Sounds great but I just wish Aqara would fix all the issues with the existing hardware (H2 switches, M3 Hub, T1M, T2, etc.) before keep launching new devices.
Also in the UK we’re still waiting for some of these products to be launched that were demo’d in January…
Aqara operates globally, and in addition to development, testing, logistics, and production, the different requirements of different markets also play a major role in the delivery of the final products.
Take the example of the power supply. Europe, England, China, and America, to name just a few, all have different connections and requirements for their respective products.
On top of that, these products must also be tested and approved by various institutions before they reach the selected market.
These are all aspects that are unfortunately often forgotten by many users, and the fact that Aqara has really stepped up its game in recent months and years simply makes it one of my favorite brands in the smart home sector.
If you have any problems with your products, we have a forum here and/or technical support, which you can reach via the app.
I’ve had one or two problems myself, and I’ve always been helped. Just be patient and don’t always say “more, more, more.”
I’m not saying more more more, quite the opposite!
Less and make them work correctly. I have fed back and been involved in providing the solutions both with Aqara and their users. I’m also testing their Automation 2.0 at the minute.
But with Aqara I always get the feeling / hope the devices are 1 firmware updated away from being great! Then the firmware update comes and disappoints. The hardware is great but just needs to be backed up with the software and integrations such as Alexa (official response to the devices appearing twice but different is “for now just delete 1” but you have to guess which is the one linked by Matter passthrough and which is the one linked by Alexa integration). Fixing issues like this would make the devises more accessible to the average user, rather than just the techy users!
I think this is why the rate of return to Amazon is so high in the UK. People are getting them, experiencing issues like this, giving up and sending them back. That’s why ebay is full of Amazon returned items (good for picking up a bargain though!).
In principle, I agree with you. I also had problems with my Aqara panel at first, but now it’s exactly as I imagined.
Your Alexa problem is a general one, and affects not only Aqara but all smart home devices that have native Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or Apple Home integration in addition to the Matter integration.
If you integrate the native and Matter connections, you always have duplicate devices on the respective platform.
For me, this isn’t an Aqara problem, but a general Matter problem.
Both are offered to the end user, and the hype about Matter is confusing customers.
Some users then blame the manufacturer, even though some manuals clearly state…
Either Matter or native integration. Native integration usually has advantages because it provides more features.
Of course, some manufacturers have advertised it incorrectly or at least misleadingly, but in this case I see the fundamental mistake as being the lack of information for users and the hype about Matter (including the dangerous half-knowledge that is circulating).