What To Buy For Apple HomeKit Smart Home

[@masoodrazaq]

This was super helpful - thank you!

[@Manny0909]

Can I connect the aqara China product via the aqara m2 hub global version or HomeKit? Any issue with regional setting?

[@SharilAbKahar]

Smart door lock and doorbell are also essential part of the smart home ecosystem. Been using Homekit for the past 3 yrs, loves to share the experience.

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for sharing!

[@jarsonbinks]

Would you be able to do a vlog, “a day in the life of computer engineer” in the future?

[@AlexTeo]

Yeah that's something i thought about a long time ago, although its not direct related to my channel content, but I guess i will just do one for fun!

[@konatan1804]

Second that!

[@sestoelemento5143]

Have been toying with the idea to do up a smart home. This video is extremely helpful to weigh the pros and cons, especially on the part which catered to the stocks availability, affordability and suitability. Looking forward to your next video! Thumb up!

[@AlexTeo]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@ShawnAng]

Ikea's Tradfri lineup is also worth considering as they work with Homekit as well. I use a mix of aqara and tradfri devices for my homekit setup

[@AlexTeo]

Which specific tradfri devices are u using?

[@ShawnAng]

@@AlexTeo I'm using their wireless control outlet and smart bulbs. i must say the control outlet is very wallet friendly vs other brands

[@AlexTeo]

@@ShawnAng they should just call them smart plugs or smart socket, no idea why they gave it just a weird name. Anyway i have them via smartthings too, design not that nice but definitely very wallet friendly if you already have the hub

[@andisuriabinherwannuddin6142]

Any updates for apple home kit compatible devices for 2024?

[@bryantchan9391]

Short and sweet! So much information thank you Alex🙏

[@AlexTeo]

Thanks Bryant as always!

[@BernardGCZ]

You mentioned 4:11 aqara switches can get from China, with that said, will it be possible to use the H1M as it is avaliable in black?

[@AlexTeo]

yup should be fine by theory, having said that I will always buy 1 and test it out first

[@roy224]

Cant wait to see the review for the Aqara G4 door bell

[@ShaunLeeLC]

Hi Alex, thanks for the video. Was wondering, any reason not suggesting Aqara cameras instead of Eufy? Since you’re already encouraging to use as few systems as possible, wouldn’t using Aqara cameras be better? I find the cameras pretty good, support HomeKit secure video and no “privacy” issue (yet!?)

[@AlexTeo]

because I recommend going with solutions that is specifically for security cameras, with a more complete line-up of camera options both indoor and outdoor, also the software features

[@chrisszyyy]

Hello, what’s difference between Switch and Lights? I have a homepod 2 and im looking to buy a ceiling light and conncect it to my homekit

[@AlexTeo]

A switch control the on and off state of a device wired to the switch, light is a device that provide you with some form of lighting such as bulbs, led strip or the nanoleaf shapes

[@swordsius]

this is very useful for smart home beginners! do you have any recommendations for ceiling fans that can integrate with apple homekit? thanks!

[@AlexTeo]

best is to just use a smart switch or smart relay, have to go with those fans that doesn't require additional steps to switch it on once power goes in

[@anwivan4648]

7:50 How to get this Apple Home screen on a LG tv ?

[@AlexTeo]

That's via apple tv

[@batacafe]

6:31 Another great (and affordable) alternative for a smart thermostat is the Mysa Smart Thermostat. It supports Homekit.

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for sharing!

[@hunterhelm6163]

Don't forget homekit is now also compatible with hubitat which opens up way more products as a bridge. For myself, I am using hubitat for automations and an ipad as a dashboard via homekit. 👌

[@AlexTeo]

So basically you are using homekit just for the dashboard? Unless there are products that you really like that integrates with hubitat and not homebridge, else i will rather simplify the setup and stick with just 1 platform to maintain. But definitely having the flexibility works too!

[@lauriebak]

I use Hubitat, Homebridge and HomeKit. Homebridge is great for bringing in items that don’t natively pair with HomeKit (or Hubitat,) but it is not a platform for creating automations. HomeKit automations are great for many use cases, and HomeKit also makes a great front end for everyone in the family. But, even with third party apps such as Eve, HomeKit doesn’t allow for more complex automations. Hubitat is great for those, though, so I couldn’t see retiring it. I was hoping to retire my Homebridge Pi when the Hubitat-HomeKit integration launched. But, it doesn’t expose to HomeKit the security or Internet connected devices that are connected to Hubitat. So, I still need it for a few devices. At some point, I may be able to lose the Homebridge, especially as I replace older devices with ones that are natively HomeKit compatible.

[@hunterhelm6163]

@Alex Teo Yup using homekit mostly for the dashboard customisation it allows and hubitat for the automations. I started with hubitat and am glad that it is now integrated into homekit too for best of both worlds.. it's hard to beat homekit dashboard for it's simplicity esp. With customisation software like viz but the automations it allows aren't as flexible as what hubitat offers.

