More device types and extended bridge functionality – this is how the latest Matter update from Aqara (link) can be summarized. The Chinese company is adding new functions with the firmware updates for its hubs. The first new feature is introduced with software version 4.3.4. It is called Advanced Matter Bridging and was previously reserved for the Hub M3.
The new firmware now makes it available on all existing – and upcoming – Matter controllers from the manufacturer, including the new Camera Hub G5 Pro and the Hub M100. Users of older Matter Bridges such as the Hub M2 or the Hub M1S will also benefit.
What is Advanced Matter Bridging?
The new addition is not an official feature of the Matter standard. Advanced Matter Bridging is an in-house development by Aqara. It makes features of the brand, for which there is no equivalent on the Matter side, available to other systems. To do so, virtual sockets and presence sensors are created and passed on via the bridge. A platform such as Apple Home or Samsung SmartThings can work with these virtual products and use them as triggers, for example. In this way, Aqara extras, such as AI-supported object detection in cameras or fall detection by the FP2 presence detector, are also available for Matter platforms.
Support for new product categories
The second update relates to Aqara hubs with Matter Controllers such as the M3. Their repertoire was initially quite limited. Only a few Matter products such as lights from the Philips Hue system, switches and dimmers from Leviton or Nest thermostats could be controlled. This has changed with firmware version 4.3.5, which is already being delivered.
Using the Aqara Home app (v. 5.1.9), it is now possible to integrate more than 50 product categories – including the still young robot vacuum cleaners, dimmable sockets, smoke and carbon dioxide sensors, refrigerators, electric car chargers and much more. The company is therefore taking a leading position in the implementation of the standard. Until now, Home Assistant and Samsung SmartThings have set the pace when it comes to integrating new device types. As experience shows, Amazon, Apple and Google are taking more time.
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