August Home announced it has brought voice control to Apple HomePod for its two HomeKit-enabled smart lock models.
August Home announced it has brought voice control to Apple HomePod for its two HomeKit-enabled smart lock models.
Before this update, HomePod owners couldn’t control August locks via voice. Although the models support Apple HomeKit and Siri on mobile devices, when users gave command to Siri on HomePod, they would get the response: “I wish I could, but I can’t control security devices here.”
And now they can finally ask the high-end smart speaker from Apple to lock the door and request the lock’s status. Asking Siri to unlock the August lock, meanwhile, is still not available at this time.
The announcement may be considered a positive development for Apple HomePod. Hopefully the speaker will soon be able to control more smart security gadgets.
August’s third-generation Smart Lock Pro and second-generation Smart Lock are compatible with Apple HomeKit and now HomePod as well.
Homeowners needed to have an Apple TV or iPad to activate control capabilities on iPhone or Apple Watch. Now they can simply place a HomePod that functions as a smart home hub.
Apple HomePod became available in early February in the U.S., UK, and Australia. The smart speaker has begun to grow its share in a market that is dominated by Amazon and Google.
August Home, on the other hand, has long had the approach to work with various partners. Its devices has worked with Amazon Alexa since 2016, and Google Assistant support was introduced earlier this year. August also works with Airbnb and Walmart to provide services in different ways.
August Home was acquired by Swedish lock maker Assa Abloy last year for an undisclosed amount.