[@hunterhelm6163]

@Laurie Baker I'm trying to avoid homebridge as it needs some tinkering with a raspberry pi and rather just be using home assistant if I'm getting one. That being said, with the release of matter hopefully everything will be easier, I am especially excited to integrate switchbot into homekit once their hub v 2.0 is released. Shall have to see how it goes as I am still currently in the process of setting up my smart home, with house still undergoing reno and all ..

[@WayneLian]

Thanks for the video, hope to hear SmartThings sharing soon. I did my smart home setup about 7 years ago via US SmartThings and Z-Wave. With recent changes on SmartThings app (discontinued support for Groovy), I am progressively changing the setup to their default app, and still thinking whether to redesign the entire system. Apple HomeKit looks good but I will have a lot of motion sensors, window/door sensors to change.. :(

[@AlexTeo]

Yeah groovy ide is a strong selling point for me when i choose to go with smartthings, now everything is simplified. Zwave is probably the first protocol to phase out so maybe its a good time to do a tech refresh

[@mohammedshareef1644]

Is it possible to make a comparison between roborock q revo maxv vs dreame l20 ultra? ❤❤

[@AlexTeo]

will consider!

[@jasongoldhirsch]

Hi there, I am using the aquara video door bell but it demands that i need a home pod, to be honest, having siri is a hit or miss but i would like to hear your view. I am tempted to get the SD card though.

[@AlexTeo]

unless you don't need any voice assistant at all for your smart home setup, then just the apple tv as the home hub then

[@khengguan5954]

Hi, can i replace the Aqara M2 Hub by using the Apple Homepod mini?

[@AlexTeo]

nope, homepod mini don't even have zigbee capability

[@xylesx]

Super helpful video! Seeing how the landscape has changed quite a bit. Is there any recommendations that you would change today?

[@wolfhideout]

Hi alex, can I check with u. If I’m an iPhone user and would like to use china aqara switches with global M2 hub. Would it causes any issues/ lags? Also, would it be possible for u to explain local automation? ( are u referring to using phone to turn on/ off switches?) 🙏🏻 I’m looking at aqara product as my bto is completing soon. Hope u can advise on this. Thanks in advance 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@AlexTeo]

no issues, lag can be various possibilities that needs to troubleshoot, local means it works even when your internet is down

[@wolfhideout]

@@AlexTeo so the global hub is able to work with china switches ah. I’m intending to save cost to buy china switches , sensors but afraid cos some say it will not work, some say otherwise. Thanks alex !

[@overmatch001]

hi, thanks for the useful video. I am facing a problem and wondering if you have any idea to work it out. Recently I installed both Aqara wired switches (with neutral, Chinese version) and Philip HUE lights. I want to control them via both Homekit and Google Home, while leaving it possible for my guests to control the lights via Aqara switches. And here comes the problem. By using Homekit automation, I can physically toggle the swtiches to turn on/off the lights, but why I turn off the lights, the lights will be physically offline as well, so I cannot control them via HUE app or google home any more (just like traditional switches). I then tried to turn the switches into the "wireless switch mode", but it seems that in this mode, only the devices added to the aqara hub can be controled, i.e. the philip lights or other devices in Homekit cannot be controled. By the way, probably because the aqara hub I bought is the Chinese version, I failed to link the hub to my google home. I assume that whether it's the chinese version or the overseas version does matter.

[@teamnubcake]

For IR on M2 hub , since it uses LOS I would need multiple hub to control different room IR devices?

[@AlexTeo]

yup, that's how IR blaster works

[@teamnubcake]

@@AlexTeo Any cheaper solution for IR blaster that work with Homekit?

[@eugene4867]

Hi Alex! been watching all your reviews and for someone like me who do not know how the whole smart home setup should work and the progressive purchase of smart home products. example every month you will buy a $500 worth and you can do a vlog on it on the which product you will buy first , the setups , and the upcoming purchase you will be buying etc for both apple and google side. I believe most smart-home integration will be done by the man of the house.. also not everyone have approval from wife for a whole smart integration system instantly which need to be bit by bit :P

[@MrIzzatNoor]

Any thoughts on zemismart products? Understand they have a hub thats homekit-friendly which can be used as well

[@nothing-ei3oc]

I think it’s good as it is cheap and works well. Have bought their curtain tracks and led strips. Best thing is it works with Tuya zigbee products so works with Moes smart switches which are the cheapest on the market. Their motion sensor is ok, I think aqara’s is more reliable

[@AlexTeo]

If you are using tuya then they are a good choice, but their homekit hub doesn't seem to work as well

[@nothing-ei3oc]

@@AlexTeo using a mixture of Aqara and Tuya products. So far, no issues with the zemismart hub after 5 months of use. Only issue I’ve had is with the motion sensor. All other bridged Tuya products have worked with no issues.

