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Make Entrepreneurship Great Again With These Resource Pages 9 Jun 2022 3:16 AM (3 years ago)

With the rising inflation and even more risk for business owners, entrepreneurs are pushed to more and more corners trying to make their projects grow.

In 1979 the US was suffering a similar situation, with high inflation, high unemployment and slow economic growth rates.

This got Ronald Reagan to start his rallying cry later also used by the 45th President Trump:

“Make America Great Again”

However, we’re not here to discuss history nor politics.

This is rather an attempt to rally different business owners and their best tips to help drive your business forward in these challenging times.

Entrepreneurship Today: What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur in 2022

The road to entrepreneurship is often a treacherous one filled with unexpected detours, roadblocks and dead ends.

Especially when bringing a new product or service such as a small business SEO service, into the marketplace.

Start, Run & Grow Your Business

As the Entrepreneur.com tagline would say – start, run and grow your business.

But how?

You need to roll up your sleeves and start learning from the industry’s established and successful people.

No matter the industry you’re in (yes, even digital ones), there’s a high chance another business owner already had to deal with it.

And guess what – they probably shared their solution online.

These solutions can be found in books, podcasts or articles.

So why not find them?

Whether you’re trying to grasp the marketing strategy, advertising options, promotional hacks, or learn more about how to advance your sales a little simpler and smarter,we found some of the best tried-and-true business resources. 

From popular articles and applications to business podcasts, news sources, thought leaders, books, organizations, and more, our list will help you start, run, and succeed with the business you want to own.

Business Books

Finding business books you’d like to set aside time for can prove to be not an easy feat.

We’ve loved some summaries like this one from Inuidea, and decided to make our own.

Check out our list below

1) “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins

Some of the key concepts discerned in the study, comments Jim Collins, fly in the face of our modern business culture and will, quite frankly, upset some people.

2) “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott

You don’t have to choose between being a pushover and a jerk. Using Radical Candor ― avoiding the perils of Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity, and Ruinous Empathy ― you can be kind and clear at the same time.

3) “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey

One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has captivated readers for 25 years. It has transformed the lives of Presidents and CEOs, educators, and parents — in short, millions of people of all ages and occupations.

Podcasts

1) The BizChix Podcast: Female Entrepreneurs

Host Natalie Eckdahl, MBA is a coach to high performing women. Natalie helps women entrepreneurs own their role as CEO through her business trainings, on air coaching calls and expert interviews. Learn how to master your mindset, grow as a leader, refine your strategies, build your team and gain visibility in your industry.

2) The Mind Your Business Podcast

All entrepreneurs want to know the secret to success. James Wedmore, a seven-figure online entrepreneur, believes success is created by mindset over strategy, magic over metrics, and attitude over action. In this podcast, James untangles the common misconception that hustle and hard work are all it takes to be successful.

3) The $100 MBA Show

The $100 MBA Show is a new kind of podcast where you simply get better at business with our practical business lessons for the real world. These no fluff episodes are packed with only the pure business building training you want.

Marketing Articles

1. How to Create a Winning Content Promotion Plan
2. We Analyzed Nearly 1 Million Headlines. Here’s What We Learned
3. The Ideal Length of Everything Online
4. How We Doubled Email Signups in 30 Days
5. 9 Best Email Subject Lines to Your Increase Open Rates
6. Why Every Business Needs a Sales Funnel
7. 5 Best Courses on Skillshare to Learn Digital Marketing
8. How Direct Mail Marketing Can Help Real Estate Agents
9. 4 Profitable Tips For Aspiring Marketing Professionals

Sales Articles

1. Tips on How to Close the Sale
2. Overcoming objections in sales: 40+ examples, tactics, and rebuttals
3. Slow Down the Sales Process So You Can Speed Up the Sale
4. Sales Leaders Have Two Jobs Related to Sales Process
5. 6 Strategies for Overcoming Buyer Hesitation in B2B Sales

Useful Tools & Services

1. AI Logo maker
2. Octopus CRM
3. Beacons

The post Make Entrepreneurship Great Again With These Resource Pages appeared first on WidGadget.

What Are Smart Windows And How Do They Work? 7 Jun 2022 4:56 AM (3 years ago)

From the moment a home is built, it begins to waste energy. There are ways to reduce that loss, though.

