Now as this is a typical HomeKit smart lock in terms of functionality, it uses Bluetooth as the main method of communication, which in the first instance, connects directly to your phone’s Bluetooth signal, and in the absence of the phone being close by, will connect to your Home Hub – be that an Apple TV, HomePod, or a suitable iPad. This setup provides you with what Apple calls ‘Remote Access’ which allows you to control various functions of the lock, even when you’re not at home, like letting someone in who may have lost your keys, whilst you’re still at work. However, as good as this setup is, occasionally you might have a situation where your Home Hub is a little too far from the door lock to establish or keep a strong connection, with walls, as well as distance, being the main obstacles to a decent connection. This is where the Reagle Gateway comes in, which we’ve had on test for a while now. In short, the Reagle Gateway picks up the Bluetooth signals to and from your lock, relay these to your Home hub, or your wifi network (depending on whether you have a home hub), which is essentially ‘bridging’ the signal, in cases where Bluetooth alone is not cutting it. If this is something that interests you, read on!

PACKAGING

The gateway arrived, courtesy of Nick from Reagle pretty quickly, although it did help that we’re both based in Taipei! The box that it comes in is plain, in what appears to be recycled card, along with simple black print on the front and sides. As this isn’t actually a HomeKit product in and of itself as such, there’s not a lot of need for fancy packaging in this instance, although it still looks understated and cool anyway. There’s also no HomeKit code to look for, which you’ll only need for the lock itself. The front simply has ‘Gateway’ on the front. One side shows ‘works with Reagle Smart Lock’, with the other showing simple requirements. Just to be clear, this only works with the Reagle Smart Lock, so regardless of whether you have a Bluetooth HomeKit smart lock, this will not work with it. You’ll also need a smartphone to set it up, along with the Reagle app, a power outlet, and a wifi network. All fairly standard stuff, assuming you’ve already got the lock.

The inside of the box has the gateway itself, held in place with a cardboard frame, so it’s nicely protected and can’t move around. Underneath this layer of card, you’ll find the additional parts necessary to power up the gateway itself.

You should have the following; The Gateway, quick start guide, male-to-female USB cable, and a USB power brick with Type A, North American pins. The manual itself is all in English, and explains the setup procedure quite clearly, with large diagrams. In terms of setting it up physically, it couldn’t be easier; You simply plug the gateway’s USB plug into the female port of the USB cable, with the other end of the cable plugging directly into the power supply. Then, of course, you simply plug the power supply into the wall. You probably could use other USB power supplies, as long as they match the requirements on the supply itself, but it’s better to use the one provided ultimately. You can also just plug the gateway directly into the power supply if you don’t need the USB cable.

THE GATEWAY

The Gateway itself is actually very small, almost the size of a box of matches, only not as deep. The main body of the gateway, not including the USB plug, is 41.5mm/1.63in wide, 50mm/2in high, and 15mm/o.59in deep. The USB cable is just a bit over 1 metre/3ft 3in.

On the front of the gateway, you have a small LED capable of producing a red or green colour, which I’ll mention more about later. Below that is a tiny hole for resetting the device. Other than that, there’s not a lot to report on in terms of the appearance except that the body is made of black plastic, with slightly tapering edges at the top. As it’s so small, it can easily be hidden away out of sight, although you don’t really want to block the signal with anything too thick, and you’ll also need to make sure the power supply is within reach of an outlet. Reagle state that the lock shouldn’t be any more than 6.1 metres/20ft from your Reagle Smart lock, and ideally with a clear path for the signal. The gateway uses Bluetooth 4.0, while the lock uses Bluetooth 4.2, so it does need to be free of anything that could block or degrade comms between the gateway and the lock. Whilst this is true of the wifi signal going from the gateway to your wifi network, the signal should be more robust, so as long as it can pick up a reasonable wifi signal, you should be fine.

INSTALLATION AND SETUP

Installation is done via the Reagle app, so if you’ve previously downloaded it when you installed your lock but removed it after, you’re going to need it again.

