Yale has launched one of its latest smart lock solutions called the Yale Assure Lock 2. The new lock brings with it a number of models to choose from, covering a range of features so that you can focus on just the options you need.
The lowest of the options is a $159 Bluetooth model with pressable buttons (no touchscreen) that also supports Apple’s HomeKit. It doesn’t offer a keyhole, so you will have to open it via the buttons, the Yale app, or HomeKit. If you run out of juice, it has two contacts at the bottom that you can press a 9v battery to in order to get the lock to respond to the keypad (it isn’t the most option-filled model, but it is their best price in the series). If you decide you need more later on, you can upgrade the model using various connectivity modules.
You also have a pressable button option that has the Wi-Fi connectivity built-in already, as well as a touchscreen option. You can also find variations that offer a keyhole as well so you also have the option of using a normal key. The highest of them running around $259.
Using the app, you can assign access to others and enable biometric access (using your phone’s biometric sensor, if it has one). With Wi-Fi access, you’ll be able to integrate it with other things like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue, and Samsung SmartThings (coming soon). You’ll likely be able to integrate it further than that if you’re clever enough.
What makes it better is that the company says the locks will support the upcoming Matter protocol, making it one of the first smart locks to offer this. However, it won’t support it right out of the box. Instead, an upgradable module will be made available later on that you can purchase to add Matter support (those precious upsales).
They will be available in three different colors, including Black Suede, Bronze, and Satin Nickel. You can pick between keyed or key-free, as well as with touchscreen, or physical keypad (pressable buttons) and with Wi-Fi or without Wi-Fi. All ranging between $159 and $259.
Right now, it seems that Best Buy has one of the models in stock already, while it shows the other models as sold out (this likely means “coming soon”). So if you want to get a head start on connectivity using the new Matter protocol, this will be one of your first chances (lock-wise). However, as we get into next year, you will likely see additional options hit the market pretty quickly.
