Aqara Smart Hub M2, Smart Home Bridge For Alarm System, IR Remote Control, Home Automation, Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit And IFTTT

When the newer M2 hub became available in the United States, it was greeted with enthusiasm. I ordered one because it had one feature that I really like in HomeKit hubs: it had a built-in microphone. that is, a network connection that is not wireless. I was pleased to see that the M2 hub was about the same size as the M1/M1s hubs when it arrived - The diameter is slightly larger, but the thickness is about a third thinner. With the Aqara app, I was able to add it to my HomeKit setup in less than 30 seconds, and the M2 was ready to use in no time; however, configuration took some time. br>br>Because I intended to use the M2 as my new main hub, I found it a little inconvenient that there was no way to manually select which smart hub to connect each Aqara accessory to (I actually have three hubs in total in my household, spread out for good coverage). As a result, I had to delete and re-enter the information. To bind each Aqara accessory to the new M2 hub, return to the Aqara app and enter it. Because I currently have over 20 different accessories, this was a somewhat time-consuming process. However, instead of having all of the Aqara devices bound to a single hub, this allowed me to rebind each device to the hub with the best connection. This allowed me to take advantage of having multiple hubs to ensure that all of the Aqara accessories received adequate signal. br>br>Once the Aqara devices are bound to a hub in the Aqara app, you can switch to the Apple Home app for main controls, just like the M1 and M1S hubs. So far, everything appears to be working as it should, though I have yet to test the M2 hub's integrated IR function. br>br>Here are a few more points to consider: First, the box contains a micro USB cable but no power supply; second, the box contains a micro USB cable but no power supply; and third, the box contains a micro USB cable but no Second, the M2 hub's speaker is not as loud as the M1/M1S hubs, which I believe is due to the design: The M1/M1S hubs are typically mounted in a wall socket, with the unobstructed speaker holes facing outward; however, because the M2 is designed to sit on a flat surface, the speaker holes are positioned around the base of the M2, aimed straight down at the table (or shelf, in my case). As I previously stated, I have multiple hubs as part of my HomeKit setup, and thankfully, when you install the M2, all of the other M1/M1S hubs are synced with it, so if you set the alarm function on the M2 to alert, all of my Aqara hubs will also make the same alert. br>br>So okay - The M2 is slightly more expensive than the M1/M1S, but it includes LAN connectivity, eliminates the need to locate an open wall outlet (the M1/M1S hubs will block both wall plugs where they are installed), and includes an IR function. Aside from what I've just said, the M2 is still a good place to start with your smart home! Even if you aren't starting from scratch, I believe the M2 hub would be a good addition to an existing Aqara smart home system.

Jazlyn HEWITT

| Feb 14, 2021

I went to Aqara in search of a few accessories that supported the "zigbee" standard, and I bought this hub to use with a zigbee 3. GLEDOPTO controller that is compatible I also snatched up a zigbee-enabled device. smart outlet that is compatible br>br>I was extremely disappointed to learn that, despite my exhaustive research, they were not compatible. br>br>It isn't enough that all devices use the zigbee 3 protocol. Instead of supporting the 0 standard, it appears that this Aqara M2 hub only supports the Aqara-specific Aqara-specific Aqara-specific Aqara-specific Aqara-specific Aqara branded accessories, not random zigbee devices, even if they are as simple as a Sonoff smart outlet (which claims to "work with everything"). Sonoff's grandiose words ring hollow in the end. So, don't be fooled by information claiming that this is a good hub or ecosystem for newcomers. I work in the software industry. I work in the electronics industry and am perplexed by this jumbled compatibility matrix. Simply put, this ecosystem isn't ready for newcomers. I'm done with "zigbee hub" until it actually means it works with arbitrary (and simple) zigbee accessories like AC outlets.

Jefferson Galloway

| Apr 13, 2021

The only reason I didn't give this device a five-star rating is because it doesn't make all of the accessories visible to HomeKit. It also doesn't make any IR devices visible to HomeKit or Siri Shortcuts; if this feature were included, I'd give it a five-star rating.

Kabir Decker

| Nov 17, 2021

The manufacturer claims HomeKit compatibility, but this simply means that their devices will appear in HomeKit after being connected to the Aqara Hub. Only the Aqara web-based application has all of the true functionality. the app that is linked To make a trigger that sounds the alarm when a door is opened, for example. When the window sensor is tripped, you must first create the trigger in the Aqara app, then log out of the app for the trigger to appear in HomeKit. The alarm can then be sounded by incorporating the trigger into a scene or automation. Make sure you're close enough to the Hub to hear the alarm, as it's only a weak deterrent to intruders. Indeed, it's possible that you won't be able to hear it over the intruder's laughter. There does not appear to be a way to turn off the alarm from HomeKit (the "turn off after n minutes" option does not appear to work). Unless you politely request the intruder to do it for you, you must wait until it is safe to approach the Hub and manually press the reset button once to stop it. The alarm, by the way, is only for the Aqara door. Naturally, there is a window sensor. In comparison to Eve's sensors, those are inadequate. In the bundle I'm reviewing, there were three of them. Only four of the eleven locations where my Eve sensors are located would work with the Aqara sensors, and even those four would have been difficult to position correctly due to Aqara's lack of lifters. I received full refunds on all of my Aqara purchases.

Denisse Price

| Feb 28, 2021

With Alexa, I was only able to get one motion sensor to work. I tried two more - They connect and display motion and no motion, but they do not start the routine. br>2. Because the IR integration isn't compatible with Alexa, you can't use it in a routine. I don't have a lot of other Aqara devices to integrate, so it's completely useless for my needs.

Bishop Morse

| Nov 14, 2021