• Assuming you’ve signed in, you then choose to add a device by clicking on the hamburger menu in the top left right corner of the screen
• Click on the plus sign, then choose a device, which, if you already installed your lock, will be the gateway.
• If you have more than one Reagle Smart lock, you’re going to need one gateway per lock.

• Plug the gateway into your wall outlet, and the LED on the gateway will start blinking red.
• If it is, then click on Yes
• Enter your SSID and password, then choose your lock
• Click on the arrow in the top left to continue

• The lock will then begin pairing with both Wifi and your lock
• Soon after that, the app will do a final diagnostic check to make sure everything is as it should be before confirming everything is ok

Once that’s done, you’re good to go. You won’t see any real difference in the Home app, as the Gateway isn’t a hub/gateway in the HomeKit sense (Like the Hue Bridge for example), so it won’t be listed. The Smart Lock in the Home app will be as it was before as well, so it also won’t show the lock as going through any bridge as such.

THE REAGLE APP

If you’re using the Reagle app to control your lock, then you’ll still notice the lock acts as before, as it should by default still make a connection to your phone via Bluetooth. If you want to test that the gateway does work without Bluetooth, you need to turn Bluetooth off on your phone, whilst still being connected to your wifi network. When you do this, and you subsequently unlock the door you’ll see two messages above the onscreen lock toggle – ‘connecting to internet’ (probably should say network), quickly followed by ‘Remote Unlocking’. This shows that the lock is now using the gateway to receive your instructions to lock or unlock the door, although this would only be the case if you don’t have an Apple Home Hub. If you already have an Apple TV or HomePod, it will attempt to connect to the hub initially.

So, with that in mind, it’s important to note that if you already have a home hub, you don’t really need this device as such, as the home hubs essentially do the job already. However, there are often times when your HomePod or Apple TV might be too far from the lock, so it’s still a good piece of equipment for situations like this. If you’re not a HomeKit user – or you don’t have a home hub – and are solely using the Reagle app, then this is essential, however, as this also provides remote access to your lock.

Remote access is what allows you to open and close your lock from anywhere in the world essentially, as long as you’ve got some form of access to the internet, be it mobile or otherwise. As already stated, all of this can be done with a home hub, but the gateway allows for an additional function that the Reagle can’t do under other circumstances, which is the ability to add, delete or modify access codes remotely. Normally, you would need to be within Bluetooth range of the lock to do these kinds of alterations. These access codes are the ones you might create for family, friends or regular visitors like dog walkers, repairman or a cleaner for example. So, in the event that you need to change, add or remove a code remotely, this is the only way you’ll be able to do so. As already stated, if you don’t have a home hub, or don’t use HomeKit, the gateway gives you the additional benefits of remote locking & unlocking, along with real-time remote status, check and notifications too.

PERFORMANCE

I’ve seen a fair bit of positive feedback about another Bluetooth>wifi gateway – the Eve Extend – and how it has made a difference in the response times generally as well as the ‘no response’ issue in particular. I’m glad to report the same is true of the Reagle Gateway in relation to response times with the lock. The Reagle lock has always been fairly responsive anyway, but what I found almost immediately was that response times were generally, and consistently more snappy in the Home app than it was before installing the gateway. This is not to say there’s still going to be the occasional slow moment, but that’s par for the course when it comes to nearly any Bluetooth device, so in this case, I would say a more solid response ratio is the main, with unlock/lock times being slightly better overall.

Soon after I first set the gateway up, in the Reagle app, the lock wouldn’t respond occasionally to changes I applied (locking or unlocking), or respond very slowly. I eventually found that this was due to my network going down for a short period, which in turn affected the gateway’s ability to carry out instructions. This can be noticed if the gateway LED shows different colours.

• LED flashing green in a short burst in between 5-second intervals – this means the gateway is connected to your network.
• LED flashes alternately green then red in between 5-second intervals – this means the gateway is not connected to your network.

Once I noticed that the gateway wasn’t connected to the network, I had to determine if it was the gateway not connecting, or the network had dropped off. It was the fault of the network, so the gateway was doing what it could, but couldn’t complete the task through no fault of its own. That being said, I’ve found that using the Home app works better for me generally, although the Reagle app really is indispensable for the exclusive passcode and log functions it provides, that you won’t get in the Home app.

