Smart locks came a few years ago to stay. The intention of these products is that we forget about the keys, among many other extra functions. However, sometimes taking your phone out of your pocket, searching for the lock app, and unlocking the door can be even more cumbersome than opening the lock with an old key. The smart lock Schlage EncodePlus focuses precisely on that instant of use. Opening the lock of your house will be as simple as paying with your mobile.
Schlage EncodePlus. Making the smart lock simple
It was introduced earlier this year and is one of the first products to use the Apple's new Home Key standard, which was introduced at WWDC 2021. The Schlage Encode Plus lock works on both Apple and Android devices, but only with Apple HomeKit you will be able to develop your full potential. You will only have to bring your iPhone o tu Apple Watch to the lock so that the led turns green and the door is unlocked. The connection will be made through the Thread protocol to your HomePod Mini or second generation AppleTV 4K. users of Android they'll have to download the Schlage app, so they won't be able to take advantage of this benefit, and will have to make do with the lock's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection. However, the device can be associated with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so it will be possible to create routines or control the lock using voice commands.
Regarding the design, this model is quite similar to others in the Schlage Encode family. While many competing models tend to try to disguise themselves and make it look like we have a normal lock from the outside, the Schlage Encode Plus makes it clear that it is a smart lock, especially due to its numeric keypad and its operating mode, which is similar to what you would see in a hotel. The product is available in four different finishes so that you have a better chance of it adapting to the style of the door.
Installation and configuration
When installing, you will only need a screwdriver and just over a quarter of an hour. This lock is designed so that it can be adapted to an infinite number of doors, even the oldest ones. It also takes into account details such as that your door may be crooked or that the mechanism is not perfectly aligned.
Regarding the configuration, the lock integrates perfectly into the Home app. You can automate many processes, such as locking the lock when you leave your home, unlocking the door before you even take your mobile out of your pocket, or even lock the door automatically after a certain time as a security measure (can be set between 15 seconds and 4 minutes). On the other hand, the product has a numeric panel to unlock the door by key. This will be especially useful when you have visitors at home. The system supports several keys simultaneously, so you can give different keys to each guest depending on the time they are going to stay in our home.
Price
Regarding the price, the Schlage Encode Plus lock goes to the $299,99. We are not facing the cheapest smart lock on the entire market, but one of those that provide the most comfort. If you are an Android user, the most normal thing is that you find cheaper options. However, if you are an Apple user and your home is focused on the HomeKit ecosystem, we are undoubtedly facing a practically round product.