Back in August, Xiaomi launched a new Aqara Gateway
Hub that not only works with the Mijia app but also works with Apple Homekit.
The added support for Apple HomeKit means owners will be able to control their
smart products with the Siri voice assistant.
The Aqara Gateway Hub is now on sale and is priced
at ¥ 299 (US$ 43). Xiaomi says it will also work with its own Xiao Ai voice
assistant. Connection to the hub is either via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only) or Zigbee. The Aqara Gateway Hub can be
linked with up to 32 smart devices including smart lights, the Aqara flood
sensor, wireless switches, wall sockets, body sensor, temperature and humidity
sensor, and Aqara motorized curtain.
When connected to the Apple HomeKit, users will be
able to use Siri on their iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or HomePod to control any
of the smart devices. All you have to say is “Hey Siri” and ask it to turn
on/off the light or lower the temperature.
The new Aqara Gateway Hub works with iOS 11+ and
Android 5.0+ devices. It weighs 186.5g and works with 100 – 240V AC power. It
has a NXP iMX6 CPU with 256MB of RAM. It is also said to have an
Apple-certified encryption IC. If you are interested in grabbing one, it is available for purchase
on the Youpin store.
