As someone who’s been eagerly awaiting the Aqara Hub’s compatibility with HomeKit, I’m thrilled to finally share my hands-on experience with this device. The anticipation was high, especially after hearing about its potential to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem. However, the arrival of the hub coincided with a move, which meant most of my HomeKit setup was packed away. Despite this, I managed to test the hub using my Apple TV as the HomeKit hub, and I must say, the experience has been mostly positive with a few bumps along the way.
Setup and Initial Impressions
Unboxing the Aqara Hub was straightforward, though I was a bit underwhelmed by the packaging, which felt a bit flimsy. The hub itself, however, looked familiar, with its concave speaker design, physical button, and LED band. The setup process was a bit of a challenge at first, requiring multiple attempts to get it recognized by both the Home app and the Aqara app. Once it was set up, the hub appeared in the Home app as a light for the LED band and as a bridge, though the latter isn’t visible in the respective rooms.
Features and Functionality
One of the standout features of the Aqara Hub is its LED band, which can be adjusted for color and brightness directly from the Home app. This makes it a versatile addition for mood lighting or as a simple nightlight. The speaker, while functional, can only be accessed via the Aqara app for now, which is a minor inconvenience. I was also impressed by the ability to change the voice prompts from Chinese to US English, which is a thoughtful touch for international users.
Integration with Other Devices
Adding devices to the hub was a breeze, thanks to the Aqara app’s straightforward process. I successfully paired several sensors, including a temperature and humidity sensor, a water leak sensor, a motion sensor, and a door/window contact sensor. However, there was an initial hiccup with the Aqara Wireless Remote (Double Rocker) Switch, which failed to add successfully. Thankfully, a recent firmware update resolved this issue, along with problems related to creating automations within the Aqara app.
Firmware Update and Improved Functionality
The firmware update was a game-changer, addressing several issues I encountered during my initial testing. With the update, I can now use all the sensors I’ve added in automations within the Aqara app, and the speaker functionality is now accessible for automations. This makes the hub a more versatile tool for creating smart home routines.
Integration with Non-Aqara Devices
Another exciting feature I discovered is the ability to integrate non-Aqara devices, such as my Xiaomi door sensor, into the Aqara app. While there were some initial hurdles, the process was manageable, and the sensor now works seamlessly within the system. This opens up a world of possibilities for users who already have a mix of Xiaomi and Aqara devices.
Conclusion
Overall, the Aqara Hub is a solid addition to my HomeKit setup. While there were some initial teething issues, the firmware update addressed most of them, and the device’s functionality and integration capabilities make it a worthwhile investment. With its affordable price point and potential to integrate with a wide range of devices, Aqara is definitely onto something big. I’m excited to see how this product evolves and what other innovations they bring to the table in the future.