How do we reach out to him directly?
I logged a support ticket then asked for it to be escalated. Alternately if you have a LinkedIn Pro level you could message him there.
I get the impression that August are just going to dig their heals in - so it is important we are polite and point out the benefits that come from embracing developers rather than berating them.
- Better API Security
- More product advocates = more exposure = more sales
- Wider interoperability with no additional development on their part
Has anyone looked at this project? https://github.com/hongkongkiwi/smartthings-august/blob/master/devicehandlers/augustlock.groovy
It seems to use the August Connect APIā¦ also of note, it has reference in it to an endpoint to retrieve the lock statusā¦
Also see this https://medium.com/@nolanbrown/the-process-of-reverse-engineering-the-august-lock-api-9dbd12ab65cb#.dg0atwr7z
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I didnāt see anything saying he actually got it workingā¦
I actually donāt want ST to be able to control my lock. It isnāt really essential because Augustās Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock now works rather reliably. Having SmartThings integration would actually make my life more complicated.
But I do have a strong argument for ST integration, and that is so that when my door is not closed for Auto-Lock to NOT engage! I keep slamming my door closed with the bolt open because August didnāt know any better (and neither did I).
So Andy or whoever at August can choose to not entertain us with ST integration but I hope they would make the smart lock smart enough to not lock my door while itās open.
I totally disagree with you on auto lock: it sets the lock even when the door is open. Point black itās a major security issue. August need to work with ST integration to determine if the door is really close and then fire the auto lock. As of now there is no verification if the door is really close and locked. There are plenty of use cases to utilize the integration.
He was actually saying the same thing. He wants integration so he can have ST tell August the door is open and not to lock the lock.
The August locking the door when itās open is my only issue with the August. Even a basic accelerometer that would know if the door is moving would be a huge improvement. I have my autolock set to 5 minutes as itās on my door leading to my garage so Iām not too concerned with immediately having it locked. However, this also means Iām deathly afraid of closing my door just as itās about to lock.
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Iāve been using the lock for another 2 weeks since and I must say that Iām very disappointed in the August Connect, Keypad, and the Lock itself. All three have constant connection issues or simply donāt do what they are supposed to. The keypad is the worst of the three and is an absolute piece of garbage. I donāt remember the last time Iāve used such a poorly developed and manufactured device. As for the Connect, BLE must not mean Bluetooth Low Energy. Instead it must mean Bluetooth Lacks Energy, because it somehow will have a poor connection when 8 feet away with a clear sightline to the device. Nothing in the way at all. Thatās just absurd. I can somehow use other Bluetooth devices both low energy and regular through walls and easily 20-30 feet away. Iām hoping all my troubles are actually a faulty lock and Iām having it replaced right now. The batteries they provided are already at half charge per the Lock app. I put some decent rechargables in there and so far itās opened when it should and seems to be responding a bit better. Itās just infuriating to walk up to the door and itās locked. Then the keypad doesnāt work. Itāll just sit there flashing red while trying to connect to the Lock itself. I put my Connect into verbose mode so we shall see what I find out. Compare that to the Schlage Connect on my front door that I got around the same time and itās the exact opposite. That lock has worked exactly as it should without fail. Plus, RBoyās smartapp and DTH make it even better. The only thing I wish it had was Bluetooth, but I also like that it doesnāt at the same time. I had to add an open/close sensor to the door, but once I did, it does everything I want and more. No more closing the door with the lock extended on accident. The fact that even happens on any āsmartā lock is just asinine. Anyone that has used a lock that does that could tell you in about 5 seconds how stupid it is.
Well it seems that August has left SmartThings behind and have partnered with Alexa. I just got a promo email from August telling me that I can now unlock my August Smart lock from within Alexa.
I donāt have an Alexa. I have a ST Hub! W.T.H.?!?!?
Yes but Alexa works with both ST and August. So it is just a matter of time before Alexa allows us to build routines using devices from mutiple platforms and manufacturers which will make Amazon even more dominant in the space.
I think the new addition to the Alexa integration with August isnāt anything to get excited about. It can unlock the lock now, which is great, but it requires saying a pin code to do so. Plus, I donāt know about you guys, but none of my Alexa devices are placed anywhere that wouldnāt require pretty much yelling before it could hear me from outside my house. Pin code would immediately be compromised. I guess the idea is that you can unlock the door for someone else without having to get up or open your phone? I already do that with my Schlage Connect on my front door using ST. It was, and still is, a stupid decision by August to shun ST. I know I have personally steer several people away from August due to this decision and also the fact that the lock just plain sucks, both in reliability and power efficiency. My Schlage Connect is at 97% battery after 4 months while Iāve already changed out the batteries in both the August lock and the August keypad and I got those almost 2 months after the Schlage. Good thing I switched to using rechargables in the August devices or Iād have to set aside a small budget for batteries to feed that pig.
I would not have to yell at mine as my alexa is connected to my Martian Passport watch as well as the Roger app on my phone. Agree with compromising pin code. However I think it is more useful to have it trigger a door unlock based on a routine such as garage door opening or presence. I can do the garage door routine using Wink just not ST as August does not work with ST. Therein lies the tragedy of ST considering they did an integration at CES 3-4 years ago with them.