Smart home equipment provider Aqara rolled out a new security camera that works as a Zigbee 3.0 home-automation hub while supporting HomeKit and HomeKit Secure Video. The new G3 camera features 2K resolution, the ability to pan and tilt, and facial and gesture recognition.
The new camera serves as an upgrade to Aquara Camera Hub G2H, adding 2K video recording and more.
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Aqara G3 is an upgrade from Camera Hub G2H
The G3 features significant camera upgrades from the G2H. The new ones adds a 2K (2304 x 1296 pixel) sensor, plus dual band 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi and even infrared night vision made possible with 940nm LEDs.
The camera can pan automatically, by manual control or as part of an automation you set up. The pan and tilt functionality and a 110-degree wide angle lens enable 340-degree video coverage.
The new camera can recognize faces and gestures (for example, waving your hand to turn on lights). It can detect certain people and pets. The product’s AI can alert you with notifications, or you can create routines based on what the camera sees to get certain types of alerts.
HomeKit and secure video support
The camera is a good addition to HomeKit, as it supports HomeKit Secure Video. To set up the G3, you can use Aqara’s native app or Apple’s Home app. And it’s compatible with other smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The camera’s hub functionality allows Aqara devices to connect to HomeKit. You can add a variety of devices and receive alerts about their function. And because the Aqara G3 has Zigbee 3.0 built in, the camera can connect Zigbee devices to your network without concerns over their smart-home platform compatibility.
The new Aqara G3 camera works with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks for a wide range of compatibility. A USB-C port powers the device, so it can be used with various USB-C chargers.
Like previous hubs, the Camera Hub G3 can accommodate up to 128 “child” devices, to use Aqara’s term for them. But you can only add 32 “terminal” devices, or battery-powered buttons and sensors. After that you need to plug in a Relay device to add 16 more devices.
The G3 costs more than the G2H (or the Eufy Indoor Cam) at $109.99, but it’s less expensive than options like the Eve Cam and Logitech Circle View. And you can get 20% off launch deal for Black Friday. Use the promo code USG3PRGE at Amazon.
Where to buy: Amazon
