The Connectivity Standards Alliance has released Matter 1.5, the latest version of the smart home interoperability standard that finally adds support for security cameras alongside new device categories and energy management features. This update arrives after two maintenance releases earlier this year that focused on testing and certification improvements. Camera Support Finally Arrives After being…
Recently, SwitchBot launched several new Matter-enabled lighting products, including an RGBICWW floor lamp, strip light, and neon wire rope light, which are all fairly standard products in the world of smart lighting. The one product that stood out was the Candle Warmer Lamp. Yes, that’s a lamp that warms candles instead of lighting them, which then…
Following on from my review of the outstanding SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo, I have also been reviewing the new SwitchBot Hub 3, which is what the Lock Ultra is paired to. This hub has some significant upgrades compared to the SwitchBot Hub 2 and will be appealing to anyone who integrates SwitchBot into a…
Aqara has introduced three new products aimed at simplifying home automation and enhancing security and comfort. The Hub M100, Camera Protect Kit Y100, and Climate Sensor W100 are designed to cater to both entry-level users and experienced enthusiasts, providing compatibility with major smart home ecosystems and focusing on ease of use, reliability, and flexibility. Related…
Aqara recently released several new exciting products in the EU market, including the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus, Touchscreen Dial V1 and Light Switch H2. The last product I have to review is the Aqara Display Switch V1 EU, which is a is a dual-channel neutral wall switch featuring four physical buttons and a 2.08-inch…
The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus EU has arrived, promising to transform how we interact with our smart homes. This wall-mounted control panel combines a touchscreen interface with physical switches, aiming to provide a centralised command centre for Aqara’s ecosystem and beyond. As smart home technology continues to evolve, devices like the S1 Plus seek…
Aqara recently announced its first outdoor camera, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro, which is available in WiFi and PoE versions. As the name suggests, this is not just a camera but also a Zigbee and Open Thread Border Router with Matter support. The camera uses a graphene-cooled 1/1.8” sensor with an f/1.0 aperture, which…
I have been a big fan of smart home heating since the launch of Tado. I switched from the original Tado system to Heat Genius, now Genius Hub, as they were the first company to offer smart radiator valves. Living in a relatively large 100-year-old four-bed semi up north inevitably means our home is cold…
I have previously reviewed the excellent but very expensive Luxaflex PowerView Smart Home Blinds and the affordable Aqara Roller Shade Driver E1. SmartWings are another popular option and sit somewhere in the middle in terms of price, quality and features. Unlike the Luxaflex, these are self-install options, so you need to measure everything yourself and…
Following on from my review of the superb Aqara Smart Lock U200, I have been checking out the SwitchBot Lock Pro. This smart lock shares many of the features of the Aqara while being considerably more affordable, but how does it perform in comparison? Related Content Specification Features Comparison with Aqara Smart Lock U200 When…
I have previously been impressed with the range of Meross smart devices, including the Meross MSP843P Smart Fast Charging Power Strip, MSP843P Smart Fast Charging Power Strip and Smart Temperature and Humidity Sensor. Last year, Meross launched the new MSS315 mini smart plug, which is one of their first Matter-enabled plugs which allows you to…
Yesterday, Tado announced the upcoming launch of its new Tado X range of products in the UK this September. The company aims to make smart heating more accessible to households across the country with its simplified setup, user-friendly features, and seamless integration with other smart home devices, thanks to the inclusion of Matter and Thread support. Related Articles The Tado X Product Range The full range of…
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