Jennifer Pattison Tuohy reviews Aqara's U400 smart deadbolt, the first to support Apple's hands-free Home Key unlocking using UWB technology, offering a faster and more reliable way to unlock doors without physical interaction, especially useful when hands are full or in a hurry.
Aqara introduced the FP400 Spatial Multi-Sensor at CES 2026, a privacy-friendly device that uses mmWave radar and learning algorithms to detect room occupancy, movement, and habits without recording video, compatible with Matter and major smart home platforms. They also showcased the smaller P100 security sensor with motion and object detection capabilities, highlighting the future of integrated smart home sensors. Pricing and availability are not yet announced.
Aqara showcased a range of innovative smart home products at CES, including a Matter-enabled camera, thermostat with Apple integration, a UWB smart lock, and advanced sensors for occupant tracking and home security, all aimed at achieving ambient intelligence with AI support.
Aqara has launched its first battery-powered presence sensor, the FP300, which can operate for up to three years on two CR2450 batteries, using PIR and radar sensors to detect movement and support various smart home automations across multiple platforms, though it lacks some advanced features of higher-end models.
Aqara has launched the Smart Valve Controller T1, a $69.99 Matter-compatible device that allows remote operation of water shutoff valves and automatic closure upon leak detection. Unlike more expensive options from brands like Moen and Kohler, the T1 integrates with major smart home platforms via the Aqara hub, though currently only Samsung and Home Assistant support it. The device is DIY-friendly, requiring no major plumbing modifications, and is compatible with various pipe sizes. It operates on four AA batteries, lasting up to two years, and can be paired with Aqara's leak sensor or other compatible sensors.
Aqara is set to launch its Hub M3, a multi-protocol smart home hub that supports Zigbee 3.0, Thread, and Matter, allowing control of various third-party devices. The hub features an IR blaster, dual-band Wi-Fi, and local data storage with end-to-end encryption. Aqara also introduced a smart plug and smart lock that support Thread, along with a new AI assistant for its app. Matter is a new interoperability standard for smart home devices, developed by major tech companies, enabling secure and private communication between various devices.
Aqara's Presence Sensor FP2, utilizing millimeter wave radar technology, is receiving new features including Sleep Monitoring Mode, AI Person Detection, and People Counting. The sleep monitoring function analyzes sleep status, heart rate, and respiratory data, while AI Person Detection distinguishes between human and non-human motion. People Counting alerts users when people enter a room and provides the number of individuals present. The FP2's ability to detect specific movements allows for advanced automations. However, accuracy issues have been reported with the device. The sleep monitoring feature offers an affordable and non-intrusive option for tracking heart rate and breathing while sleeping. The FP2 is compatible with various smart home platforms and will support Matter in the future.
The Apple Watch Ultra is currently on sale with a $99 discount, bringing the price down to $700. Satechi is offering a 30% discount on select Apple accessories. Ecobee's latest SmartThermostat Premium with HomeKit is on sale for $220, a $30 discount. Aqara's HomeKit Smart Lock U100 is discounted to $165, down from $190. Samsung's new M8C Smart Monitor is $100 off, priced at $600.
Aqara has released its first Matter-over-Thread sensor, the Door and Window Sensor P2, which can be integrated into existing Matter-enabled smart homes without the need for an Aqara hub. The sensor uses a magnet to detect if doors or windows are opened or closed, offering various applications such as enhancing security or alerting users to open freezer doors. Aqara's sensor features a nondescript design and comes with adhesive mounting options. The company plans to release a Hub M3 and update its Aqara Home app to support Matter, enabling additional features for the sensor. Aqara is also working on adding Matter support to its existing hubs and has a roadmap for more Thread-enabled smart devices.
Apple's M2 Mac mini is now available at an all-time low of $499.99, down from the usual $599, while the latest Magic Keyboard for the 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro is now at its best price of the year at $279, down from $349. Nanoleaf's Lines HomeKit starter set is also available at its all-time low of $150, while Aqara's Video Doorbell G4 with HomeKit Secure Video is now on sale for $100. Belkin's 15W Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Pad is also available at a new Amazon low of $127.