SUMMING UP

The Gateway isn’t massively cheap, to be honest (US$59.99), but if your home hub is a bit too far from the lock, you’re not a HomeKit user or don’t have a home hub, it’s a lot cheaper than buying an Apple TV or HomePod. In the tests I’ve performed so far, it has proven itself to be more than capable of delivering on the job it’s designed to do. Better still, if you happen to have an outlet with built-in USB ports, you can plug it in without having to find a way to hide the provided USB cable. The design is nothing to shout about, but its role is purely functional, and as it’s so small, it can be placed pretty much anywhere and be forgotten about.

As of typing this review, we’re in the midst of the Black Friday period, and at present the Reagle Smart lock is $50 off, so if you’re in need of a new smart lock, you can get both devices, with the discount essentially bringing the cost of the gateway down to less than $10.

Full disclosure: Reagle provided HomeKit News with the Reagle Gateway for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was made or requested.

The post Reagle Smart Lock Gateway (review) appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

UNBOXING

The kind of packaging Reagle has gone for isn’t something out of the ordinary as such, but isn’t seen as often these days, in that there’s a ‘window’ replacing one section of the carton, in order to display the lock itself. Ordinarily I would say this makes the lock more prone to damage, but if this were shipped in a suitable box, it wouldn’t matter, and in fact, whilst the design of the packaging is nothing to brag about, were this to be on the shelf of your local Lowes, BestBuy or Costco, consumers are given the chance to see the front of the lock clearly, without having to rely on cleaned up, idealised images to convince themselves that it’s the right look for their door. This is a good thing and should maybe be readopted for products that are destined for the shelf. Cleverly, the company have made it so that the lock is at an angle that matches the side of a door that is printed on the packaging, showing what the lock might look like. I’m not sure many would pick that up, but I did.

The front has the HomeKit logo, and although the lock only currently works with HomeKit, Reagle is preparing a small dongle-sized gateway that will allow for Google and Amazon integration, as well as remote access even without a Home Hub (Apple TV, HomePod etc.). One side of the box shows you the necessary requirements for installation, contents of the box, and dimensions of the lock. The rear of the box gives you a series of features;

• Go Keyless – The lock comes with a built-in illuminated keypad, which allows for easy unlocking through security codes
• Convenience – Simply approach your home with your phone in your pocket and unlock the door automatically
• Share and Control – Use our app to create and revoke customised access rights for your family, friends or helpers within seconds
• Access remotely – Open your door for the delivery guy or craftsmen while you are not at home by using HomeKit technology
• Voice-Enabled – Just tell Siri to lock or unlock your smart lock when you are busy doing other things.
• Smart Home Integration – Reagle Smart Lock smoothly integrates into your smart home

Now these points pretty much gives you an overview of all the basic features, although it should be noted that with the point of voice control, you can only lock the door with your voice if your iPhone is locked, so unlocking the door with a standard Siri command requires your phone to be on and unlocked.

Once opened, there are a lot of bits and pieces, although if that puts you off, it shouldn’t, as this is actually one of the easier installs I’ve attempted, and I’m no expert. The two main sections are the deadbolt keypad assembly and the internal assembly. As with the video, I won’t attempt to explain how to install the device, as inevitably, people may have different issues to circumvent in order to make the lock work for their particular door, but it is, as already stated, very easy. The other parts that are included are two regular keys, the deadbolt latch, mounting plate, strike plate, and a series of screws and bolts, all of which you’ll be using to attach to your door.

I was sent the Dark Bronze finish by Reagle, but they also sell a Satin Nickel finish. First impressions upon unpacking the contents are good. Whilst the interior assembly is mostly plastic, save for the bottom section with the thumb turn, making it feel fairly light, the Keypad assembly feels really solidly built, which for a lock, certainly makes you put more trust in it, even if that trust may be slightly misplaced. In essence, it simply feels very strong, hefty and solid. I will be honest and say that while I love the feel of the lock, I’m not such a great fan of the keypad design. To me, it’s a little conservative, but I do recognise that this kind of design would be well suited to doors that look more ‘old school’ for want of a better description. The feel of the buttons, which are rubber, feel soft, but not in a bad way, with just enough give to make it a comfortable experience. The lock is supposed to be weather resistant, which would explain the rubber buttons, so this can safely be used for doors that face the elements.