Insulation in the walls and attic will keep heat from escaping during the winter, and a programmable thermostat can help control your heating and cooling costs year-round.

Special window coverings can also make a difference in maintaining your home’s temperature, but all of these options have drawbacks.

While you might think about doing a renovation and installing smart windows for their ability to control privacy or block out unwanted noise, they offer even more benefits than that. 

Smart windows can save you money on energy bills and help regulate the temperature in your home or office throughout the year. So how do they work? Let’s find out!

What is A Smart Window?

A smart window is a window that changes the amount of light and heat passing through it in response to an external stimulus.

This could be a change in temperature, humidity, or even pressure. 

The most common smart windows are ones that can control how much sunlight passes through them. 

In some cases, this is done using materials like liquid crystals or electrochromic glass.

Smart windows are marketed as energy-efficient windows that use advanced technology to regulate the amount of light passing through them by a glazing panel. 

But what exactly does that mean, and how do they work?

Simply put, smart windows are windows with integrated sensors and controllers to manage daylighting via automated external shading systems. 

They can also be used to cool spaces by blocking unwanted heat. 

While it’s true that they were first developed in Germany in 1991 by PPG Industries (and later licensed by the Fraunhofer Institute), the technology has been around for much longer than that—the Romans had something similar called “thermal shutters” in 100 A.D., which were placed on doors and windows to protect against cold temperatures or excessive sunlight during winter months.

Can You Save With Smart Windows?

According to the Department of Energy, about 33% of a building’s cooling costs can be attributed to the windows. That’s largely because conventional glass doesn’t absorb or reflect heat (it just lets it through), meaning that your air conditioner has to work harder to keep your room cool. 

But smart windows can help solve this problem by regulating how much heat passes through them depending on how hot or cold it is outside. 

For example, if the sun is beating down on your home and heating up its interior temperature, smart windows could automatically react by allowing less light in while keeping out more heat.

This means that you don’t have to run as many fans and AC units inside which helps save money over time because using less power tends to mean paying less for electricity bills too! 

In fact, according to a study done by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), installing smart glass could reduce energy consumption by as much as 30%.

Smart Window Technologies

There are three most common technologies for smart windows: electrochromic, photochromic and thermochromic.

Electrochromic smart windows

Electrochromic smart window technology is more common than the other two, but it also costs more to purchase and install.

When an electric current passes through this type of glass, it darkens or lightens depending on its surroundings (like sunlight). 

It can also be controlled by remote control. 

Electrochromic smart windows can be installed on cars as well as homes. They are often used to tint car windows because they can change from clear to opaque simply by pressing a button or flipping a switch inside your vehicle. 

The amount of tinting an electrochromic window provides depends on how much voltage you apply; if you want maximum darkness or clarity then apply 100% voltage; if less then you’ll get less darkness/clarity – there’s no way around this right now so just be aware when shopping around!

Electrochromic smart windows have thin film layers of tungsten oxide, which allow control over the amount of light entering a room.

Electrochromic glass is made using electrochemistry.

A chemical compound called tungsten oxide (WO3) is used for this purpose. Tungsten oxide is a yellow-brown solid with a chemical formula of WO3 and it can be found naturally occurring in volcanic rocks or when some metal oxides are heated to high temperatures.

Tungsten oxide has many uses in industry and medicine due to its ability to change color depending on its temperature or pH level as well as other variables such as light exposure or concentration levels within liquids or solids around.

Photochromic smart windows

Photochromic smart windows are coated with silver halides or metallized dyes that will darken in response to UV light.

This makes them ideal for use in cars, as they can lower the amount of heat that gets inside the vehicle during the summer months.

Thermochromic smart windows

Thermochromic smart windows work by changing color based on temperature changes—they’re able to turn transparent when it’s hot and opaque when it’s cold.

They’re most often used in buildings, which benefit from their ability to reduce energy usage while still remaining warm enough for human comfort throughout any season.

Most thermochromic smart windows use vanadium oxide, which shifts its structural state during temperature changes. In its crystalline state, it will allow light to pass through at high temperatures but block light when temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vanadium oxide works best in temperatures between 68 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also non-toxic, so you can use it without worrying about any harmful effects on your health or the environment.

