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The Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is the third product Aqara has launched that has native Matter assist which is achieved by the thread protocol.
It joins the Door and Window Sensor P2 and the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2.
I’m unsure why they launched this after the opposite two, as I really feel it’s one of many extra helpful sensors you’ll be able to personal, however I’m glad they’ve lastly launched it.
Specification / Options
Native Matter Assist: With the arrival of the Matter period, customers now 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. Which means connections throughout ecosystems and platforms turn out to be less complicated and simpler.Unbiased Gentle Sensor: P2 encompasses a built-in gentle sensor to watch space illumination ranges, with a detection vary of 0-1500lux. It might probably alter the brightness and temperature of lighting based mostly on totally different gentle ranges all through the day.Excessive-Precision and Broad Angle: Discover P2 that includes a Broad 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.Domestically Handy and Vitality-Environment friendly: Saving vitality is now not a problem or effort. Let P2 effortlessly and swiftly make changes and automate duties. For instance, it routinely 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 good merchandise to create a extra complete safety setup.Simple to Set up and Place All over the place: The sensor consists of an adjustable stand for simple 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, an area alert system, and extra.
Integrating with Residence Assistant and SkyConnect
Much like all of the Matter-based gadgets I’ve tried to combine with Residence Assistant, I had some points getting the P2 to attach.
Aqara initially suggested me that it’s because it makes use of Bluetooth for the onboarding course of. The very 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 gadgets or different Matter-enabled gadgets.
As soon as I bought the sensor so as to add to Residence Assistant, the whole lot labored as anticipated, and the sensor offered illuminance and occupancy data in addition to battery life diagnostics.
Integrating with SmartThings / Google Residence
When inserting the P2 sensor into pairing mode, I might get pop-ups for SmartThings so as to add the sensor. This took a few makes an attempt, however it 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’ll be able to 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 certain how a lot use this shall be because the intention of Matter/Thread is to scale back the necessity for a number of controllers and unify all of your good residence gadgets, however the possibility is there, and I’m certain will probably be helpful, particularly whereas Matter/Thread turn out to be 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 use 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.
It is going to be higher with Aqara M3 Hub
One concern that may inevitably plague many Matter over Thread gadgets is the restricted performance when used with third-party hubs. Third-party hubs may fit with the default settings, however any adjustments or superior options usually 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. This can be 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 Various Choices
The Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is that can be purchased now for £34 on Amazon.
The older, non-Zigbee-based P1 sensor is priced at £25, and a ten% off voucher is offered.
The way 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’s the Avatar Matter over Thread PIR Movement Sensor, which is listed at £24, however I can’t discover it out there anyplace.
The Qingping Movement & Gentle Sensor works with Thread, however isn’t Matter. It as an alternative makes use of Apple HomeKit. It’s simply £25, however it has some blended critiques.
Total
There’s not an ideal deal to write down 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’s at the moment 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 is best to have the ability to alter this as much as 10m.
Total, should you particularly need a movement and lightweight sensor that works with Matter over Thread, then the Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is the most suitable choice available on the market in the mean time, for my part.
Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 Overview
Abstract
If you happen to particularly need a movement and lightweight sensor that works with Matter over Thread, then the Aqara Movement and Gentle Sensor P2 is the most suitable 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 good hubCan be shared with a number of good hubs
Cons
Excessive value vs older Zigbee P1 sensorAqara don’t at the moment 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. Keen about all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cell, wearables, and good residence gadgets.
As a health fanatic who loves operating and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My numerous pursuits enable me to convey a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the most recent tech traits.
In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Data Techniques 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 know-how curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has persistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many prime know-how blogs within the UK. With my dedication to know-how and drive to share my insights, I intention to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.