Latest news with #Aqara
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
Does Dad Like Tinkering? He'll Love These 5 Smart Home Gifts
If you're still looking for a great Father's Day gift -- and I know it can be hard sometimes -- smart home tech is a perfect place to start. If you know a father who loves to tinker away, work on hobbies, mess around with tech or generally experiment with things around the house, I've got give five ideal gifts he'll love to set up and solve problems only a dad could find. Aqara Protect Kit Aqara's mini system is great for watching over small spaces. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This tiny, standalone security system is perfect for a one-person setup to guard something they love. It comes with a central 2K indoor camera hub and three very small sensors to stick to any surface. There's a motion sensor, a vibration sensor, and an open/shut sensor, all which tie back into the camera and Aqara app for updates. The camera can sense motion and even gestures, among other AI tricks. This system is probably too small for a whole house but it's the perfect size for Dad's study, gaming room, closet or garage where he has things he may want to keep watch over. SwitchBot Air Quality Sensor Meter Pro SwitchBot's air quality monitor is the cheapest way we've found to watch air quality in your home. SwitchBot This air quality sensor is as easy as they come: Take it out, pull the battery tab, and it starts sensing humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide levels and more, wherever you put it. You can control and fine-tune settings with the app or monitor it from a distance, but it's not really necessary for on-the-spot readings. Dad can take this sensor everywhere to monitor temperatures in places that may be too hot or cold, narrow down where an AC or air purifier could do the best work, or pinpoint an air quality problem that's been irking him. Arlo Cam Essential Gen-2 Arlo's Essential model includes many great Arlo features at a more affordable price. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This outdoor-friendly security camera isn't just a way to keep an eye on the yard and barbecue. With an $8 Arlo subscription, it unlocks powerful AI recognition features that can do everything from recognize gunshots to learn specific objects and whether they suddenly appear or disappear. It's a great cam for both security and techy dads who like to play around with the latest features and see what devices can really do. Plus, dad can add a solar panel to this Arlo wireless cam so he never needs to worry about bringing it back in for charging. Emporia Smart Plug Emporia's smart plug let's you manage minute details of energy use. Tyler Lacoma/CNET If your dad loves saving money and tracking how home appliances are functioning, this is the smart plug for him. This plug comes with full energy management so users can see exactly how much electricity it's using over time. It allows detailed scheduling, or automated peak hour scheduling so it turns devices off when electricity is the most expensive. That makes it great for dads who are always telling you to turn off the lights. Amazon Echo Show 15 Widgets display on the home screen of the Echo Show 15 as a panel that swipes out from the side. Chris Monroe/CNET Dad can mount this large 15-inch Show smart display on his wall (or on a nearby counter) and get a hub to control all Alexa-connected smart devices, from looking through security cams to telling Alexa to turn up a connected thermostat or play his favorite band. It can also record and display reminders, give weather updates and show live sports clips. Users can even set up home screen widgets to keep an eye on specific data or one-touch app access, depending on what they like. And dad may also appreciate the built-in Fire TV capabilities if he's a Prime user and wants to stream a show. For more info on excellent smart home picks, take a look at the cheap home products our editors are still using, the best smart home devices, and the best smart gifts for renters.
Business Wire
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Aqara and A-OK Partner to Deliver Matter-Enabled Motorized Shading Solutions to Global Market
SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqara, a global leader in IoT innovation, is proud to announce its partnership with A-OK, a specialized manufacturer of motorized window covering systems, to introduce a comprehensive lineup of Matter-certified smart shades — for both indoor and outdoor use — to the global market. This collaboration blends Aqara's expertise in smart home technology with A-OK's innovation in automated home closure systems, offering consumers stylish and truly intelligent sun shading solutions. Aqara and A-OK are poised to showcase these Matter-enabled smart shading solutions at the R+T Asia trade show in Shanghai, China, from May 26 to May 28, 2025. This collaboration blends Aqara's expertise in smart home technology with A-OK's innovation in automated home closure systems, offering consumers stylish and truly intelligent sun shading solutions. Share As Aqara continues to expand its presence across both consumer and vertical markets, the partnership with A-OK underscores the company's ability to deliver scalable, interoperable, and forward-thinking IoT solutions for a variety of smart home applications. This collaboration builds on A-OK's decades of experience in motorized shading and Aqara's deep expertise in connectivity and automation. Both companies share a commitment to fostering an open and interoperable smart home ecosystem, which ultimately enhances convenience and choice for users. 'Aqara is thrilled to empower A-OK with advanced, future-proof connectivity across their extensive product portfolio through Matter,' said Cathy You, Senior Vice President of Global Business and Strategy at Aqara. 