After being leaked last month, the Schlage Encode Plus as finally make a formal appearance at CES 2022. The deadbolt smart lock that supports Apple HomeKit, Home Key and Thread is now listed on the company’s website available in the Spring for $299.99
The Schlage Encode Plus a smart deadbolt lock that retrofits onto your existing door and will come in a variety of finishes and designs. The lock is available in a more traditional Camelot design or the more modern Century option. It will also feature a keypad and a manual lock.
The Schlage Encode Plus can connect to your smart home either via Wi-Fi or Thread. Using the latter means the smart lock can connect to HomeKit over Thread when used with a HomePod mini or the new Apple TV 4K. Connecting over Thread can offer a far more stable connection and improved battery performance.
Speaking of power, the Schlage Encode Plus is powered by 4 AA batteries and when the smart lock is connected over Wi-Fi, will last about 3- 4 months. But using the Schlage Encode with HomeKit over Thread, this jumps to 1 year.
Apple HomeKit and Home Key
The Schlage Encode Plus supports Apple HomeKit. So at its basic level, users can operate the door lock with the Home App and include it in automations. The Schlage Encode Plus does not require a hub to work with HomeKit. But you need an Apple home hub to access to the lock remotely via HomeKit.
The most interesting feature of the Schlage Encode Plus is Home Key support. Which enables users to open the door with a virtual key in the Wallet App on iPhone or Apple Watch. This feature uses NFC very much in the same way when making a purchase using your device.
Home Key has two modes for unlocking via your iPhone or Apple Watch. The first called Express Mode where you don’t have to unlock or authenticate your iPhone or Apple Watch. This will make it more convenient and it works in the same way as Express Transit mode. The second was is a little more secure and require Face ID or Passcode, which adds the step of authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID.
Another clever feature, if your phone or watch battery is dying, you can still unlock the door with the Power Reserve feature. This allows you to unlock your door for up to five hours after the red Power Reserve icon appears on an Apple Watch or iPhone.
HomeKit guest access
If you have visitors that need access to your home, then you can use HomeKit guest access to hand out virtual key codes. So if a visitor like the dog walker arrives, they simply punch in the code on the keypad to gain access. Schlage has also added access code support to its own app, which will allow you to monitor usage of codes.
The Schlage app also adds a few features not in HomeKit, such as scheduling access and a built-in alarm feature. These features can be used alongside HomeKit support
Schlage Encore Plus availability and pricing
Although Schlage has confirmed the new smart lock should be available in the Spring and will retail for ¢299. You can check out more details at the companys website.
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