Should You Invest In Smart Window Technology?

Smart windows can save you money and help regulate the temperature in your home or office. Smart windows are energy efficient and can also control how much sunlight enters a building, depending on the time of day.

This means they can be used in both residential and commercial buildings, as well as any climate or location around the world.

As long as you get the right fit for your home or office and don’t mind spending a little extra money upfront, smart windows can be a good investment. 

You’re not going to save as much as you would by installing new windows with triple pane glass, but they will pay for themselves over time and help regulate the temperature in your home or office all year round.

The post What Are Smart Windows And How Do They Work? appeared first on WidGadget.

Is Alexa Kid Friendly? 7 Jun 2022 4:43 AM (3 years ago)

With Amazon Echo smart speakers continuing to get better and more popular, it’s only natural that you’d want to buy one for your kids.

After all, it can do everything from playing their favorite music to homework help. 

But wait: is the Amazon Echo safe for children? The short answer is yes. 

Here’s what you should know before letting your kids use Alexa:

Amazon Echo devices are Kid-Friendly

Alexa is a voice assistant that can do many things, from playing music to answering questions. It’s also very kid-friendly, with some caveats. 

Alexa offers a variety of commands and games for kids (and adults) to play with, including jokes and trivia quizzes. 

Keep in mind that it’s always listening. 

You can say “Alexa,” or another wake word that you choose like “Computer” or “Amazon.” When your child says this word while they’re in range of the device, they’ll be connected with Alexa immediately—and there isn’t any way around it unless you turn off the microphones altogether (which defeats the purpose). 

This means that even when you aren’t talking directly into an Echo device and kids are playing games on their own devices nearby, they could still be connected with someone else’s Echo at any time without anyone knowing about it until something goes wrong.

* There’s no mute option for children under 13 years old so parents need to keep an eye on what their kids are hearing.* 

You don’t have much control over what your child can ask Alexa or how long she’ll listen before responding so it’s best not leave them alone without supervision

Child Profiles Allow You to Limit What Your Kids Can Do

In the Alexa app, you can create a Child Profile for each of your kids. 

These profiles allow you to set time limits and block certain content from being accessed by your kids. 

You can also set specific learning skills for them and limit what they can do with their devices.

You can even create a bedtime for your child’s profile, so if it’s late enough in the evening that you want them to go to bed, this setting will kick in automatically.

Alexa Can’t Understand Kids’ Voices Very Well

You might wonder if Alexa can understand kids’ voices. The answer is: no, not really.

Kids speak differently than adults — and it may be hard for your child to realize that this is an issue when they’re talking with Alexa.

Kids tend to speak more quickly than adults, so they can run out of breath more easily when talking with Alexa (and she won’t respond).

They also tend to speak louder than an adult would—which means that it may be hard for her to hear them if they’re too far away from the microphone or there’s noise in the background like music or construction outside your home.

Finally, kids often use short sentences or incomplete sentences when speaking — and sometimes don’t use complete words at all — which can make it difficult for Alexa’s software to understand what you want done!

There’s a Parental Lock to Prevent Your Kid From Changing Settings

To set up parental controls, go to your Alexa app and select Settings > Parental Controls. 

You can choose whether or not you want to turn on this feature and then create a four-digit code (this is the same code used for Amazon accounts). Once you have created a passcode, enter it in the following screen.

After that, all of Alexa’s smart speaker settings will be locked in place with one exception: You can still make purchases through Amazon’s store by speaking directly to the device—it won’t accept any other commands unless there’s an emergency situation.

If you’re worried about leaving your kid alone with this tech giant as their babysitter but don’t want them playing around with all your settings either, then parental controls are just what they need!

You Can Use Screen Time to Limit Device Usage

You can set time limits for specific apps or devices, so your kids don’t spend too much time playing games or watching videos on Alexa.

You can also use Screen Time to limit the amount of time your child spends using all devices connected to Amazon, including Fire TV and Fire Tablets. 

Where To Keep Alexa?

The best way to keep your kids safe with Alexa is to keep the device in a room they have limited access to. 

This means you should not place it in a room where you spend a lot of time, like the living room or kitchen, and definitely not in the bedroom or bathroom. 

