5 new Matter products at Aqara!

Aqara has become a key player in home automation in recent years, particularly when it comes to ZigBee devices. The manufacturer offers a wide catalog and is expanding it further with new Matter-compatible devices. This is a standard that all manufacturers want to adhere to, as it promises to be the future of home automation!

Aqara had already announced the arrival of several Matter-compatible devices at CES in Las Vegas earlier this year. They could, of course, be found at the IFA booth: Some are already available for purchase:

But Aqara was showcasing new Matter products at IFA.

2-Channel Relay T2 Module

The first module highlighted is a two-relay micro module, naturally running on ZigBee. Its two relays can be used to control numerous devices: lights, electric shutters, garage doors, gates, boilers, etc.

It can be powered by AC (100-250V) or DC (24-60V) and can handle up to 10A of power per channel. In terms of safety, it features overheating and overload protection, and configurable power limits.

Note that it also allows you to monitor device energy consumption.

It supports Matter-over-bridge, meaning it is Matter-compatible via the gateway.

One last interesting detail: it has a bracket for easy integration into an electrical panel, thanks to its DIN rail format.

This module should be available by the end of September.

European wall socket

It's possible to control an outlet by inserting a micro module externally, or by using a smart plug inserted between the wall outlet and the device to be controlled. But the best thing is to have a wall outlet with built-in connectivity. This is the case with this new Aqara wall outlet, in Shuko format, which is installed like any other wall outlet. Except that this model communicates directly via ZigBee.

Once installed, it allows you to control the devices connected to it via your home automation system or a voice assistant. It also allows you to track the energy consumption of the devices connected to it. With this information, it can trigger actions based on the device's status: for example, if it detects that the TV area is on, it can automatically dim the lights; or alert the user when the washing machine is finished.

Finally, it serves as a ZigBee repeater within the home. Ceiling Light T1M

Aqara is also expanding its lighting range with the Ciling Light T1M ceiling light. Measuring 50cm in diameter, it offers a wide range of 16 million possible colors, as well as a warm white to cool white setting.

In addition to the main lighting, it features a separately controllable RGB ring, which can be used to create gradients or communicate information. A red ring could signal an anomaly, a yellow ring on yellow bin day, etc.

Like previous products, it communicates via ZigBee and is Matter compatible via the gateway. It will be available in October.

Smart Lock U200

Smart locks have become a very useful and in-demand device, and integration with Matter will only help them become more widespread. We've seen that Nuki is already in the running, but Aqara will also offer its own Matter-compatible smart lock model, thanks to Thread.

The U200 model installs on all existing cylinders and requires no installation. It can be controlled in a variety of ways:

mobile app

PIN code

• fingerprints
• NFC cards
• or even automatic unlocking
• This U200 Smart Lock will, however, be the subject of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter later this year.
• E1 Camera

Aqara is expanding its camera range with this new E1 indoor model, featuring a 2K lens and motorization for a 360° view of the environment.

Bluetooth 5.2 allows for easier pairing, and Wi-Fi 6 for smoother live viewing. Compatible with most platforms like Apple Home (Homekit Secure Video compatible), Alexa, and Google, it also features AI-assisted person detection and tracking.

Storage can be on a microSD card, in the cloud, or on a NAS, which offers a wide range of possibilities.

We'll of course talk more about these products as soon as they're available!