New Matter-enabled motion and light sensor works with HomeKit

By

Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 with box
Motion and light sensing are independent of each other with the P2 sensor.
Photo: Aqara

The new Thread- and Matter-enabled Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 came out Tuesday for use with HomeKit and other smart-home platforms, the company said.

“In the rapidly expanding global market for Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, Aqara has achieved remarkable success, distributing over 100,000 units last year,” noted Cathy You, Aqara’s senior VP of Global Business and Strategy.

“The launch of the Motion and Light Sensor P2, which combines our renowned sensor technology with the latest in connectivity protocols and standards, encapsulates our forward-thinking approach and our commitment to delivering smart home solutions that are ready for tomorrow’s advancement,” she added.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2

The new motion and light sensor from Aqara contains an ultra-wide angle PIR motion sensor with a standalone illumination sensor. That technology enables detection up to 23 feet away and across 170 degrees horizontally.

So you can use the sensor to automate lighting, enhance security and help manage climate control. For example, you could automate a temperature change after dark.

Unlike some sensors on the market, Aqara’s P2 measures light intensity and motion separately. So it won’t interfere with the lighting- and window-covering control you put in place for comfort and energy efficiency.

The sensor’s battery lasts for up to two years, Aqara added.

Native Matter support and Thread border router functionality

Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 with iPhone-2
You can control the sensor using Aqara’s app or the Home app on your iPhone.
Photo: Aqara

Here’s more from the company about the device:

As a Thread-enabled device, the Motion and Light Sensor P2 connects to any Matter controller with Thread Border Router functionality. And [it] allows use across multiple compatible platforms thanks to Matter’s multi-admin feature.

Furthermore, the sensor offers a few Aqara Home exclusive features such as customizable sensitivity and detection timeout settings for tailored performance.

Users can fine-tune both parameters through the Aqara Home app. [It] requires Aqara’s Thread-enabled Matter controller, for example the upcoming Hub M3.

Aqara also mentioned it will release additional Thread devices in the coming months. Those should include Hub M3 mentioned above and Smart Lock U200. Aqara said in February Home Key support would come to the lock with software updates.

You can pick up Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 for $33.99 on Amazon.

Where to buy: Amazon

Source: Aqara

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.