You also shouldn’t put it anywhere near a sink or bathtub. 

These are all places where water can get into the device and cause damage that may be hard for even an adult tech expert to fix!

Conclusion

Alexa is a great way to make your house easier to control, and can even be fun for your kids, as long as you take precautions. 

The best thing you can do is limit the amount of access they have to your device and turn off features that aren’t kid-friendly. 

You also want to keep an eye on them while they use it so that you know what kinds of content or information they’re looking up online.

If there are any issues with Alexa being too hard for them to understand, try changing the pronunciation settings in Settings > Device Options > Personalization > Pronunciation Help (you may need an adult account). 

Once everything has been set up properly, let them play around with their new best friend!

The post Is Alexa Kid Friendly? appeared first on WidGadget.

Best Smart Shower Heads and How to Choose Yours 7 Jun 2022 4:34 AM (3 years ago)

A smart shower head is a shower head that’s connected to the internet. It lets you control the water flow and temperature, as well as more advanced features such as voice commands and smartphone or tablet control.

They are a relatively new concept, and they’re designed to give you more control over your water flow. These types of shower heads have a built-in sensor that detects the amount of water flowing through it, allowing you to set a specific temperature for your shower. If you like your showers hot, but don’t want to be scalded by accident, this is the perfect product for you!

To use a smart shower head, all you need to do is install it in place of an existing faucet. 

Then connect your mobile device to the WiFi network that the device automatically creates for itself (if your home already has WiFi). And voila! You can now control your new smart shower head from anywhere in your house!

A smart shower can also be controlled by voice commands if you have Amazon Alexa or Google Home installed in your home. 

You can ask these assistants how much time is left on your preset settings or change them as needed while under the spray. 

Some models even come with Wi-Fi connectivity so that users can control their settings from anywhere using their smartphone or tablet device — whether they’re at work or out shopping in town since both devices have access through cellular networks around the world without needing any additional hardware beyond what’s already built into most modern smartphones today (like Bluetooth speakers).

Types of Shower Heads

You can choose from many different types of smart shower heads. You can get one with Alexa built in, or one that lets you control the water pressure with your voice. 

There are even some that analyze the water quality in your home and automatically adjust it for you.

That’s why it’s important to think about what kind of product would be most useful for your needs before buying a smart shower head. 

If you want something simple and easy, there are plenty of models available on Amazon and elsewhere online that will do everything from turning on automatically when you enter the bathroom to saving water by detecting leaks in any part of your house (even if they aren’t directly connected).

Which smart shower will you choose?

WaterHawk smart shower – best option to save money

Waterhawk’s smart shower head is the best option for people who want to save money. It has all of the features of a high-end model but costs less than $200.

WaterHawk is a smart shower head that allows you to control the water flow to each person. It also comes with other features such as:

• A timer function – this function allows you to set how long you want your showering session to last, so when it reaches the time limit, it will turn off automatically.
• A sensor function – this feature senses when there’s someone in your shower and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
• Water saving mode – this feature limits the amount of water used by detecting when there is no more need for warm water due to lack of movement in the bathroom (e.g., after taking a shower). This helps save on energy costs while still providing comfort during showers!

Aloeca’s smart shower – the best smart shower head that lets you control the water flow to each person.

Aoleca’s smart shower head allows you to control water flow with a touch of a button, so each person in your household can get as much or as little hot water as they need. This also makes it easier on your wallet since you won’t be running out of hot water as often! This is a great choice for anyone who lives in an apartment or condo where space may be limited and plumbing isn’t reliable enough for multiple shower heads without individual controls (like Kohler’s).

Kohler – the best smart shower head that is also a speaker.

Kohler’s smart shower head is great if you’re looking for something more unique than just a normal handheld device that saves energy and water usage by shutting off automatically when not being used – this one also includes music streaming capabilities!

The Kohler Smart Bidet is probably one of the best smart shower heads that you can find on the market today. It not only has a lot of features, but it’s also very easy to use and set-up. What makes this device unique is that it comes with a speaker built into it so that you can listen to music while taking your shower or bath.

