Aqara’s New Smart Outlet Can Lock the Door When Your Phone Starts Charging

Aqara has just unveiled the €39.99 Wall Outlet H2, a smart outlet designed to replace standard 16A wall sockets in Europe. This innovative device goes beyond basic smart outlet functionality by offering real-time power usage monitoring to trigger various home automation scenes.

A Smart Way to Manage Your Home

Imagine this scenario: you plug in your phone to charge as you prepare for bed. As soon as the H2 detects the power draw exceeding 10W, it could automatically activate your nighttime scene. This could include arming motion detectors, locking the door, closing blinds, and turning off lights, providing you with a seamless transition to bedtime.

Additionally, the H2 can monitor your appliances, like detecting when your laundry cycle ends. Instead of listening to incessant beeping, the outlet can shut off the machine and send you a notification. This convenience helps avoid the frustration of noisy alerts and ensures energy is not wasted on idle appliances.

Built on Zigbee 3.0, Ready for Matter

The Wall Outlet H2 uses Zigbee 3.0, unlike some competitors that use Thread. However, it can still be integrated into Matter-compliant smart homes with a compatible Aqara hub, such as the new M3. This ensures compatibility with various smart home ecosystems, including Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant.

Intelligent Energy Management

One of the standout features of the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 is its ability to deactivate power at predefined thresholds up to 3840W. For example, it can turn off the outlet if power usage drops below a user-defined load (between 0W to 2W) for over 30 minutes. This feature enhances battery charging safety and extends the lifespan of battery cells.

Design and Availability

The H2 fits standard 55mm wall plates and can be used in single or multi-outlet configurations. It also features a configurable LED light that can indicate the current state or be turned off entirely for a cleaner look.

Aqara’s approach to energy management echoes similar initiatives, like Ikea’s Energy Insights and Inspelning energy-monitoring smart plug. While both currently use proprietary approaches, there's hope they will integrate with Matter’s energy monitoring capabilities in the future. This intelligent control over home energy consumption not only makes homes smarter but also reduces energy use and saves money.

The Aqara Wall Outlet H2 will be available starting May 30th in select European countries for €39.99 (approximately $43). This affordable price point makes it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their home automation systems.

Key Features at a Glance

• Real-time Power Monitoring: Trigger home automation scenes based on energy usage.

• Zigbee 3.0: Compatible with a wide range of smart home ecosystems.

• Energy Management: Deactivate power at defined thresholds to save energy and improve battery safety.

• Standard Fit: Fits 55mm wall plates for easy installation.

• Affordable: Priced at €39.99, making it accessible for many consumers.

Aqara’s Wall Outlet H2 promises to be a versatile and smart addition to modern homes, combining convenience, safety, and energy efficiency.