Aqara's Matter Camera and HomeKit Doorbell Expand Apple's Smart Home Options

Aqara has unveiled two significant additions to its smart home lineup that will particularly interest Apple Home users. The Camera Hub G350 represents the company's first Matter-certified camera, while the Doorbell Camera G400 brings advanced features to front-door security. Both devices are available now and aim to enhance the Apple Home ecosystem with improved privacy controls and local processing capabilities.

Camera Hub G350: Aqara's First Matter Camera

The Camera Hub G350 marks a notable shift for Aqara, which previously offered Apple HomeKit-compatible cameras but never a Matter-certified model. This device goes beyond basic camera functionality by incorporating multiple roles: it serves as a Zigbee hub and a Matter Controller, potentially reducing the number of devices needed in a smart home setup.

The camera features a dual-lens system combining a 4K wide-angle camera with a 2.5K telephoto lens. While Apple Home currently limits video to 1080p resolution, the G350 offers up to 9x hybrid zoom and a smooth pan-tilt mechanism providing full 360-degree coverage. Aqara's onboard AI automatic tracking attempts to keep people and pets centered in the frame, a feature that could prove useful for monitoring active households.

Privacy-conscious users will appreciate the physical lens shield that automatically covers the camera when turned off. For storage, the device supports local microSD cards up to 512GB and offers NAS backup options. HomeKit Secure Video compatibility ensures encrypted video storage within the Apple ecosystem.

Doorbell Camera G400: Power Over Ethernet Option

The Doorbell Camera G400 introduces several noteworthy features for front-door security. The 2K resolution camera provides a 165-degree ultra-wide field of view with a tall aspect ratio, allowing users to see visitors and packages from head to toe. This design choice addresses a common limitation of traditional doorbells that often cut off the bottom of packages or tall visitors.

The standout feature is Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, enabling both power and wired network connectivity through a single cable. For homes without Ethernet runs to the front door, the doorbell also works with existing doorbell wiring and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 connections.

Like the camera, this doorbell supports HomeKit Secure Video and includes local AI detection that claims to recognize people and motion even without an internet connection. This offline capability could be particularly valuable for users concerned about privacy or those with unreliable internet connections. The device also supports RTSP streaming for those who want to integrate it with Network Video Recorders (NVRs).

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Both devices work with multiple smart home platforms beyond Apple Home. The Doorbell Camera G400 specifically mentions compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings, while the Camera Hub G350's Matter certification ensures broad interoperability. This multi-platform approach allows users to integrate these devices regardless of their existing smart home ecosystem.

Privacy and Local Control Focus

Aqara emphasizes privacy and local control across both devices. The physical lens cover on the camera and the offline AI detection on the doorbell demonstrate a commitment to giving users control over their data. Local storage options through microSD cards and NAS backup further reduce reliance on cloud services.

Availability and Next Steps

Both the Camera Hub G350 and Doorbell Camera G400 are available for purchase immediately. The author plans to conduct thorough testing of both devices to evaluate their real-world performance in daily use. These additions represent Aqara's continued expansion in the smart home market, particularly for users invested in the Apple Home ecosystem who want Matter-certified devices with advanced features.

The integration of Matter certification, local processing capabilities, and multi-platform support positions these devices as versatile options for users looking to expand their smart home security setup while maintaining privacy controls and compatibility across different ecosystems.