At this year’s IFA conference in Berlin, Germany (Sept.6-10), smart home device manufacturer Aqara is introducing a number of new smart home products and smart home capabilities.
Aqara was founded in 2009 and now sells products in more than 170 countries and has over 12 million active users of its products. They are committed to creating holistic, personalized smart home experiences that is accessible to everyone.
Camera Hub G5 Pro
The Camera Hub G5 Pro is Aqara’s first outdoor surveillance camera. It comes in both PoE (Power over Ethernet) and Wi-Fi versions. This 4MP camera offers True Color Night Vision and uses AI to identify faces, vehicles, pets, and packages.
The camera ensures privacy with end-to-end encryption for live and recorded videos. It has built-in eMMC storage that can sync with cloud services and local NAS servers. It works with major smart home platforms like Apple Home (including HomeKit Secure Video), Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. Additionally, it supports RTSP for streaming to NVRs and video servers. The camera also includes a Zigbee 3.0 hub for added connectivity.
Garage Door Controller T2 Kit
The Garage Door Controller T2 Kit lets you control up to two garage doors. It allows you to open or close the garage doors using geofencing (which opens the door when you are nearby), voice commands, mobile apps, and automated routines. The wireless sensor provides real-time updates on whether the garage door is open or closed.
Related: Aqara Introduces Entry-Level Smart Deadbolt Lock
The Garage Door Controller T2 Kit is compatible with any motorized garage door opener that has a contact closure input for the wall-mounted open/close button.
The kit works with Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home, and other Matter-enabled systems through a compatible Aqara hub. It also integrates smoothly with other smart devices from Aqara and third-party brands.
Valve Controller T1
The Valve Controller T1 works with leak detectors, like Aqara’s Water Leak Sensor, to automatically turn off your water or gas if there’s a leak or flood. This helps protect your home even when you’re not there.
The Valve Controller T1 is a motorized valve operator that fits lever and butterfly handle valves on ½”, ¾”, and 1” pipes. It is designed to be easy to install without needing to change your pipes or do any rewiring, making it a good choice for DIY projects.
LED Bulb T2
The LED Bulb T2 is available in both RGB and correlated color temperature (CCT) models. The RGB version offers 16 million colors while the CCE version offers a wide range of tunable white values from 2000 to 9000 kelvin. The bulb is equipped with both Thread and Zigbee communications and is available in both Edison E26 and GU10 twist lock bases.
Advanced Matter Bridging
Aqara is adding a new Advanced Matter Bridging capability to their Hub M3. This new feature allows users to sync any conditions (“IF”) and actions (“THEN”) in the Aqara Home app to other third-party Matter ecosystems. This allows users to create more sophisticated smart home automations.
Home Assistant Partnership
Aqara has announced its participation in the Work with Home Assistant program providing integration of its products with the Home Assistant smart home platform. The first Aqara devices that have been certified include the Hub M3, Smart Lock U200, and Motion and Light Sensor P2. More Aqara products are expected to receive certifications in the next months.
Tesla EV Integration
Aqara has announced the integration of Tesla electrical vehicles (EVs) into Aqara Home automations. This allows users to automate their EVs or to integrate them into smart home routines. For example, a Tesla EV can be charged during off-peak hours when the electricity rates are lower or the in-car air conditioning started a few minutes before the homeowners are scheduled to leave for work.
Voice Mate H1
The Voice Mate H1 makes controlling an Aqara smart home system easier by letting people use voice commands without the need for a smart phone or a third-party voice assistant.
The Voice Mate H1 is a small, battery-powered device that works with the Aqara Hub M3 and has a built-in microphone for talking to the Aqara Copilot AI service. Unlike other voice assistants that are always listening, the Voice Mate H1 stays off until you pick it up. This assures a family’s privacy is maintained.
