Aqara has launched the Aqara Hub M3, a multi-protocol Matter controller with edge capabilities. The Hub M3 expands the Aqara ecosystem by enabling the connection and management of a growing number of Matter devices from Aqara and other brands.
The Hub M3 is designed to be the cornerstone of Aqara’s Matter-enabled smart home ecosystem. It supports a wide range of wireless communication protocols, including Zigbee 3.0, Thread, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and infrared (IR). This multi-protocol support allows users to integrate third-party Matter devices into the Aqara Home automation ecosystem, creating a unified and comprehensive smart home experience.
The Hub M3 also supports both 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi and includes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection for extra flexibility and stability.
One of the key features of the Hub M3 is its edge capabilities, which enable local control and automation. The hub’s substantial eMMC storage allows for local, end-to-end encrypted data storage and locally processed automation. This reduces system latency and minimizes reliance on cloud services, ensuring continuous control of the Aqara system even during cloud service or internet outages.
In the future, the Aqara app will be able connect locally to the Hub M3 during an outage; it will be added in a firmware update to the Hub M3.
Also planned for a future firmware release, the Hub M3 will offer dynamic leadership and automatic backup capabilities. For example, when an extra Hub M3 is deployed to the network, automations can be automatically mirrored, preparing the new hub to take over the network if the leading M3 fails. Additionally, the Hub M3 will eventually support binding between Aqara Thread devices, allowing some automations to remain functional even without a hub.
Other notable features of the Hub M3 include a two-way, 360-degree IR blaster, the ability to function as an AC thermostat when connected to an Aqara temperature sensor, and enhanced functionalities for Aqara devices. The IR blaster can also detect when commands are sent to an IR-controlled device using the device’s own remote control and leverage this information in its own control of the device.
The hub also features a 95dB speaker that can be used as a siren for the Aqara Home Alert System or for custom voice announcements.
Aqara has emphasized the M3 hub’s focus on privacy, noting its intentional lack of a camera or microphone. The hub also supports local, end-to-end encrypted storage of device logs and user data, ensuring that home events remain private.
The Aqara Hub M3 offers more than the usual range of services provided by professional smart home processors in that it boasts local processing that allows for continuous operation during an internet outage, the ability to integrate third-party smart home devices, and failover to a secondary Hub M3 in the event that the primary Hub M3 fails.
Aqara sent me a pre-release version of the Hub M3 to test. The Hub M3 was easy to setup. I simply plugged it in using a power supply and USB-C cable (not included) and scanned the QR Code on the Hub M3 using the Aqara app. I then connected it to my home’s Wi-Fi network. The Aqara app walks you through the process and, in this case, it was assisted by voice prompts from the Hub M3’s speaker.
After updating the firmware on the Hub M3, I was able to easily connect the Hub M3 to Apple Home through Matter as a bridge. With this done, the Aqara app walked through adding an Aqara Smart Plug and Wireless Mini Switch that were connected to the Hub M3 for testing as devices in Apple Home.
I also tried the Hub M3’s ability to integrate third-party, Matter compatible devices into the Aqara ecosystem. However, what I discovered is that there are only a few Matter-compatible devices that can be integrated at the product’s launch. Support for additional third-party devices will be added over time. Currently only the following third-party devices are supported: single-color, CCT and RGB CCT lights from Philips Hue, connected via the Hue Bridge; electrical switches and dimmers from Leviton; and thermostats from Google Nest.
I also worked with the Hub’s IR blaster, adding control of my TV to the Aqara app. That worked well, but I do wish that the Hub M3 included support for wired IR emitters so the Hub M3 could be hidden in an equipment closet instead of needing to be placed within sight lines of IR-controlled devices in a home.
Overall, the Aqara Hub M3 represents a significant step forward in the company’s smart home ecosystem. It is a versatile and powerful Matter controller with edge capabilities and enhanced privacy features. While users will have to wait for some features to be released in future firmware updates, the capabilities available today and those promised for the future, make this a serious contender when choosing a smart home hub for a home.
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