Aqara Announces Expansion of Matter in Platform Update

Aqara has announced further integration of the Matter smart home standard across its platform, enabling broader compatibility with over 50 types of Matter-enabled devices.

A notable feature now available across all Aqara Matter Controllers and bridges is ‘Advanced Matter Bridging’, which was initially introduced with the Hub M3 (video HERE, review HERE). This function allows users to access Aqara’s more advanced device capabilities on third-party Matter platforms.

“We’re committed to supporting cross-platform compatibility through Matter,” said Eugene You, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Aqara. “We believe an open, interoperable ecosystem is essential for the smart home industry to move forward. By extending Matter support, we aim to offer users greater flexibility and ensure that Aqara products remain useful across a wide range of platforms.”

Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, added:

 “Aqara’s broad adoption of Matter across its ecosystem shows a strong commitment to simplifying the smart home experience. We’re encouraged to see companies like Aqara help bring our shared goal of interoperability to life.”

ADVANCED MATTER BRIDGING ACROSS PLATFORMS

Interoperability has long been a focus for Aqara, with existing integration support for Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, Homey, and SmartThings. As an early adopter of Matter, Aqara has worked to ensure that even its established Zigbee product range is compatible with the new standard.

To improve communication among Thread-enabled devices, Aqara has upgraded its Thread Border Routers to support network sharing. This allows devices to join existing Thread networks from other ecosystems. Future updates will also enable these routers to communicate across local networks (LANs), which should enhance reliability and stability across smart home setups.

The Advanced Matter Bridging feature – available through the Hub M3 and other supported Matter controllers – allows users to bring over Aqara’s unique functionality into third-party ecosystems. This includes converting user-defined Scenes and Signals into virtual plugs or occupancy sensors, which can then be recognised by other Matter-compatible platforms.

Users can also bridge advanced features such as on-device AI from Aqara cameras, fall detection from the FP2, and power-based automations, which react to changes in a device’s energy usage.

This functionality is supported on all current and upcoming Aqara Matter Controllers, including the Hub M3, Camera Hub G5 Pro (video HERE, review HERE), Hub M100, and Doorbell Camera Hub G410, as well as previous models like the Hub M2, Hub M1S (Gen 1 and 2), Hub E1, and Camera Hub G3. The feature is accessible via firmware version 4.3.4 and requires the Aqara Home app version 5.1.4 or later.

EXPANDED MATTER DEVICE INTEGRATION

Since the launch of the Hub M3, Aqara has opened up its automation platform to work with third-party Matter devices. With support for over 50 different Matter-enabled product categories, the Aqara Home app now offers a broad scope for integration, supporting users with existing devices and helping future-proof their systems.

New device categories now supported include:

• Robotic vacuums
• Dimmable plugs
• Smoke and CO alarms
• Air quality sensors
• Leak, freeze, and rain sensors
• Curtains and blinds
• Fans and air purifiers
• Air conditioners and heat pumps
• Water valves and pumps
• Pressure sensors
• Solar panels and battery storage
• Electric vehicle chargers
• Washing machines and dryers
• Fridges and freezers
• Cooktops, hoods, and kitchen surfaces
• Ovens and stoves
• Water heaters
• Video players and speakers

Support for these new categories will be rolled out with Aqara Home version 5.1.9 and Matter Controller firmware version 4.3.5, expected later this month.

Note: Some limitations may apply when connecting Aqara Thread Border Routers to existing Thread networks, depending on the ecosystem. Thread communication across LANs is currently in development and is expected to become available in Q2 2025.