Aqara is a highly regarded player in the world of smart homes. Good news: the manufacturer unveiled many new products at CES 2023 that you'll love! They've added innovative sensors, smart door locks, video doorbells, and LED strips. Let's take a closer look.
Video Doorbell G4
The Video Doorbell G4 is a new video doorbell, like those now available from many other camera manufacturers. It complements Aqara's indoor cameras: together, these cameras help users keep an eye on their home, family, and visitors anytime, anywhere.
This doorbell offers very flexible installation because it can be battery-powered or hard-wired for continuous power. The manufacturer claims a battery life of 6 months.
Not only does it support HomeKit secure video and local streaming to Amazon and Google smart displays, but it will also work with Matter when the Matter specification for cameras is ready. The Video Doorbell G4 features AI-enabled local facial recognition, which can trigger different automations based on the person.
The device also includes free 7-day cloud storage and optional local storage via microSD card.
This video doorbell is expected to be available in February for around $120.
Smart Lock U100
The Smart Lock U100 is Aqara's first deadbolt lock, offering a secure and convenient home access solution that can be seamlessly integrated into modern smart homes. The U100 is one of the few smart locks on the market to be compatible with HomeKit and support the Home Key feature in Apple Wallet.
Other access authentication options include fingerprints, passwords, the Aqara Home app, NFC cards, and mechanical keys. Based on the Zigbee protocol, the U100 supports Matter via a compatible Aqara hub.
It is expected to be available in the US in the second quarter, priced at around $180. The manufacturer specifies that it is compatible with US locks, but no further information is available for Europe.
FP2 Presence Sensor
The FP2 Presence Sensor is a revolutionary addition to the company's extensive sensor line. Based on millimeter wave (mmWave) radar technology, the FP2 detects human presence even when the person is sitting still. Therefore, it is truly a presence detector, and not just a typical motion detector. It features zoned positioning, allowing users to define different areas in a room, such as the bed, dresser, or sofa. Their presence in each of these individual zones can trigger different automations for a more personalized experience.
Other features include multiple-person detection, fall detection, and a built-in light sensor. This is clearly a sensor that could revolutionize the home automation scenarios we're used to, and could find its place in home care for seniors or people with reduced mobility!
This sensor is powered by USB-C and features a magnetic base so it can be positioned wherever you want.
It should be available during the second quarter for around $60.
T1 LED Strip
The T1 LED Strip is a versatile RGB CCT light strip designed to enrich Aqara users' smart lighting experiences. It produces up to 16 million vibrant colors and tunable white light, and is addressable with gradient effects. HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home are supported, and Matter support via a compatible Aqara hub is expected to be added after launch.
The LED strip is Zigbee-based, which means lower power consumption and a less congested home Wi-Fi network. It also serves as a repeater that enhances the Zigbee network.
A short video demonstration of these products from the manufacturer:
These Aqara devices will be available for purchase in the coming months, with no further details or pricing available. Matter's Arrival Is Getting Closer
In addition, the company also confirmed a new line of Thread-based devices with native Matter support this year, including the P2 Door and Window Sensor and the P2 Motion and Light Sensor, which are expected to arrive in the coming months. As part of ongoing partnerships with Aqara, Google and Samsung showcased these new sensors at their respective booths at CES 2023, along with other Aqara devices, including the M2 Hub, as a Matter Bridge!
Source:
Aqara Press Release
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