'This collaboration reflects our dedication to accelerating smart home adoption and expanding options for consumers, both within the Aqara ecosystem and beyond. It also opens new opportunities for Aqara. We are excited to continue leveraging our smart home tech expertise to help our partners deliver the next-gen products and experiences with superior interoperability.' As part of the ongoing partnership, A-OK is set to integrate Aqara's multi-protocol module into its extensive range of motorized shades, ensuring that the shades support the latest Matter standard for seamless and future-proof interoperability with smart devices across different brands and platforms. The full range of A-OK products that will be Matter-enabled through Aqara's integration includes: Awnings Curtains External Venetian Blinds (EVB) Interior Blinds Pergolas Roller Shutters Zig Screen Blinds Targeting both professional and consumer markets, A-OK's motorized shading solutions are designed to enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and home aesthetics. By integrating Aqara's module solution, A-OK shades offer more intuitive control for end users, whether it's through mobile apps, voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri), and various smart controllers including panels, dials, and buttons. Furthermore, their compatibility with Matter-enabled ecosystems — such as Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and SmartThings — ensures seamless integration with other smart devices. This opens up possibilities for creating personalized automations, scenes and routines, delivering the fully connected home experience. For example, by integrating with sensors, these shades can be automated to open or close based on temperature, ambient light levels, or room occupancy. This contributes to improved indoor climate regulation, glare reduction, and enhanced privacy control. Users can also create personalized routines, such as a 'movie night' scene, where the TV turns on, the lights dim, and the shades close. Additionally, Aqara is collaborating with A-OK on the development of a proprietary mobile app for A-OK users, further enhancing the overall experience. For inquiry about partnership opportunities with Aqara, please visit our website.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘MEA is a rapidly growing market for smart home technologies'
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is emerging as a rapidly growing market for smart home technologies, driven by increasing consumer demand for security, energy efficiency and intelligent living solutions. With a growing tech-savvy population, rapid urbanisation, and an increasing focus on sustainability, the region is becoming a key hub for innovation in IoT and smart living solutions. 'In the GCC alone, the smart home market is projected to grow to $6.72 billion by 2033 from $2.69 billion in 2024,' said a senior executive of an ADGM-registered venture capital firm, quoting a research report. 'The growth is propelled by the rise in home automation, AI-driven security solutions, IoT devices, and energy-efficient products,' said Leenong Li, partner and senior executive officer of Joy Global, an ADGM-registered venture capital firm. Chinese smart home technology company Aqara has tied up with JST (Joy Smart Technology) to bring smart home technologies to the UAE and the first smart home showroom in the MENA region was opened at Abu Dhabi's Galleria Al Maryah Island. Spanning 110 square metres, Aqara's new showroom offers a comprehensive, end-to-end smart home experience. Joy Smart Technology is a joint venture between Joy Global Ltd., a venture capital fund, and Aqara, a global leader and pioneer in IoT. Joy Global Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary and the international arm of Joy Capital. Joy Capital is a China-based VC firm which invested over $2 billion in nearly 100 startups. The showroom launch marks a step in the company's global expansion strategy, aimed at increasing its footprint in emerging markets with a growing interest in smart home solutions. The new showroom features a demo of Aqara Studio, a customizable IoT platform, integrating device networking, smart management, intuitive visualization programming, and seamless building operations into one solution. Additionally, it presents security and surveillance concepts for households with elderly family members or young children. 'The Aqara products and solutions represent the accumulation of relentless R&D pursuit over the past 16 years, with thousands of technology patents developed, in the field of smart living technology development,' said Eugene You, founder CEO and Chairman of Aqara 'The establishment of JST and this Aqara showroom actually exemplify our conviction of best technology must be localized and fit into local economic and social development goals, in order to generate tangible consumer experiences and sustainable social benefits,' said Leenong Li. 'JST has achieved several significant commercialisation milestones, including installing smart home technologies in over 400 new villas. This year, we are also set to begin the delivery of 30,000 smart gas meters in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing our commitment to providing comprehensive smart home solutions,' he said. (Reporting by Bhaskar Raj; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Khaleej Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Smart home solutions gaining traction in the Middle East