Also included are an instruction manual and four AA Energizer batteries. This is good because there’s going to be a time for someone, where they eventually find time to install the device after a long day when the last thing they want to do is traipse to their local store just for a few batteries. Every little helps, right? The manual is fairly large and goes into every aspect of the lock installation, with nicely drawn diagrams to help you through the process. An instance of the HomeKit code is also included on the front of the manual, with another copy of the HomeKit code included on the inside of the battery compartment, which is part of the interior assembly. The only thing that the manual lacks, is an explanation of the basics of the lock functions, specifically the use of codes and the log section, both of which we’ll get to shortly. All of the functions are explained in the Reagle app, which I’d encourage you to download.

INSTALLATION
By way of a basic explanation on how to install the lock itself, the deadbolt keypad assembly goes on the outside of your door, with the data cable passing through the hole for the lock, and connecting to the other cable attached to the interior assembly. The lock cylinder has a long bar that connects to the Deadbolt latch, then to the motor in the interior assembly, to allow for smart control. The interior assembly connects to the mounting plate using small screws, which itself attaches to the door whilst also connecting to the outer assembly with two large deadbolt chassis screws. The Deadbolt latch can be adjusted to fit backsets of either 60mm/2-3/8″ or 70mm/2-3/4″. Once installed, you then insert the batteries and follow the on-screen instructions via the Reagle app. You can simply add the lock to HomeKit via the Apple Home app, but the Reagle app should be used to calibrate the lock first and foremost. Without the Reagle app, you would also be missing out not only on a few extra functions, but you also won’t have access to any firmware updates issued by the company, so even if you don’t use the app on a day-to-day basis, you will initially need it if you plan to use codes for entry, for example.

REAGLE APP – SETUP

When you first start up the Reagle app there are quite a few different screens that guide you through the setup process as well as images to help you set up the lock itself, and how to use the app, so while there is a lot to take in, ultimately it’s quite helpful. The app requests access to your Home data, sets up an admin code, and then moves on to calibrating the lock itself, before going through a final system check.

If you only want to use the Reagle app (if you don’t have a smart home setup for example) then you can skip installing via HomeKit, but there is the option to come back and set it up at later date, if you so wish. If you do, then once you start scanning the code, the procedure is much the same as adding any HomeKit device, although this is all done via the Reagle app. Once complete, you can check in your Home app to see that the lock has now appeared and can be locked and unlocked via the app, or via Siri.

REAGLE APP – IN USE

There are quite a few options in the app; at it’s most basic, you can lock or unlock the door, but you can also add users, who don’t necessarily need to have the Home app on their phone, just the Reagle app. Users can be added via email, or alternatively can be issued with a code created via the app. There are two types of code, which we’ll explain later. The app also has a log of all activity relating to the lock, so it can tell you who accessed the lock, which method they used to lock/unlock the door (Siri, key, keypad, manually etc.). It can even tell you if someone unsuccessfully tried to unlock the door, maybe by entering the wrong code for example.

The Reagle Lock has a few safety features, including one called Lock Down which allows the main user to stop all access to the lock using any previously set up codes. This can be reversed by simply toggling the function off again. The lock can also be set to automatically relock by itself after a user-set amount of time, as well as a feature that also allows the lock to unlock when a user gets within a certain distance of the lock, which is especially handy if you’ve got your hands full of groceries and your iPhone happens to be unreachable. The other options relate to confirmation sounds that are set to ‘on’ by default. These are simple ‘beeps’ that are sounded after the Reagle locks or unlocks. You can disable these confirmation sounds if you wish.

