The smart controller is finally available outside of China
Aqara has released an updated version of its smart home Cube controller, the Cube T1 Pro, adding support for Apple HomeKit and Alexa.
The addition of smart assistant support ensures that the controller is now able to work with a wider range of smart home devices, with features like ‘Scene Mode’ also allowing users to quickly activate different routines. You will, however, need a Zigbee 3.0 Aqara hub for it to all link up.
Like the original Cube mode, the T1 Pro is still functions by registering the likes of shakes, rotations, taps and flips to then control different devices around your home.
Like a dice, indicators are also on each of the six sides so that users can understand each pre-set. So, for example, if you wanted to kick off your morning routine, you could flip the Cube T1 Pro to Side 1. Then, to adjust the temperature of your smart light in a particular room, you might trigger this by flipping it instead, say, to Side 3.
Compared to the original Cube, the company notes that users should experience faster response times, better reliability and improved energy efficiency – combined, of course, with that improved compatibility.
Interestingly, the company has also indicated that it expects to make the controller compatible with Matter via an over-the-air update through Aqara hubs, with the company’s Hub M2 the first to receive this. As you would expect, general improvements and new features via these OTA updates will also be coming over time, Aqara says.
The device was previously only available in China, though today’s announcement brings it to the US and Canada, as well as the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
You can pick it up for $22.99 / £22.99 / €27.99 on Amazon.