iPhone-controlled August Smart Lock finally starts shipping to preorder customers

First announced in May of last year, the August Smart Lock went up for pre-sale a few months later in October and, after a few delays, is finally on their way to customers.

August is an app-connected deadbolt add-on similar to Lockitron, but attaches directly onto the bolt, replacing interior latch hardware. With some assembly required, the smart device is a bit like Kwikset's Kevo unit.

Designed by Yves Behar, August resembles a large puck that shares similarities with Nest's Learning Thermometer, except without the display and touch controls. The lock can be accessed wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy and an iOS app, meaning users can share virtual keys with family and friends from an iPhone.

August claims compatibility with a wide variety of deadbolts and promises quiet operation, a feature most products lack. Made of metal, the device runs on four AA batteries, which last a claimed six months, and is able to operate in the event of a power outage. If the unit malfunctions, a rotating collar acts as a physical backup inside, while users can unlock the deadbolt with a regular key from outside.

With a mid-October ship date for orders placed today, August should come just in time for the launch of Apple's HomeKit app framework for connected homes, which will debut in iOS 8 alongside next-generation iPhone models in September. With HomeKit, developers and hardware manufacturers are able to build native software for iOS that can be linked to Siri for remote control access. It is not yet known if August will support HomeKit.

August can be purchased for a retail price of $250 from the company's website.