Aqara has just released the new Aqara W200 Thermostat Hub, with support for Matter 1.4 and native integration with Apple’s new Adaptive Temperature function. These additions make it a compelling alternative to Nest for anyone looking for deep, system-level control within the Apple Home.
HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home gadgets, automation tips and tricks, and everything related to Apple’s smart home framework.
What is Apple’s Adaptive Temperature feature?
Apple’s new Adaptive Temperature feature uses your iPhone and the Home app to automatically adjust your thermostat based on your current situation, whether you’re at home, sleeping, away, or out of town for an extended period of time. The promise here is that you get a comfortable home when you walk in the door and lower energy bills when the property is empty, all without building and managing a complex heating and cooling system. Nest has had a feature like this for a while, and I find it really useful.
It also supports Apple’s new Clean Power Direction feature. By analyzing the conditions of your local power grid, the thermostat makes small adjustments to your heating and cooling when the grid is using clean energy.
Support for Matter 1.4
Aqara has also installed a mmWave radar directly into the Aqara W200, so the display automatically wakes up when you pass by and can adjust the temperature based on the actual location of the room. You can also pair it with the Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 or the Climate Sensor W100 for individual room readings.
The Aqara W200 also works as a Matter 1.4 hub with Thread and Zigbee support. You can connect more than 50 device types to it. If you have an Aqara video doorbell or smart lock, the Aqara W200 display even turns into a dedicated security portal where you can view live snapshots and unlock your front door with a quick tap.
“The Thermostat Hub W200 marks an important addition to Aqara’s US product lineup,” said Cathy You, Senior Vice President of Global Business and Strategy at Aqara. “As one of the first thermostats to support Apple Adaptive Temperature and Clean Energy Guidance, the W200 brings truly independent, intelligent climate control to the market. It not only fills an important gap in our portfolio, but also expands the possibilities of automation across Aqara’s rich range of products – giving homeowners, the best possible energy.”
Compatibility with your HVAC system
The Aqara W200 is designed for North American HVAC systems and is compatible with many standard setups, including fireplaces, heat pumps, boilers, and more. It also includes both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, which helps ensure reliable communication in an RF-rich environment. Matter 1.4 certification means the W200 will work well with all smart home ecosystems, including Apple, Google, Amazon, and SmartThings. If your current home HVAC system does not have C-wire, Aqara also sells a C-wire adapter separately on Amazon.
Apply to Aqara W200
The Aqara W200 is available starting today for $159.99 through Amazon, Best Buy, and Home Depot. Aqara is also launching a Matte Kit version, available exclusively at the Apple Store from September for $169.99.
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