Aqara's next-generation Matter hub - the Hub M3 - is now available worldwide. The M3 hub, which is designed with an emphasis on Edge computing, offers enhanced privacy and local automation capabilities that function even in the absence of an internet connection or the hub. It supports a range of devices such as Aqara accessories, infrared-compatible gadgets, and some third-party Matter devices, becoming the heart of smart home automation while ensuring easy installation and privacy.

Unveiled at the CES event in January, the M3 stands apart as an Edge Hub by offering data privacy via encrypted local storage and sophisticated local automation capabilities. For Aqara customers who already have an Aqara Zigbee hub, introducing Hub M3 greatly fortifies their smart home networks, and allows for more local automations between Aqara devices. Once added, the M3 takes precedence over other Aqara Zigbee hubs and Wi-Fi devices, and enables automation between these devices to be executed on the Edge instead of over the cloud, guaranteeing consistent functionality during internet or cloud service disruptions. As part of its capabilities, the Hub M3 lets certain Aqara Zigbee devices with Repeater functionality serve as a proxy hub and carry out automations when the M3 is not present. Upcoming Aqara Thread devices with Mesh Extender functionality are also predicted to support device pairing using the M3.

In the latest progression of Aqara’s collection of smart home controllers, the M3 supports various protocols, including Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared (IR), making it an all-encompassing hub for smart home management. It links to and manages Aqara's classic Zigbee devices, acting as a Matter bridge. The M3's 360° IR blaster enhances control of IR-enabled devices by synchronising their status directly with Aqara Home when an IR remote is in use. Furthermore, the M3 incorporates the latest Aqara Thread devices and certain Matter-compatible devices from third-party manufacturers into Aqara Home, allowing users to connect and manage devices from various brands and ecosystems via the Aqara Home app for maximum flexibility and compatibility.

• Matter bridge for infrared AC units: The device can integrate any infrared-compatible air conditioning unit or heat pump with Matter for AC control and automation via Matter-enabled platforms.
• Seamless group migration: The M3 makes it easy for users to transfer bridged device from older Aqara hubs, ensuring continuous Aqara Home settings and automations without needing to reset each device individually.
• Improved internet connectivity: The M3 offers dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) with WPA3 security and a PoE-enabled port, which provides enhanced stability and adaptability.
• High-volume speaker: The device houses a built-in 95dB speaker that can be utilized for home security alerts and personalized announcements.

The Hub M3 can now be purchased through Aqara’s Amazon brand stores all across North America (US, Canada), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, UK) and Asia (Japan) and also through certain Aqara retailers across the globe.

To commemorate the product launch, Aqara provides a 20% discount on the new hub at Amazon brand stores, with the promotion ending on May 10. Details about the promotion codes and product links are as follows:

• For North American stores: USCAHUB3 (valid for Amazon US & Canada)
• For European stores: HUBM3EU5 (valid for Amazon France, Germany, Italy, Spain & UK)