Aqara Adds New Zigbee Light Strips
Aqara released the LED Strip T1, its new Zigbee RGB Smart Light strip. The strip costs $49 and is compatible with all the major Smart Home platforms including Matter when paired with the Aqara Hub M2. The T1 is one of a select few light strips that supports Apple’s Adaptive Lighting feature, meaning the lights will tune its colors throughout the day (warmer or cooler) depending on the time. This is meant to help users maintain a circadian rhythm.
The Circana Take:
- As Aqara makes a larger push into the North America market, affordable smart lights are an effective way to gain a foothold in the home.
- Aqara’s investment in Matter should also drive some attention toward the brand- in hopes of boosting awareness of its other product offerings including new security devices.
SwitchBot Announces New Smart Curtain Controller
SwitchBot, maker of smart home devices with robotic features, announced their new Smart Curtain controller, Curtain 3. The Curtain line is essentially a retro-fit product with a motor that will physically move curtains on a curtain rod. Curtain 3 is Bluetooth-enabled but can also be controlled via SmartThings, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa (and Apple Shortcuts); and Matter with an extra hub. SwitchBot claims Curtain 3 is twice as strong as its predecessor and quieter. The new device also features a Solar Panel for unlimited power.
The Circana Take:
- Smart Curtains provide consumers control over home temperature and lighting and make an effective complement to Smart Thermostats for energy control.
- Though this segment remains small in market size, energy concerns remain a driver of smart home device sales. A closer association between smart curtains and sustainability could grow interest in this category.