CES 2024: Border Router Plug and Smart Lock 300 also unveiled
Aqara teased us about the new Hub M3 last year and now it’s been treated to an official unveiling over in Vegas at CES 2024.
The Aqara Hub M3 is the Chinese brands first Matter controller; previous Aqara Hubs simply act as a Matter bridge in order to get its vast array of smart home devices up and running with your Matter smart home.
And what’s more, the M3 it’s a Thread border router too.
So that’s the full Matter controller / Thread border router combo; meaning that it’s not just Aqara devices can be controlled, but any Matter devices from any brands.
Taking things even further, and making the Hub M3 a genuine (cut-price) rival to the likes of the Aeotec SmartThings Hub and the Homey Pro, Aqara is also throwing dual band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared into the mix too.
Of course, Zigbee is on board too and the M3 can also still act as a Matter bridge for non-native Matter Aqara devices.
The inclusion of a two-way 360° infrared blaster means you could get you AC and AV equipment singing and dancing in your Matter smart home.
You can mount the M3 or just place it on a flat surface and it can also be powered by Power over Ethernet. It features a 95dB speaker that can be used as part of a DIY home security system.
The Aqara Hub M3 will be available globally in Q2 2024, there’s no word on pricing just yet.
Native Matter devices
Aqara also used CES 2024 to reveal its latest native Matter devices.
First up is the new Aqara Smart Lock U300, which is a Matter-over-Thread smart lock that features a multitude of unlocking options.
The U-tec Ultraloq stole a march by being the first first Matter-over-Thread smart lock to feature a fingerprint reader when it was announced last week, but the U300 is now part of that club too.
You can also unlock with It enables a key-free lifestyle with PIN codes, NFC or voice assistants; as well as granting guests access through the app.
It’s designed to replace traditional US lever or knob on single-bore doors.
Alongside the U300, Aqara has also launched the Aqara Border Router Plug, which – as you probably guessed from the name – is a smart plug with Thread border router capabilities.
It’s a simple solution for someone looking to control Matter-over-Thread devices who currently only have a Matter controller with no Thread skills; eg most Amazon Echo owners.
Prices and launch dates are still to be confirmed.
