Aqara Releases Hub M3 to Global Markets
May 08 2024 - 3:00AM
Business Wire
Aqara, a leading provider of smart home products, announced the
global availability of its next-generation Matter hub, the Hub M3.
Designed with a focus on edge computing, the M3 prioritizes privacy
and local automation capabilities that can operate independently of
internet connection or even the hub itself1. Thanks to the
versatile connectivity built-in, it seamlessly integrates Aqara
accessories, infrared-compatible gadgets and a number of
third-party Matter devices, making it a central point for smart
home automation while ensuring privacy and easy setup.
“Aqara is committed to creating the ultimate smart home
experience that continuously adapts to users’ evolving needs,” said
Cathy You, Aqara Senior Vice President of Global Business and
Strategy. “The Hub M3's edge computing capabilities will provide
users with an added layer of stability and safety, while its Matter
compatibility will significantly enhance interoperability and
choice for users."
Debuted at CES in January, the M3 stands out as an Edge Hub by
enabling not only data privacy through end-to-end encrypted, local
storage but also advanced, local automation capabilities. For Aqara
users who already own an Aqara Zigbee hub, deploying a Hub M3
further strengthens the robustness of their smart home networks.
Moreover, it enables more local automations between Aqara devices.
Once added to the network, the M3 takes a lead over other Aqara
Zigbee hubs and Wi-Fi devices, and allows automation between these
devices to execute on the Edge instead of over the cloud, ensures
continued functionality during internet or cloud service
disruptions2. The Hub M3 also allows select Aqara Zigbee devices
with Repeater functionality to act as a proxy hub and execute
automations in the absence of M3. Upcoming Aqara Thread devices
with Mesh Extender functionality are expected to support device
binding via the M3.
As the latest evolution in Aqara’s lineup of smart home control
centers, the M3 supports multiple protocols including Thread,
Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared (IR), making it a
comprehensive hub for smart home management. It connects and
manages the lineup of classic Aqara Zigbee devices, serving as a
Matter bridge3. Thanks to the 360° IR blaster, the new hub
optimizes control of IR-enabled devices by syncing their status
directly with Aqara Home whenever an IR remote is utilized.
Moreover, the M3 integrates the latest Aqara Thread devices as well
as select Matter-compatible devices from third-party brands to
Aqara Home4. This means that users can connect and manage devices
from different brands and ecosystems within the Aqara Home app to
ensure maximum flexibility and compatibility.
Other enhancements of the Hub M3 include:
- Matter bridge for infrared AC units: It can integrate an
infrared-compatible air conditioning unit or air-to-air heat pump
to Matter, allowing for AC control and automation via
Matter-enabled platforms5.
- Seamless group migration: Users can easily migrate
bridged device from older Aqara hubs to the M32, ensuring
continuity of Aqara Home settings and automations without the need
to reconfigure each device.
- Enhanced internet connectivity: The M3 features
dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) with WPA3 security as well as a
PoE-enabled port, offering enhanced stability and flexibility.
- Powerful speaker: The 95dB speaker built-in can be used
for home security alerts and custom announcements.
The Hub M3 is now available at Aqara’s Amazon brand stores
throughout North America (US, Canada), Europe (France, Germany,
Italy, Poland, Spain, UK) and Asia (Japan), as well as through
select Aqara retailers worldwide.
For more information on the M3, please visit our website.
1. Some Aqara Home automation may require Internet and cloud
service to function, for example, automations involve push
notifications and location services (e.g., geofencing, local
weather, sunrise/sunset). 2. Edge automation and group migration
are not supported by the original Aqara Hub and Camera Hub G2H. 3.
Not all Aqara Zigbee devices can be bridged to Matter. 4.
Third-party Matter device support is limited to select brands and
device types by the time of M3 launch. 5. The functionality of
infrared AC units may vary depending on each particular
Matter-enabled platform. Each M3 hub can bridge one infrared AC
unit to Matter.
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