Ecobee is integrates smart locks in its application. The company doesn’t make its own smart locks, but you can now control Wi-Fi-connected locks. Yale and August Using the Ecobee app. This feature can prevent you from switching apps to allow someone to ring the smart doorbell. However, it’s locked behind a subscription, so user convenience isn’t the only reason here.
The integration adds an “unlock” button from the live view of the Ecobee app. So you can log in visitors from the same screen where you confirm that there is someone you want to log in to. (Helpful!) The Ecobee app also lets you automatically lock your doors when you arm your security system. (It’s also convenient!)
Less convenient: You’ll have to pay to use these features because the feature is locked in the back (ahem) Ecobee’s Smart Security system. Premium service costs $5 per month or $50 per year. And as The Verge notesit won’t let you unlock your August or Yale devices Ecobee’s smart thermostats.
If you already pay for Ecobee’s subscription service, this can be a handy benefit. If not, you’ll have to ask yourself if it’s worth the premium to avoid the hassle of pulling up your phone’s app switcher to switch to another smart-home app.
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House of August
Yale Security