The Kohler smart bidet has Bluetooth capability which means that you can connect it to any device with Bluetooth connectivity such as smartphones and laptops, among others. This feature gives you the opportunity to play any type of music or audio files from your phone directly into your bathroom without having to keep changing tracks manually each time when using the speaker in other parts of your house like during dinner parties where everyone gets bored listening only one type of music throughout dinner time (trust us – we have been there!).

Another great feature about this product is its ability to filter out impurities from water flow coming from either a public source or private well source where many people get their drinking water from these days due to safety reasons (think Flint). The filter helps reduce bacteria growth by 99%, organic chemicals/heavy metals by 95%, lead levels by 99%! Plus if those weren’t enough benefits yet then there’s also no need to worry about wasting energy since this system uses less electricity than traditional showers do – so go ahead turn up those tunes because now they’re gonna sound even better than ever before .

Speakman VS-3012 – the best smart shower head for those who don’t like sudden changes in water temperature.

The Speakman VS-3012 is the best smart shower head for those who don’t want sudden changes in water temperature. It has an excellent build quality and it comes with a lifetime warranty, which is something that cannot be found on most other models.

It only has one spray pattern, but this doesn’t mean it’s lacking any features: it still offers some of the best options out there such as a temperature sensor that can detect when you enter or leave the shower and will adjust itself accordingly. Also, there’s no need for batteries since all you have to do is plug it into a power outlet and let it do its thing!

The only downside here would be that there are no lights on this model (though some people find them annoying anyway), so if this matters to you then consider buying another product instead of this one – otherwise go ahead because it really does offer everything else worth having in a smart shower head at just about half price!

What Smart Shower Head is The Best?

With so many options available, it’s important to know which one is right for you before you make a purchase.

Take into consideration the following things:

• You can find the best smart shower heads for a low price.
• You can choose from a variety of models that let you control the water flow to each person.
• Some smart shower heads also act as speakers, so you can play music while you shower.
• Other smart shower heads are designed to prevent sudden changes in water temperature, which can be annoying for some people who like hot showers but do not want an extremely hot or cold one.

Hopefully these steps will help you choose the perfect shower head for you!

The post Best Smart Shower Heads and How to Choose Yours appeared first on WidGadget.

Home Security Camera Placement Diagram 18 Mar 2022 10:28 AM (3 years ago)

A home security camera is a device that you can use to remotely monitor the activities of your home. It is a standalone device that can be placed within or outside a building to capture video footage. This system allows the images to be viewed on a television, computer or other viewing device.

In fact, modern security cameras are more than just cameras. They are complete surveillance systems.

They have a lot of different features, making them more versatile than ever before. Nowadays, most have motion sensors and can send you alerts when they detect movement around your home. They also have built-in microphones so you can listen in on what is happening in your house and even talk through the camera if you need to scare off an intruder or tell the dog to get off the couch.

Most home security cameras can be controlled remotely via an app or website, and you can view real-time video from anywhere in the world. 

They can be used for a variety of reasons, including observing the activities of children and pets, monitoring the safety of elderly family members and protecting property from theft or damage. Some people also use home security cameras as part of their home entertainment systems.

If you’re not sure which model to get, start by making a list of what you need. If it’s just a matter of checking up on what your pets are doing while you’re at work, choose a camera with a wide range of motion detection and night vision.

For more advanced features, look for one with two-way audio, facial recognition and the ability to save images online.

What Are Some Pros And Cons Of Home Security Cameras?

Here are some pros & cons of home security cameras:

Pros

– Visible deterrent

– They can help identify intruders

– The footage can alert you to a problem in real time and monitor 24/7

– You can check on your property while away or monitor children and pets while at work

– Gives you peace of mind.

– Can be viewed on-demand from anywhere in the world.

– Can aid with insurance claims.

– Protects your home and valuables

Cons

– They’re expensive

– You need to buy additional equipment like cables and power supplies

– There’s potential for abuse (e.g., spying on employees, listening in on private phone conversations)

– Can be expensive to install and maintain.

– Requires a good internet connection to work properly.

– Needs to be securely mounted to prevent tampering or theft.

– Motion detection isn’t perfect

Wireless vs. Wired Home Security Cameras

​​

Before you start drilling holes and running wires, take a look at this handy guide that gives you an overview of the most important things to consider.

