Final night time, I noticed I had forgotten to disable Eco mode on my upstairs Nest, and I used to be stunned to see how totally different considered one of my son’s rooms felt in keeping with my Nest Temperature Sensor. Ideally, I’d love a system that may warmth and funky rooms individually; nevertheless, since I missed the boat on shopping for Bitcoin at $1, that’s not financially possible for me. Nonetheless, I recognize having insights into particular person room circumstances, particularly with information accessible by means of HomeKit. The brand new Aqara W100 Local weather Sensor offers this functionality with a built-in show.
HomeKit Weekly is a sequence that explores good dwelling equipment, automation ideas, and every little thing associated to Apple’s good dwelling ecosystem.
What are you able to monitor with it?
The Aqara W100 does extra than simply show temperature and humidity. Whereas these capabilities are each correct and simply seen due to a transparent LCD display (I might have most well-liked e-ink for its readability), what really enhances its worth is its integration with HomeKit. Right here’s what it could possibly monitor:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Battery standing
- Sign power
- Exterior sensor information (when paired)
- Native climate info (if no sensors are paired)
What you are able to do with it
The gadget options three bodily buttons, every able to being configured for single, double, and lengthy press actions. This opens up a big selection of automation prospects inside the Aqara framework. You may flip off lights, draw shades, and even set a “film night time” scene involving a number of units. I’ve all the time believed that having bodily buttons permits me to handle my good dwelling successfully with out all the time reaching for my iPhone.
On the again, there’s a reset button together with a mounting gap for straightforward wall set up. In case you take away the again cowl, you’ll uncover two CR2450 batteries inside. Aqara claims these ought to final round two and a half years, though I haven’t but had it lengthy sufficient to substantiate this.
Integrating with HomeKit
The directions for the Aqara W100 embrace a Matter code for fundamental sensor monitoring. I want the code was printed straight on the gadget, however it may be discovered beneath the rear cowl. I recommend maintaining it in an Apple Be aware or an app like HomePass for straightforward entry.
As soon as built-in into HomeKit, you possibly can arrange automations based mostly on the temperature readings from the gadget. For example, you could possibly simply configure a fan to activate if the temperature exceeds a sure threshold or have the AC kick in if it will get scorching in a baby’s room.
Conclusion
Total, the Aqara W100 is a priceless addition to any HomeKit setup. It delivers exact temperature and humidity readings, boasts a transparent LCD show, and options three programmable buttons for triggering numerous automations. Its compatibility with each Zigbee and Thread protocols offers flexibility for integrating into totally different ecosystems, and the anticipated battery life is spectacular.
Nevertheless, it has its drawbacks. The selection of LCD as an alternative of an E-Ink show might deter some customers, and the performance of the buttons can differ relying on the platform you make the most of. I might recognize extra options being straight accessible inside HomeKit. However, in the event you’re in search of a reliable local weather sensor that works seamlessly with HomeKit and provides further management choices, the Aqara W100 is unquestionably price contemplating. I do want it felt extra like a HomeKit-focused product slightly than primarily an Aqara one, however I perceive the corporate’s choices.
You should purchase it from Amazon or straight from Aqara.
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