August Smart Lock Preorders Open But Release Pushed Back To Q1 2014

August has put its iPhone-controlled smart lock up for preorder, but early-adopters will have to wait a little longer than expected to upgrade their front door to the 21st century. The smart lock, which works with an iOS app over Bluetooth to support multiple access groups and temporary permissions for dog-walkers or cleaners, is now not expected to ship until sometime in Q1 2014, the startup says, rather than the late-2013 release window initially promised.

The company has not detailed exactly what has caused the delay, though the security challenges involved in making a product safe enough to guarantee home or office resilience against burglars are probably something you want to address properly first time around.

Meanwhile, the postponed release will give August the chance to add some extra color options to its range. The locks will now be offered in black, red, silver, and bronze, rather than just the black and silver we initially saw in May.

In addition, there's a new security feature called EverLock. That automatically recognizes when the door has been left closed but not locked, and triggers the deadbolt itself. Since there's auto-unlock whenever approved devices are nearby, the door will always be unlatched when you come back to it.

The physical August lock itself is only half of the package, of course, and the company has a mobile app which supports individual and group invitations, permanent or temporary passes, and even a guestbook in which users can leave comments. Should the two regular batteries run down, the lock can be opened normally with a key.

Preorders of the August lock are being taken now, at $199 apiece.