Aqara’s Matter M100 Hub, W100 Sensor Launch internationally
Last week we reported on the release of the Aqara W100 Climate Sensor in China. Now the W100 along with the new M100 hub, also recently released in China, are now available in North America, Europe, and the UK.
The Climate Sensor W100 is designed for what the company describes as “intuitive user experiences”, which I guess means it’s easy to figure out and use for most people. What is offers is a 3.4″ screen that displays real-time temperature and humidity readings, as well as offering users three buttons for either HVAC control or scene activation. With both Thread and Zigbee communication built in, the sensor can be integrated into Matter platforms and enable automations for enhanced comfort and energy efficiency.
DUAL-PROTOCOL SUPPORT AND SMART HOME COMPATIBILITY
The W100 supports both Thread and Zigbee 3.0, allowing users to switch between them two fairly simply. By default, it uses Thread, offering compatibility with Matter and supporting automations through platforms such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home (SmartThings is not mentioned…). Alternatively, Zigbee mode enables additional functions within the Aqara Home ecosystem, including remote thermostat control (Aqara Thermostat E1 for example), monitoring conditions in another location, and adjusting sensor settings.
INDOOR CLIMATE MONITORING
The W100 measures temperature (±0.2℃) and humidity (±2%RH), displaying real-time readings on its 3.4-inch LCD screen, which unfortunately doesn’t seem to be an E-ink display. This allows users to view environmental data without needing to use an app or voice assistant. When operating in Zigbee mode, the device can also display supplementary data, such as local weather or readings from another Aqara climate sensor in a different room or area of the home.
PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS FOR CONTROL
The W100 includes three wireless buttons that can be assigned to control smart home devices or scenes. In Zigbee mode, the sensor can be linked to an Aqara thermostat or a third-party infrared air conditioner (via the Hub M3), allowing users to adjust temperature settings or change modes using the built-in buttons.
The device is powered by 2 x CR2450 batteries and can operate for up to 28 months, regardless of Zigbee or Thread. In Zigbee mode, users can modify the frequency of data sampling and reporting to help extend battery life.
The M100 may look familiar, and it should do, as it’s essentially the same design as the Aqara Hub E1. However, the external design is the only meaningful similarity.
MATTER CONTROLLER AND HUB FUNCTIONALITY
Aqara’s Hub M100 is, like the E1, a compact device, but along with being a Zigbee hub, also serves as a Matter controller, a Thread Border Router, and a Matter Bridge. It supports integration of both Aqara Zigbee devices and Thread-enabled products into the Aqara Home app as well as third-party Matter platforms. The one downside of the M100 is that the hub can only connect up to 20 Zigbee devices and 20 Thread devices simultaneously, which is lower than, say the M3, but considering its size, that’s probably understandable.
HUB FOR AQARA AND MATTER-COMPATIBLE DEVICES
As a Matter controller, it allows users to automate and manage both Aqara and third-party Matter-enabled devices through the Aqara Home app, whether they’re Matter over Thread, WiFi, or Bridge. It also functions as a Matter bridge, enabling Aqara Zigbee devices to be exposed to external Matter platforms such as Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant, and SmartThings.
ADVANCED MATTER BRIDGING SUPPORT
The M100 includes support for Advanced Matter bridging. This allows features specific to Aqara devices, such as on-device facial recognition and scene-based automations, to be accessed within other Matter ecosystems by synchronising scenes and triggers from the Aqara Home app.
THREAD BORDER ROUTER AND MESH SUPPORT
Operating as a Thread Border Router, the M100 enables Matter controllers without a Thread radio to connect with Thread-based devices. It also acts as a mesh extender to improve the coverage and stability of the Thread network.
LOCAL AUTOMATION
The hub allows automations involving Aqara Zigbee and Matter-compatible devices to be processed locally. This reduces latency and avoids dependence on cloud connectivity, so automations can continue to function even if the internet connection is unavailable.
COMPACT DESIGN
With a small form factor, the M100 is powered via a USB-A port, allowing it to be connected directly to a USB power source without requiring additional cables.
The W100 Climate Sensor is available at Amazon stores in the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and other stores internationally.
The Aqara Hub M100 is also available on Amazon stores in the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and other stores internationally.
