Ecobee is integrating smart locks into its app. The company doesn’t make its own smart locks, but you can now control Wi-Fi-enabled locks from Yale and August using the Ecobee app. This feature can prevent you from having to change apps to let in someone who rings your smart doorbell. However, it’s locked behind a subscription, so user convenience isn’t the only purpose here.
The integration adds an “unlock” button from the Ecobee app’s Live View. So, you can let visitors in from the same screen where you confirm it’s someone you want to let in. (Convenient!) The Ecobee app also allows you to automatically lock your door when your security system activates. (Also convenient!)
Less convenient: You’ll have to pay more to enjoy these features because this feature is locked behind Ecobee’s smart security system. The premium service costs $5 monthly or $50 annually. And as The Verge pointed out, it won’t let you unlock your August or Yale device from Ecobee’s smart thermostat.
If you’re already paying for Ecobee’s subscription service, this could be a convenient perk. If not, you’ll have to ask yourself if it’s worth the premium to avoid the very tedious task of opening your phone’s app switcher and switching to another smart-home app.
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All four colors are currently on sale at Amazon for the latest MacBook Air. We gave the laptop a positive review last year, finding great performance for both productive work and casual play. The keyboard and trackpad are fantastic, making the laptop fun to use. We currently recommend the M3 MacBook Air as the best MacBook for most people.
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