Wireless vs. Wired

Wireless cameras are more expensive upfront, but they save you money in the long run because you don’t have to drill holes to set them up (although many wireless cameras still require power cables). Wireless cameras also tend to be more portable than their wired counterparts, so if you’re planning on moving your security system around a lot (or simply renting out your home), wireless is probably your best bet.

Resolution

The resolution of your cameras helps determine the quality of your surveillance footage. The higher the camera resolution, the clearer and crisper the images it records will be. If you’re looking for better image quality and more detail, choose a camera with at least 720p HD resolution.

Field of view

Field of view is how much area a camera can see without moving or zooming in or out; it’s expressed as a horizontal angle — typically 90° or 180° — which is why it’s sometimes called angle of view. Cameras with wider fields of view can cover larger areas with fewer cameras, which can mean big savings

Home Security Camera Placement Diagram

The placement of home security cameras is a key component to creating a video monitoring system that effectively protects your property. 

The best home security camera systems come with everything you need to get your cameras up and running. But determining the exact locations of where you should place them is something that requires a bit more planning.

Here is a diagram of the best places to put your security cameras. This will ensure that you are getting the most out of your home security camera system and that no area is left unmonitored.

Front door security camera.

This camera should be placed near the front door or directly over it to capture people entering or leaving the house. It can also capture images of people standing on your porch or at the front door.

Back door security camera.

This camera should be placed near your back door, whether it leads into a garage or out into a yard area. It can help keep an eye on who is coming and going as well as anyone approaching your residence from the back side.

Perimeter surveillance cameras.

These cameras are generally more expensive than other types of cameras because they are usually outdoor models that have infrared abilities so that they can “see” in the dark. These cameras should be placed around the perimeter of your property to capture images of people approaching from any direction, including alleys and neighboring yards. If you have a pool, this is where you would want to place cameras that monitor that area closely as well.

Doorway cameras

The most common and obvious place to mount a security camera is at the front door. This is a great place for a camera because it’s usually the first place that intruders try to break in, and it’s also one of the most frequently used entrances (and exits) in most homes.

The basement

Many burglars will enter through basement windows or sliding doors. These are popular entry points because they tend to be out of sight of neighbors, making it easier for intruders to pry them open or break in quickly without being spotted.

Windows

Windows are another favorite entry point for burglars. Particularly on ground-floor windows, where it’s easy for burglars to reach up and climb inside, or use a crowbar to pry them open from outside the house. Your other windows should also be covered by security cameras, especially those at eye level or below — any window with a clear line of sight into your home should be watched carefully.

Source: https://reolink.com/where-to-place-home-security-cameras/

Where Not To Place A Security Camera?

Here are some places to avoid keeping your security camera at:

• In front of a window.

• Behind a tree or bush.

• In direct sunlight or other bright areas.

• In a dark room with no lights on at night (unless you have infrared capability).

• On the ground outside your house.

• Inside your home where they can’t see much (such as a bookcase).

• Bedrooms & bathrooms 

Which Home Security Camera To Buy?

The first step in setting up your security system is deciding where you want to place your cameras. It’s also important to consider what type of camera you want and how many cameras you’ll need.

If you’re looking for a single camera, we recommend Logitech’s Circle 2 ($180). 

If you’re looking for something with even more options, check out the Netatmo Welcome ($200), which has face recognition and can differentiate between people and animals. 

Both are wired cameras that connect directly to your Wi-Fi network.

If you’re looking for multiple cameras, the Arlo Pro 2 is a good option. 

It uses wireless cameras attached to a central hub, so it’s easy to move around — though you’ll need to buy extra cameras if you’re monitoring more than one room. 

The Arlo Pro 2 ($400) can be used indoors or outdoors, and runs on battery power, so you can install it anywhere.

The Logitech Circle 2 is our favorite security camera for most homes because it’s easy to set up and use.

The post Home Security Camera Placement Diagram appeared first on WidGadget.

August Smart Lock Pro Review: How Does This Smart Lock Compare? 19 May 2021 6:32 AM (4 years ago)

Smart locks are becoming a must-have part of our tech-savvy lifestyles. This is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled smart home gadget that locks and unlocks your door with simple commands. While there are a lot of smart locks on the market, the August Smart Lock Pro continues to be a stand-out product in this industry. 