USING THE KEYPAD – REGULAR CODES

This lock has a full, regular lock cylinder along with two keys, but you can also use the keypad using your own code to unlock the door. You can also issue codes to other users on an ongoing (permanent) basis. You can create codes that expire after a certain date or only work at certain times of the day or certain days of the week. This is done by simply creating a 4-7 digit code in the app. Once created, you have the option to make the code permanent, or with restrictions, as outlined earlier. These codes will then be synced with the lock. You can remove or temporarily disable these codes.

USING THE KEYPAD – REAGLE CODES

Reagle codes are different from the regular user-created codes in three ways; firstly, the code is created by the app, not the user. Secondly, the code is always 8 digits in length, as opposed to 4-7 digits for the normal code. Finally, the Reagle Code doesn’t need to be synced with the lock. Aside from that, you get access to all the same options in terms of restrictions for the user and the code. Once the code has been used, it can’t be re-used.

THE KEYPAD

The keypad for the lock serves to be used with the aforementioned codes. First, in order to unlock your door, you need to enter your regular code (each button pressed will result in a confirmation beep sound). You then need to press the ‘Reagle’ button at the top to confirm, before the lock will unlock, which will result in a double beep sound, along with the Reagle button flashing, shortly followed by a final single beep. If you input the code incorrectly, the Reagle button will flash red and beep three times. To lock the door, you only need to press the Reagle button once, will give one beep upon pressing it, followed by another single beep, once the door has been locked. Locking or unlocking the door with the thumb turn, or with the provided keys does not illicit any sound from the lock.

DAY-TO-DAY USE
I have to admit, I was a bit judgemental when I first saw this lock, simply due to the fact I wasn’t so keen on the design, which is of course not how it should be, but initial impressions can make a difference. However, as I’ve already said, this style of lock would certainly not look out of place fitted to many types of door, and so, in the end, it’s just down to personal taste. Putting aesthetics to one side, the lock itself has actually surprised me, firstly with the build quality, and the general reliability of the lock. That said, it is Bluetooth, and as many people have found, Bluetooth can be a bit slow to react initially, and this lock is no exception in that regard. One reason (I assume) so many manufacturers go for Bluetooth with their locks is down to the direct connection between lock and phone, in addition to neither having to rely on a wifi network connection to work, so in that respect, it makes a lot of sense. At the end of the day, a few seconds wait here and there is not a big deal, and if the lock can detect your phone’s Bluetooth signature before you even get to the door, then it probably doesn’t matter at all. Generally, in testing, I found that the lock worked each and every time. There was one instance where the lock wouldn’t respond to me pressing the lock in the Home app, but force-closing the app and reopening it, seemed to solve the problem. In this instance, I can’t blame this on the lock, as other Bluetooth devices (my Eve Button) seemed to be acting sluggishly too, so this is an issue that went beyond the lock, in essence.

SUMMING UP
When it comes to smart locks, they’re not cheap, and they aren’t the kind of thing you’re going to have many of, under normal circumstances, so from a reviewer standpoint it’s not easy to make many comparisons like you might be able to with a smart bulb or smart plug. What I can say is that it left me with the impression that I’d be comfortable in the knowledge that this is a more than decent enough lock for the price, with very good build quality and some really nice functions, so I can’t ask for more really.

The Reagle Smart Lock is available on Amazon.com now, priced at $189.00

Full disclosure: Reagle provided HomeKit News with the Reagle Smart Lock for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was made or requested.

The post Reagle Smart Lock (review) appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

• KEYLESS CONVENIENCE: Operate your smart lock by smartphone or code input via built-in keypad. No more carrying around clunky keys or worrying about losing them.
• SMART ACCESS: Create customized access codes to your door for friends, family or Airbnb guests. Share them within seconds through our Reagle App.
• EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Installs in 10-15 minutes, all you need is a screwdriver. Replaces your existing deadbolt lock and keys.
• REQUIREMENTS: Needs an iOS (11.0 or higher) or Android (5.0 or higher) smartphone and 4 alkaline AA batteries (included). Supported door thickness 1-3/8″ to 2″ (35mm to 51mm)
• PEACE OF MIND: Remotely check the status of your lock, open or close it (requires Gateway). Receive notifications on your phone if the batteries are running low. Two physical keys are included as well for additional redundancy.

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