Yale Locks & Hardware has expanded support for Amazon Alexa with the addition of voice unlocking for its Assure Lock line of smart deadbolts when used with a compatible smart home hub or when used with the Amazon Echo Plus and a Yale Assure Lock with Zigbee.
The Alexa lock skill already allows Yale Z-Wave and Zigbee users to lock their door and check current lock status. With the addition of the new unlock skill, Yale Assure Locks can now be unlocked using Alexa voice commands. The unlock feature is turned off by default, and is enabled by verifying your Amazon credentials using the Alexa app. For voice unlock, users are prompted to set a four-digit voice code and then asked by Alexa to say that code to unlock. Alexa will only complete the unlock request once the correct voice code is provided. Unlocking can also be done directly from the Alexa app.
“Yale is committed to providing consumers with the smart home technology they want most, and the message from consumers is loud and clear – they want voice control,” said Jason Williams, president, ASSA ABLOY U.S. Residential Group, which includes Yale Residential. “With the addition of the Alexa unlock feature our locks now allow consumers to secure their homes and enter them using simple voice commands, delivering a new level of convenience without any compromise on security.”
The Yale Assure Lock line includes a wide variety of keypad deadbolts in both keyed and key free versions. The line features Yale’s modular system that simplifies integration with a home automation or alarm system. Each Yale Assure Lock deadbolt can be purchased as a standalone PIN-controlled lock or with a Yale Network Module installed for smart home integration. Yale offers Network Modules for Z-Wave, Zigbee, or HomeKit systems. The module simply plugs into the interior half of the deadbolt, and can be added or swapped at any time by the homeowner
