American home automation startup August finally releases the August Smart Lock, a new and encrypted locking technology that gives users full control of their home door locks.

The August Smart Lock costs US$249 and will be available on August's website including the Apple Store. San Francisco-based company August initially announced the device last May 2013.

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August Smart Lock's outer aluminum was designed by Yves Béhar, a Swiss designer and entrepreneur renowned for designing the Jawbone UP24.

The smart lock replaces a dead bolt and uses AA batteries that last for a year. It allows users to connect to the device using a smartphone or computer via Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity.

It comes with an app that is compatible with the iOS and Android operating systems. With the app, users will be able to allow or deny access to friends and family by sending them virtual keys on their smartphones.

The virtual keys have three different levels of access to the smart lock; always, certain times and limited or temporary access.

The device has an auto-lock option that can detect a user approaching the door and will automatically unlock while the smartphone is still in the user's pocket.

The company apparently took time to make sure the motor drive of the device (the part that pushes the lock into the frame) works powerfully for almost all doors.

"We had a product a year ago we felt pretty good about but realized we could do better," said Jason Johnson, CEO and co-founder of August. "We could make this more powerful. It's better to take our time and do it right. Reliability was our concern."

TagsAugust Smart Lock, Apple Store, Yves Béhar, San Francisco, Jason Johnson, August, Door Lock