Because a smart lock is a part of your home safety strategy, it’s important to fully understand your purchase. While 57% of Americans agree that having a smart device in their home saves them time, you should be mindful of which devices you choose. 

With all of that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the August Smart Lock Pro. I

n this August Smart Lock review, we’ll explore all of the different aspects of this smart home gadget to determine if it’s right for your space.

But first – quick overview:

Pros	Cons
Smaller size	Keypad sold separately
Wi-Fi built in	Shorter battery life
Easy to use
Works with Google, Alexa and Siri
Automatic Lock and Unlock

Smart Lock For 2021

In this day and age, basic features are no longer enough. How does the August Smart Lock Pro relate to today’s tech expectations, and what new features does it offer compared to older models?

Essentially, the August Smart Lock Pro makes it incredibly convenient and secure to get in and out of your home. Not only can you get full control over your smart lock gadget with your smartphone or Apple Watch, but you can lock your door from anywhere. However, there are still some things you need to know about this smart home lock to see how it stacks up.

Next, let’s take a closer look at some of the key features of the August Smart Lock Pro. While it has many of the expected functions of a smart home lock, there are added features that make this a more competitive choice. 

• Auto-lock and unlock: Enable your August Smart Lock Pro to automatically lock when you leave (either immediately or up to 30 minutes after). With auto-unlock, the device senses when you arrive home and opens the lock. 
• Smartphone integration: Use the August app to turn your smartphone or Apple watch into your door key with a simple tap. 
• Remote access: Control your door from anywhere, and check the status from the August app. 
• Guest keys: Grant guest access for minutes, hours, days, or so on. This can be enabled on a single or recurring basis. 
• Voice speaker: With the additional purchase of the Wi-Fi Bridge, you can use voice activation to control your smart lock. 
• DoorSense: With the DoorSense technology, get a notification when your door is opened or closed. 
• Notifications: Receive alerts when specific people, like your kids, arrive home, or if there has been unusual activity. 
• Two-Factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication to protect your home’s data and security. 
• Biometric access: Use your phone’s fingerprint or facial recognition tool for unlocking your door. 

Compared to other smart home locks on the market, the August Smart Lock Pro offers some of the most competitive features and integrations. With installation taking less than 10 minutes, this is one of the leading smart locks available today.

Size:	3 inches (diameter), 1.75 inches (depth)
Wireless:	2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Works with:	Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Release date:	May 2020
App:	Mobile
Notifications	Email, Push
Geofencing/Location Services	Yes
Guest Access	Yes
Touchpad	No
Voice Activation	Yes
Auto-unlock:	Yes
Tamper Alarm	No

One of the biggest challenges when choosing a smart lock is making sure it’s compatible. Whether you currently have a smart home system or a deadbolt lock, you need to compare your existing situation to determine if the August Smart Lock Pro fits. 

• Deadbolt: The August Smart Lock Pro fits almost all single-cylinder deadbolt locks. Review their compatibility list to determine if your current door is a fit. 
• Phone: The August app is compatible with both iOS or Android smartphones. 
• Wi-Fi: You must purchase the Connect Wi-Fi Bridge if you wish to connect your smart lock with your home’s Wi-Fi network. This requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network connection.
• Smart home: The August Smart Lock Pro connects with existing smart home partners like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. 

Before you purchase this smart lock device, be sure to check your current smart home specifications. Compatibility is the number one reason for challenges during installation. 

	Size		Wi-Fi	Z-Wave	Google	Alexa	HomeKit
August Smart Lock	2.7 W x 4.8 H x 2.1 D		Requires August Connect	No	Yes	Yes	No
August Smart Lock Pro	3.4 W x 2.2 D		Requires August Connect	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock	2.83 W x 1.81 D		Built-in	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

There is a simple answer to this – one is a simple smart lock (cheaper) and the other is a high functional integration solution (and more costly).

The answer which one is which is easy to guess.

As you can see, it’s not just the look and feel of these locks that separate them. The cheaper August Smart Lock doesn’t have all the same smart home integrations as the pricier Pro model. Even if you choose to upgrade the August Smart Lock by purchasing an August Connect, you won’t have access to all the platforms supported by the Pro model.

