Key Takeaways
1. Aqara is enhancing smart home connectivity by supporting over 50 types of Matter-enabled devices and introducing Advanced Matter Bridging for added functionality.
2. The new Advanced Matter Bridging feature allows Aqara devices to interact with third-party platforms, enabling advanced automation and unique functions for devices like the G4 Smart Video Doorbell.
3. Aqara’s Hub M3 is the first Matter Controller launched, facilitating integration with various Matter devices and improving user experience for smart home automation.
4. Users need to update to the latest firmware (version 4.3.4) and Aqara Home app (version 5.1.4) to access new features and ensure smooth operation of Matter devices.
5. Aqara aims to provide broad compatibility with major ecosystems like Apple Home, Google, and Alexa, while addressing limitations in basic features of some devices within the Matter framework.
Aqara is making smart home connectivity better by allowing devices from different brands to work together. However, the speed at which Matter is being adopted has not met industry hopes. To help with this, Aqara is pushing forward with Matter updates, offering compatibility with over 50 types of products. The new Advanced Matter Bridging feature allows Aqara to add its unique functions to other smart home devices.
Compatibility with Major Ecosystems
Aqara already connects with popular smart home systems such as Apple Home, Google, and Alexa. But one challenge with Matter is that some smart devices only get basic features. Aqara is addressing this with Advanced Matter Bridging. For instance, their G4 Smart Video Doorbell can recognize a homeowner and trigger a Nanoleaf light to create a specific scene. This kind of automation was either impossible before or needed extra apps.
New Bridging Features
Aqara’s new bridging capabilities can be found in various Matter controllers, including the Hub M3, which is the first of its kind for Aqara, as well as doorbell and camera hubs. Users need to update their devices to the latest firmware version 4.3.4 and have the newest Aqara Home app to take advantage of these features.
Aqara claims its Matter interoperability includes a vast range of smart home devices. Their functionality goes beyond just turning smart plugs and light bulbs on and off. The hubs can now interact with devices like robot vacuums, fridges, and air conditioners without losing any features. Thanks to improved Matter connectivity, Aqara’s energy-saving features can now benefit more appliances in homes.
Setting Up Matter Devices
In the past, setting up Matter devices was often trickier than expected. However, Aqara’s new upgrades are a positive move toward ensuring that all smart devices work together smoothly.
Advancements in Matter Integration
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aqara, recognized as a leader in IoT, has announced a major step forward in adopting the Matter standard across its ecosystem. The Aqara Home platform is set to support over 50 different types of Matter-enabled devices, simplifying the management and automation of smart home devices in one location. The Advanced Matter Bridging feature, first introduced with the Hub M3, is now available on all Aqara Matter Controllers and bridges, enabling users to connect Aqara’s advanced features with third-party Matter platforms effortlessly.
“Aqara is dedicated to supporting cross-platform interoperability with Matter,” stated Eugene You, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Aqara. “An open ecosystem is crucial for the widespread acceptance of smart home technology. By improving Matter support, we provide users with more flexibility and customization, enhancing their experience across platforms and adding value for customers, no matter which platform they use.”
Growth of Matter Support
“We’ve observed significant growth and momentum for Matter, partly thanks to leading brands like Aqara, who are making the consumer experience easier,” said Tobin Richardson, President & CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance. “Aqara’s expansion of Matter support across their hub and bridge products, along with increasing Matter device compatibility on their platform, reflects our shared vision for a straightforward, interoperable, and powerful smart home future. We commend Aqara’s team for reaching this remarkable milestone.”
Advanced Functionality with Bridging
Interoperability has been a key focus for Aqara’s product design. For years, they’ve collaborated with major platforms including Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, Homey, and SmartThings to ensure smooth compatibility and a better user experience.
As a supporter of the industry-wide Matter standard, Aqara has integrated Matter compatibility into its wide range of products, including its classic Zigbee devices. To improve connectivity among Thread-enabled devices, Aqara has updated its Thread Border Routers to share Thread networks, enabling them to connect with existing networks from other ecosystems. Additionally, Aqara Thread Border Routers will be enhanced to facilitate communication across different local area networks (LANs), significantly increasing the reliability of the smart home experience.
New Feature for Enhanced Flexibility
To give users more freedom, the company has launched an innovative feature — Advanced Matter Bridging — with its Hub M3. This feature allows for bridging Aqara’s unique functionalities to third-party Matter platforms. Users can convert customized Scenes and Signals created in the Aqara Home app into virtual plugs and occupancy sensors, which can then sync with other platforms via Matter. This means users can bridge advanced functionalities, like AI detection in Aqara cameras and fall detection in the FP2, which were previously limited to Aqara devices. Moreover, users can access advanced automation features, such as power automation that activates different actions based on a device’s real-time power usage.
The Advanced Matter Bridging feature is available for all existing and future Aqara Matter Controllers, including the Hub M3, Camera Hub G5 Pro, Hub M100, and Doorbell Camera Hub G410, as well as older Matter bridges like Hub M2, Hub M1S/M1S Gen 2, Hub E1, and Camera Hub G3. This ensures that more users can take full advantage of their smart home capabilities, no matter which Matter platform they choose.
This feature is accessible via Aqara’s current lineup of Matter Controllers and bridges with firmware version 4.3.4. Users must have Aqara Home version 5.1.4 or later to utilize this feature.
Broadening Device Integration
With the launch of its first Matter Controller, the Hub M3, Aqara has opened its Home platform to integrate third-party Matter devices, facilitating advanced home automation.
Supporting over 50 different types of Matter-enabled devices, Aqara now offers one of the widest levels of Matter interoperability available. This update allows consumers to connect and control the smart devices they already own while ensuring that Aqara Home is prepared for the future with ongoing support for both current and new products.
New Matter devices that Aqara Home now supports include:
– Robotic Vacuums
– Dimmable Plugs
– Smoke and CO Alarms
– Air Quality Sensors
– Leak, Freeze, and Rain Sensors
– Curtains and Shades
– Fans and Air Purifiers
– Air Conditions and Heat Pumps
– Water Valves and Pumps
– Pressure Sensors
– Solar Panels and Battery Storage
– Vehicle Chargers
– Laundry Washers and Dryers
– Refrigerators
– Cooktops, Hoods, and Surfaces
– Ovens and Stoves
– Water Heaters
– Video Players and Speakers
Additional Matter device types will be included in Aqara Home version 5.1.9 and firmware version 4.3.5 for the Matter Controllers, with updates expected to be released later this month.
For further details about the latest updates, please visit our website.
Note that Aqara Thread Border Routers might not connect to some existing Thread networks due to limitations within certain Matter ecosystems. Thread communication across LANs is currently in development, with expected availability in Q2 2025.*