Ecobee is integrating sensible locks into its app. The corporate doesn’t make sensible locks of its personal, however now you can management Wi-Fi-enabled ones from Yale and August utilizing the Ecobee app. The function may forestall you from switching apps to let somebody who rings your sensible doorbell in. Nevertheless, it’s locked behind a subscription, so consumer comfort isn’t the one motive right here.
The mixing provides an “unlock” button from the Ecobee app’s reside view. So, you may let guests in from the identical display screen the place you verify it’s somebody you need coming inside. (Useful!) The Ecobee app additionally means that you can lock your doorways mechanically once you arm your safety system. (Additionally useful!)
Much less useful: You’ll must pay as much as get pleasure from these perks as a result of the function is locked (ahem) behind Ecobee’s Sensible Safety system. The premium service prices $5 month-to-month or $50 yearly. And as The Verge notes, it gained’t allow you to unlock your August or Yale units from Ecobee’s sensible thermostats.
This could possibly be a handy perk when you’re already paying for Ecobee’s subscription service. If not, you’ll need to ask your self if it’s value a premium to keep away from the oh-so-grueling activity of pulling up your telephone’s app switcher to leap to a different smart-home app.
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August House
Yale Safety