If you’re interested in adding to your HomeKit or Z-Wave-based smart home setup, your best bet is going to be the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect. If you’re using an Amazon Echo, a Google Home, or want remote access to your August Smart Lock, you can save money by purchasing the August Smart Lock and August Connect.

The August Smart Lock Pro installation is a straightforward process. If you have the proper materials, the process should only take up to 10 minutes. Compared to other smart locks, this is one of the easiest to install no matter your experience level. 

What you’ll need to install your smart lock:

• Smart Lock Pro 
• Mounting plate
• Adapters
• Adhesive strip 
• Philips screwdriver

To begin, follow these steps below:

1. Use the stip provided to hold the key side of the lock in place while you remove the existing thumb latch. 
2. Next, unscrew the existing thumbturn and any additional backplate. You only need a screwdriver for this step. 
3. Once the existing thumbturn is removed, prepare your mounting plate by repositioning the two adjustable screw holes. Attach the mounting plate until it’s securely against the door. 
4. Choose the adapter you need depending on your existing deadbolt. Connect this into the tailpiece on the mounting plate. 
5. Pull the wing latches on your Smart Lock Pro and attach them to the mounting plate. It should lie flush with the door. Remove the battery tab and make sure the batteries are sealed in the compartment. Once you replace the faceplate over the batteries, you’re all set!
6. Download the August Home app and configure your smart lock by following the steps under “Get Started.” 

For more assistance installing your August Smart Lock Pro, review their step-by-step guide and video walkthrough. The August app also has helpful hints for installing your smart lock.

With all smart home devices, you need to pay close attention to the battery life. The last thing you want to worry about is your batteries failing and leaving you without access to your home. 

The August Smart Lock Pro comes with 4 AA batteries that power the system. This should last up to 6 months. The battery life can be affected by many factors like installation, deadbolt friction, and your Wi-Fi signal. When the batteries are running low on your smart home device, you will receive a notification in the August app. 

There’s a lot of competition in the smart lock industry, and this leads to more innovation and advancements across the board.

How does the August Smart Lock compare to competitors like Yale and Schlage?

Yale Smart Lock is one of August’s biggest competitors. Yale offers high-quality digital smart locks that function similarly to the August Smart Lock. Both can be added to a pre-existing home security system, and you can also opt for a touchscreen or push-button keypad. 

However, August is compatible with more smart home systems and security systems, making it a more flexible choice. While Yale’s base model starts at just $130 (vs. $150 for August), the August Smart Locks are cheaper overall if you bundle add-ons. 

Schlage Smart Lock is another popular alternative. Like the August locks, the Schlage Smart Locks are also compatible with high-end smart home systems like Alexa, Google, and Siri. They can both be installed at home without professional help. 

The key difference between these two companies is how the locks themselves work. The August locks send you alerts to your smartphone, and they also rely on “geofencing” technology to unlock when you’re nearby. Conversely, Schlange locks don’t send alerts when the door is left unlocked. They simply lock after 30 seconds automatically. With inexpensive options starting at $94, the Schlage Smart Lock is a better fit for those worried about their budget.

Like all smart home locks, there are different benefits and drawbacks to choosing the August Smart Lock Pro. Ultimately, this is a solid choice, but you’ll need to weigh what’s important for you and your home. 

Benefits of August Smart Lock Pro

• It’s easy to install the August lock yourself, no experience needed.
• The August locks easily pair with existing home networks. 
• Access your home’s lock on the go with the mobile app. 
• You can keep your existing keys. 
• Share guest access to your home remotely. 
• Feel confident that your data is secure. 

Drawbacks of August Smart Lock Pro

• This lock isn’t compatible with every deadbolt and home system. 
• More costly compared to other similar models of smart locks. 
• No keypad access on the lock. 
• You need an existing, fast internet connection to take advantage of all features.

To summarize, the August Smart Lock Pro is a great choice for anyone interested in a new, secure way to lock their home. If you want a way to lock your home that lets you keep your existing keys and also access your home lock from anywhere, this is one of the best options on the market. 

Starting at $229.99, this is one of the more costly models of smart home locks on the market. That being said, it comes with additional security and features that could be worthwhile for someone who needs to share access to their home regularly. Perfect for families and those who take security seriously, the August Smart Lock Pro is worth it for most homeowners.

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