Joy Smart Technology (JST), an ADGM incorporated technology company, recently launched its flagship Smart Home Experience Store dedicated to offering the state of the art, localized, and energy efficient intelligent home/office technologies to MEA. Joy Smart Technology is a joint venture between Joy Global Ltd., a venture capital fund, and Aqara, a global leader and pioneer in IoT. This state-of-the-art showroom at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi allows visitors to experience with the latest intelligent technologies in lighting, climate control, security systems, and fully automated living experience. Consumers can experience firsthand the world-class smart home products and services. The showroom also features a demo of Aqara Studio, a customizable IoT platform - integrating device networking, smart management, intuitive visualization programming, and seamless building operations into one solution. 'Abu Dhabi's visionary leadership, thriving economy, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal gateway for Aqara's MENA expansion. The UAE's focus on smart city initiatives, combined with a tech-savvy population, aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver energy-efficient, intelligent living solutions. Additionally, partnerships with ADGM and ADIO provided a supportive ecosystem to localize our offerings and accelerate impact,' said Dr. Eugene You, founder/CEO/Chairman of Aqara. MENA is a catalyst for global innovation, You said. 'The region's rapid adoption of smart technologies, coupled with unique climate challenges, drives us to refine solutions that can scale worldwide. Success here—such as energy savings in villa projects—will set benchmarks for other markets. This showroom is just the first step in establishing MENA as a model for intelligent living' he added. Through Aqara's joint venture JST, the company tailored solutions for the region—from Arabic-language support to products designed for high temperatures. 'For example, our smart meters align with local utility initiatives, and security systems account for regional architectural styles. Localization isn't just about language; it's about adapting to lifestyles and infrastructure,' You said. In just one year, JST has achieved several significant commercialization milestones, including the enable smart home in over 400 new villas. This year, the company is set to begin the delivery of 30,000 smart gas meters in Abu Dhabi. 'The establishment of JST and this Aqara showroom actually exemplify our conviction of best technology must be localized and fit into local economic and social development goals, in order to generate tangible consumer experiences and sustainable social benefits,' said Mr. Leenong Li, partner and senior executive officer of Joy Global, an ADGM-registered venture capital firm. Aqara has collaborated with ADGM-registered entities like Joy Global and local authorities to ensure compliance and quality. 'Beyond that, our showroom demystifies technology—letting customers touch, test, and ask questions. Post-purchase support, including localized service teams, further cements long-term trust,' You said. The Galleria Mall was chosen as 'its strategic location on Al Maryah Island, a hub for business and lifestyle, allows us to engage with homeowners, developers, and trade professionals—all key audiences for Aqara's ecosystem. This visibility reinforces our commitment to accessibility and excellence', You said. Aqara plans to expand its retail footprint with more experience centers, deepen B2B collaborations with developers, and launch region-specific products. 'Education is also key—through workshops for trade professionals and community initiatives to demystify smart living. Ultimately, we aim to make Aqara synonymous with intelligent, sustainable homes across MENA,' You said.
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Forbes
Aqara Hub M100: Budget-Friendly Ticket To The Matter Smart Home Party
The new Aqara Hub M100 The Aqara Hub M100, first announced back at CES 2025 in January, is now available, offering a cheaper way than ever to get started with a Matter smart home. For less than $20, the M100 gives you an easy and affordable way into the Matter ecosystem, and can also be the starting point of your Aqara smart home journey. The Chinese smart home specialist has really made a name for itself in the past couple of years and is often the brand I often recommend people to turn to when they ask how to start out with home automation. The Hub M100, which is now officially available via Aqara's Amazon store and its own website, supports both Zigbee and Thread - 20 devices of each, simultaneously - and also works as a Matter controller, Thread border router, and a Matter bridge. That means you can use it to tie together your Aqara kit and it will also play nicely with third-party Matter and Thread gear, like Eve lights or smart locks from brands like Level. It's a budget-friendly gateway to smart home sanity, especially if you're just getting started or want to upgrade without spending M3-level money (Aqara's flagship hub, which costs $130). It plugs straight into a USB-A port can also be used to extend an existing Thread or (Aqara) Zigbee mesh network. And while it doesn't bring the higher-end features of the flagship M3 (no IR blasting or Edge computing smarts here), it does support Aqara's new Advanced Matter Bridging. That means automations you build inside the Aqara Home app - like starting a robot vacuum or reacting to facial recognition from a camera - can now trigger events in other Matter platforms, including HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Home. Aqara W100 sensor now available Also now available is the Aqara Climate Sensor W100 ($39.99, above), which brings a few more tricks to the table than your average temp sensor. With a 3.4-inch screen and three programmable buttons, it's not just for monitoring; it's for control. The display gives you at-a-glance temp and humidity readings, while the buttons can be set up to toggle scenes or control HVAC systems. Dual-protocol support (Thread and Zigbee) means you can choose between native Matter integration or deeper Aqara-specific features. So you could stick with Thread if you're building a Matter-based setup, or switch to Zigbee to unlock extras like remote thermostat control or viewing climate data on the W100 screen. Battery life is an impressive 28 months on a pair of CR2450 cell batteries. Aqara is also now bundling up its Camera Hub G3, along with a Door & Window Sensor, Motion Sensor P1, and a Vibration Sensor T1 to form the Camera Protect Kit Y100 starter kit.
