original Galaxy Buds, it's 6 hours and miles away from the company's first pair of buds, the Gear IconX.

In fact, we still have to try a pair with a longer battery life per charge. They offer more than twice the playing time of Apple's more expensive AirPods (including the second-generation pair and AirPods Pro for $ 250). Unlike the AirPods, the Galaxy Buds + only offers a single charge in the case. However, since it is 11 hours per recording, playback is almost a full day and just under Apple's 24 hours.

The lifespan of these buds is as excellent as stated, but there is an interesting quirk.

In terms of this battery life requirement, the life of these buds is as excellent as stated, but there is an interesting quirk. The app offers you charging status for each bud as well as the charging case itself. I noticed that my right bud ran out of juice faster than the left one. It was a little difference, usually no more than two or three percent at a time. It's a puzzling feature, though not entirely surprising – we've noticed the same thing with older Samsung earbuds, including the Galaxy IconX 2018.

Custom grade

The Galaxy Buds + have standard programmed gestures for the touchpads of each bud. Touch once to play or pause music, tap twice to go to the next track, answer / end calls, and tap three times to go backward.

We feel obliged to point out that all these gestures failed on this first pass with these buds. However, after disconnecting and reconnecting, each gesture worked smoothly and has continued since then. We should also mention that a colleague had another pair of Galaxy Buds + in the office and had no problems with the controls.

Some other touch controls are also available. You can use the app to determine which earbuds control functions such as voice commands, switch ambient sounds on and off, switch playlists in Spotify and increase or decrease the volume. In our tests, each of these controls worked perfectly.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

In terms of Spotify, the integration here is both compelling and just makes us ask for a little more. With a long press on the Galaxy Buds + touchpad, Spotify continues to play the most recently played playlist. Another long press and the buds will go to the next playlist in your collection, although there doesn't seem to be a way to determine what that will be. This could be a playlist you created, a “Daily Mix” playlist curated by Spotify based on your listening habits, or a recently listened to playlist. It definitely kept us musically busy, and frankly that's not a bad thing, but more direction when switching between playlists wouldn't be bad either.

Sound and call quality

With two dynamic drivers – a woofer and a tweeter – as well as a new speaker and microphone system from the Samsung subsidiary AKG, the company has described its new buds as being able to produce studio-quality sound.

We wouldn't go that far and we wouldn't expect that at $ 150 either. Frankly, studio quality is a buzzword that shouldn't be used for any kind of wireless earphones.

The Galaxy Buds + immediately sounded clearer to our ears than the AirPods.

However, what we would say for the money is that the Galaxy Buds + present a very appealing sound stage with decent bass and a clear upper register. The app offers several equalizer presets that allow you to customize the sound to your liking.

For most tracks, from Blues Traveler & # 39; s Hook to Maroon 5 & # 39; s Girls Like You, the "dynamic" equalizer setting produced the best overall sound, avoiding the sometimes flat-sounding "normal" setting and less Brightness was offered as a "height boost". For us, this dynamic environment was the sweet spot. A few choices sounded a bit unnatural (I can think of a few classic rock songs), but for the most part, this setting best combined vocal clarity and unmixed instrumental music.

The Galaxy Buds + immediately sounded clearer to our ears than the AirPods, although they weren't as detailed or defined as the beautiful AirPods Pro. The latter has active noise cancellation, a feature that Samsung's wireless offerings have missed. At the price, however, it makes sense that the Galaxy Buds + left out the technology. The only earphones under $ 200 that have noise protection features are the Amazon Echo Buds, and even these only offer active noise reduction instead of full cancellation.

Riley Young / Digital Trends

For what it's worth, the Samsung Galaxy Buds + make a commendable contribution to suppressing outside noise.

With regard to the call quality, we are happy to report after a few test runs that the calls are received clearly and without great distortion from the outside environment. Voices on the other end sounded somewhat distant in some places, but it was minimal.

warranty information

Samsung's 12-month warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Our opinion

If the Galaxy Buds + kept the same as the original Galaxy Buds and simply doubled the battery life, it would still be an improvement that is worth the cost. With improved audio and a continuous commitment to comfort and ease of use, Samsung has done a lot more to improve the quality of its real wireless buds.

Is there a better alternative?

While the Galaxy Buds + certainly offers more than enough features to hold its own against more expensive competitors, the $ 200 1More Wireless ANC and the $ 200 Jabra Elite 75t would be solid alternatives without breaking the bank completely. The Air Pods from Apple and the Echo Buds from Amazon also fit in the same category as the Galaxy Buds +. Depending on the ecosystem you are already invested in, both may be preferable.

Still, it's hard to find earphones that can do everything the Samsung Galaxy Buds + can do at this price.

How long it will take?

Samsung's products are generally a long-lived breed, and these Galaxy Buds + shouldn't be an exception. With replaceable earplugs and fins, they seem to be well equipped for the long haul.

Should you buy it

Yes. Samsung's successor to the original Galaxy Bud introduces groundbreaking battery life into the landscape of real wireless earphones, optimizes already solid audio performance and maintains an attractive price. This is a formula for success in our book.

Editor's recommendations




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