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The Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is the third product Aqara has launched that has native Matter help which is achieved by the thread protocol.
It joins the Door and Window Sensor P2 and the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2.
I’m undecided why they launched this after the opposite two, as I really feel it’s one of many extra helpful sensors you possibly can personal, however I’m glad they’ve lastly launched it.
Specification / Options
- Native Matter Help: With the arrival of the Matter period, customers not want to fret about totally different ecosystems and technical protocols, and solely want a Matter app, Matter-compatible Thread Border Router and Matter Controller. Because of this connections throughout ecosystems and platforms change into easier and simpler.
- Unbiased Gentle Sensor: P2 encompasses a built-in mild sensor to watch space illumination ranges, with a detection vary of 0-1500lux. It may well regulate the brightness and temperature of lighting based mostly on totally different mild ranges all through the day.
- Excessive-Precision and Large Angle: Discover P2 that includes a Large Viewing Angle, with a 170° detection angle and as much as 7 m (extendable to 10 m with Aqara Residence) vary utilizing PIR Tech. Features a 360-degree adjustable stand for exact movement detection in focused areas.
- Regionally Handy and Vitality-Environment friendly: Saving vitality is not a problem or effort. Let P2 effortlessly and swiftly make changes and automate duties. For instance, it mechanically activates lights and exhaust followers within the toilet upon detecting somebody, and switches them off when nobody is current. No extra worries about inadvertently leaving residence vitality sources on.
- Native and Distant Alarm: Place the Aqara Movement & Gentle Sensor P2 in key areas at residence to assist detect and monitor anomalies. Obtain alerts by way of app or speaker, and hyperlink with different sensible merchandise to create a extra complete safety setup.
- Simple to Set up and Place In all places: The sensor contains an adjustable stand for straightforward wall, ceiling, or horizontal set up, permitting exact P2 positioning for particular space monitoring, like over a desktop. The Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is powered by a CR2450 Lithium battery, which makes its battery life one of many longest amongst Matter over Thread sensors.
- Unique Options of Aqara Residence: After connecting the P2 to the Hub M3 and integrating it with the Aqara Residence app (iOS/Android), it is going to achieve enhanced functionalities. These embody improved automations, customisable detection timeout and sensitivity settings, movement indication, a neighborhood alert system, and extra.
Integrating with Residence Assistant and SkyConnect
Much like all of the Matter-based units I’ve tried to combine with Residence Assistant, I had some points getting the P2 to attach.
Aqara initially suggested me that it is because it makes use of Bluetooth for the onboarding course of. The actual fact is that it persistently occurs with Residence Assistant and SkyConnect however not as a lot with the Google Nest WiFi Professional, indicating the issue is the SkyConnect and never any of the Aqara units or different Matter-enabled units.
As soon as I bought the sensor so as to add to Residence Assistant, every little thing labored as anticipated, and the sensor offered illuminance and occupancy info in addition to battery life diagnostics.
Integrating with SmartThings / Google Residence
When inserting the P2 sensor into pairing mode, I’d get pop-ups for SmartThings so as to add the sensor. This took a few makes an attempt, but it surely was much less problematic than Residence Assistant.
Lastly, I used to be capable of pair it up with the Google Nest WiFi Professional with none issues.
With each SmartThings and Residence Assistant, you possibly can share the system with one other Matter controller. As a result of it’s already paired with a Thread Border Router, you don’t want to fret about pairing it with one other Thread Border Router.
With Residence Assistant, the place you share the system, it is going to arrange a brand new QR code so that you can add the sensor to every other Matter controller.
I’m not positive how a lot use this might be because the purpose of Matter/Thread is to cut back the necessity for a number of controllers and unify all of your sensible residence units, however the possibility is there, and I’m positive it will likely be helpful, particularly whereas Matter/Thread change into extra established.
Residence Assistant Settings & Efficiency
Other than the Matter over Thread performance, that is only a primary movement sensor with a superb battery life.
For each SmartThings and Residence Assistant, you should utilize movement, illuminance and battery life as triggers for automation.
I’ve discovered that it’s simply as correct and responsive because the older Aqara sensors I’ve.
Will probably be higher with Aqara M3 Hub
One challenge that can inevitably plague many Matter over Thread units is the restricted performance when used with third-party hubs. Third-party hubs may match with the default settings, however any adjustments or superior options sometimes require you to connect with one of many model’s hubs.
Presently, Aqara lacks a hub with Thread, however that is anticipated to alter quickly with the launch of the a lot anticipated Hub M3, which was unveiled at CES 2024. It is a multi-protocol hub that helps Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared.#
Moreover, the M3 additionally boasts 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi and Energy over Ethernet (PoE) connection for additional flexibility and stability.
Worth and Different Choices
The Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is in the stores now for £34 on Amazon.
The older, non-Zigbee-based P1 sensor is priced at £25, and a ten% off voucher is on the market.
The rather more superior Presence Sensor FP2 is £83 with 15% off out there. This requires USB for energy and connects to your WiFi.
Eve is the one different respected model I do know of that has a Matter of Thread sensor. The Eve Movement (Matter) Sensor is priced at £45.
There may be the Avatar Matter over Thread PIR Movement Sensor, which is listed at £24, however I can’t discover it out there wherever.
The Qingping Movement & Gentle Sensor works with Thread, however just isn’t Matter. It as a substitute makes use of Apple HomeKit. It’s simply £25, but it surely has some blended opinions.
Total
There may be not a fantastic deal to put in writing about when reviewing the Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2.
It’s a movement sensor with a superb battery life, and it really works with Matter of Thread.
There may be at present just one different product that instantly competes with this, the Eve Movement (Matter) Sensor, which prices 80% extra. Moreover, the Aqara has a 170° subject of view vs 120°. The out-of-box detection vary is decrease at 7m vs as much as 9m on the Eve, however as soon as the Aqara Hub M3 is launched, it’s best to be capable of regulate this as much as 10m.
Total, for those who particularly need a movement and lightweight sensor that works with Matter over Thread, then the Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is the best choice available on the market in the mean time, for my part.
Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 Assessment
Abstract
For those who particularly need a movement and lightweight sensor that works with Matter over Thread, then the Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is the best choice available on the market in the mean time, for my part.
Professionals
- Works with a number of platforms with out the necessity of a proprietary sensible hub
- Could be shared with a number of sensible hubs
Cons
- Excessive worth vs older Zigbee P1 sensor
- Aqara don’t at present have a hub that helps Thread
I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Captivated with all issues expertise, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cell, wearables, and sensible residence units.
As a health fanatic who loves operating and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related expertise, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My various pursuits permit me to carry a singular perspective to tech running a blog, merging way of life, health, and the newest tech developments.
In my educational pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Methods Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior research additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the expertise curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has persistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many prime expertise blogs within the UK. With my dedication to expertise and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with partaking and informative content material.
