Aqara’s first global smart lighting device launched

Aqara, provider of Smart Home products, has launched a new LED lightstrip called the LED Strip T1. This multipurpose lightstrip is capable of displaying up to 16 million vibrant colors and also provides tunable white accent lighting. It is the company’s first smart lighting device to be sold globally across multiple continents.

One of the key features of the LED Strip T1 is its compatibility with a wide range of third-party smart home platforms. It can seamlessly integrate into various smart home setups, making it a versatile choice for consumers. The lightstrip is now available for purchase on Aqara’s Amazon brand stores in North America and Europe, as well as through selected Aqara retailers worldwide.

Built upon the Zigbee protocol, the LED Strip T1 has a lower idle power consumption compared to Wi-Fi based lightstrips. This makes it more eco-friendly and cost-efficient. Additionally, it acts as a repeater of the Zigbee network, enhancing network reliability and responsiveness. When paired with a compatible Aqara hub like the Hub M2, the LED Strip T1 supports the new IoT standard Matter, as well as popular systems like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. It can be controlled using major voice assistants.

The LED Strip T1 comes in a length of 2 meters (approximately 6.6 ft) and can be extended using Aqara’s 1-meter Extension Kit. It supports a maximum length of 10 meters (approximately 33 ft). The lightstrip can be cut at 20 centimeter (approximately 7.9 in) intervals, allowing for customization according to individual preferences. The unused part of the lightstrip can also be reattached to another Aqara LED lightstrip using standard 5-core ribbon cables and 5-pin connectors.

One standout feature of the LED Strip T1 is its independently addressable RGB effects with a 20-centimeter interval. This means it can display up to 10 different colors with dimming and other effects. The Aqara Home app offers various built-in effects for the lightstrip, both static and dynamic, and users can also customize the lighting effects to suit their preferences. These effects can be used for home automations and scenes, allowing users to integrate smart lighting into their overall smart home experience.

For example, the LED strip can be used to enhance the home alert system by using different colors or effects to indicate whether the security system is armed or not, as well as to indicate potential threats. Users can also create customized home scenes, such as an evening scene with warm lighting or an entertainment scene that dims the lighting for a better movie-watching experience. The Aqara Home app recently introduced a new feature that allows users to sync these scenes to HomeKit. This means that specific scenes that were previously only available through the Aqara app can now be controlled using third-party apps like Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home.

Other notable features of the LED Strip T1 include a manual controller for easy access, a local music sync mode that allows the lightstrip to sync with music without relying on a mobile device, circadian lighting support for adaptive lighting in Apple Home, and an IP44 rating that makes it suitable for outdoor use.

The LED Strip T1 is now available for purchase, but product availability may vary among different retail channels. It is recommended to check with regional retailers for real-time availability.

Please note that the Matter compatibility of the LED Strip T1 requires a Matter-compatible Aqara hub and may be in beta at the time of its launch. The Matter compatibility of the G3 Camera Hub is also being rolled out and is expected to be available to all users by the end of August.

For more information on the LED Strip T1, visit Aqara’s website.

Background Information

---

About Amazon.com Inc: Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, has evolved from an online bookstore into a global e-commerce and technology powerhouse. It's now known for its vast array of products, including electronics, apparel, household items, and more. With a user-friendly interface and efficient delivery services, Amazon has revolutionized online shopping. Beyond e-commerce, the company has expanded into various areas such as cloud computing (Amazon Web Services), digital streaming (Amazon Prime Video), and smart devices (Amazon Echo). Amazon's innovative strategies, like its personalized recommendations and the introduction of Prime membership benefits, have reshaped consumer expectations. The company's influence extends to entertainment, technology infrastructure, and beyond, making it a pivotal player in the modern digital landscape.

  

---

About Apple: Apple Inc., known for its iconic products, was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976. The company has since revolutionized the technology landscape with innovations like the Macintosh computer, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and more. for its emphasis on design, user experience, and ecosystem integration, Apple's devices and software have made a profound impact on various industries. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Apple remains a global technology leader.

  

---

About Aqara: Aqara is a smart home technology company that specializes in creating a range of innovative and interconnected smart home devices. Founded in 2016 as a part of Xiaomi's smart home ecosystem, Aqara is known for its focus on creating affordable, high-quality smart home products that provide enhanced convenience, security, and energy efficiency to users. Aqara's product lineup includes a variety of smart devices such as smart sensors, cameras, switches, lights, door locks, and more. These devices are designed to work seamlessly together within the Aqara ecosystem, which can be controlled and managed through a central hub or a mobile app. The devices communicate through wireless protocols like Zigbee and Wi-Fi, allowing users to monitor and control various aspects of their homes remotely.

  

---

About Google: Google, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998, is a multinational technology company known for its internet-related services and products. Initially for its search engine, Google has since expanded into various domains including online advertising, cloud computing, software development, and hardware devices. With its innovative approach, Google has introduced influential products such as Google Search, Android OS, Google Maps, and Google Drive. The company's commitment to research and development has led to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

  

Technology Explained

---

IFTTT: IFTTT, which stands for "If This Then That," is a web-based service that allows users to create automated connections between various apps, services, and devices. Using a simple conditional statement ("if this then that"), users can set up triggers and actions to create personalized automations. With support for a wide range of apps and devices, IFTTT enables users to streamline tasks, sync data, and create efficient workflows without requiring programming skills. It's a versatile tool that simplifies the integration of different online platforms and smart devices, enhancing convenience and productivity.

---

Zigbee: Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol designed for low-power, short-range interactions between devices in various applications, including smart homes, industrial automation, and healthcare. Developed to be energy-efficient and cost-effective, Zigbee operates on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, utilizing small amounts of data at relatively low data rates. It's particularly well-suited for connecting devices that require intermittent communication and minimal power consumption, such as sensors, smart thermostats, and lighting control systems. Zigbee's mesh network topology allows devices to relay data, extending the range and coverage of the network. This makes it a popular choice for creating robust and interconnected IoT ecosystems.