[@AlexTeo]

@@nothing-ei3oc aqara is a much stronger player for homekit, unless zemismart offer certain devices that aqara doesn't, i can't see enough reason to introduce another hub for the setup

[@nothing-ei3oc]

@@AlexTeo price! Aqara’s products are great but its motorised curtain tracks are easily double the cost of Zemismart’s. Aqara’s switches are three times the cost of Moes (Tuya). I easily saved around $1500 on these two items alone. And reliability is pretty good so far - just check out the other KZbin videos on zemismart products. And zemismart grants access to a wider range of products, including led light strips (way cheaper than yeelight), that Aqara has not offered yet as well as the Tuya ecosystem. Anyway, love your channel - bought the aqara a100 after watching your review. The feel is really premium :)

[@chuijinglau1309]

Nice video！ can do more video for apple homekit？ there are limited information at Singapore n Malaysia about the apple smart home system…

[@bagrubmeister4973]

I Alex, great video. I have 10 SmartWings blinds and they work great and look fantastic and are sold a a very fair price.

[@ervinha6290]

Hey love the videos! Thank you! I am interested in getting a full Aqara setup but I need dimmer switches too. I see that Aqara has dimmer but only sold in CN. If I get them, can I install in sg and integrate with all the rest of the devices? If not, what’s the recommendation?

[@omarhany7312]

Hello Alex, but Govee is not supporting Apple Homekit ?!

[@AlexTeo]

have to check on individual product

[@Isolophilia19]

thank u so much this video was extremely helpful :)

[@Max86421]

Google nest hub max is one of my favorite matter 1.0 smart device

[@shuperb]

Hello @AlexTeo, may i know which Aqara store in taobao that you have good experience with? I saw a lot of bad reviews from Aqara’s official store in taobao.

[@AlexTeo]

sorry can't comment as I haven't been buying aqara products from taobao for a long time already

[@shuperb]

@@AlexTeo where do you buy them from nowadays?

[@AlexTeo]

@@shuperb aqara will send over test samples to me

[@CL-sx3pq]

Loving the thread protocol (nanoleaf lights) in my homekit devices, having lesser lagging, connected via homepod mini. Aqara wall switch D1 and M1S on zigbee works well too. So far these works much better than Wi-Fi smart products which I have mostly stopped using. Other appliances I've used homebridge to connect into homekit (KDK wall fan, Mi SG purifier, air circulator via broadlink as aqara M2 IR didn't work as well for some reason). Venturing into philips hue and eve sensor soon. Don't recommend yeelight. And yes very excited for the full size homepod again!

[@AlexTeo]

Yeah i think that is the reason why hue costs so much more than yeelight. Their products are just much more reliable. Why not just use aqara sensors? Or maybe choose the same brand as your target device eg. Hue motion sensor if you want to trigger hue lights

[@CL-sx3pq]

@@AlexTeo Yup keeping within the same brands could be a good idea, but for my case: 1. Since i'm working the automation all via homekit app, that wouldn't be too much of a concern. I don't open the individual brand apps unless i need to upgrade the firmware, and i don't even use apple shortcut unless it's for an action that doesn't require voice command. Voice command for device activation via shortcut app is too specific and not versatile (that's also why I didn't use M2 for my IR device). I so far only use the shortcut app to turn on the lights/activate homekit scene when my alarm rings in the morning. 2. I've considered aqara sensor, but given that my bathroom does not have wet/dry area, having a sensor suitable for wet environment (IP rating) and detection range would be important. 3. I've enjoyed thread protocol the most till date, and thus when considering smart device, it's not just whether they support matter, but having thread is a bonus. 4. For hue, i've not thought of which lights to change yet, but since my ceiling is just full of down lights, I use the aqara wall switches + non-smart down lights (good combo for non-techy elders, and cheaper combo compared to smart lights). Probably will try hue for fun in the study/entertainment room. Still exploring the best way to do automation for an environment friendly for all ages, for those without smart-knowledge, and ultimately to run automation without internet :)

[@AlexTeo]

​@@CL-sx3pq because I realize the performance of having them within the same brand is better especially when the devices are connected via a hub/bridge although they are all configured on homekit. Eg. using an aqara motion sensor via aqara hub to control a hue light via hue bridge. Based on my experience, response time from bluetooth devices are not as quick but In the case of eve understand that its a combi of bluetooth and thread, not sure how it turns out in actual but should be ok!

[@Patroclus27]

HomePod mini is officially in singapore already

[@AlexTeo]

Yup, some products take forever to come to sg

[@sradovarius]

I think Aqara Airconditioning P3 is a better choice for the price compare to Sensibo Air conditoning although they need to use China Server but will still link to Homekit.

[@lfcrox100]

Hey Alex! Thanks for posting your videos. I am renovating my place soon and intend to make it smart! Your videos are super useful since I stay in SG as well. Quick question; when you purchase your Aqara products from TB, do they sell their products with the UK plug? Or do you use adapters?

[@AlexTeo]

i did not buy any related aqara products that come with power adapters, eg. switches, sensors, curtain motors..

[@平常心-d4k]

Hi Alex, am going to embark on my home renovation journey in less than a year's time and coming back to this video as it is very helpful. My fiancee and I are embracing the iOS apple ecosystem with apple watch, iPhones, iPad, and looking to use HomeKit Smart Home as our primary set up. Are these things still relevant or are there anything new in the last 11 months that perhaps you can recommend to add onto? I will research a bit more on Aqara switches and other peripherals, likely getting them from Taobao if they are cheaper. For wifi, why is it that you mentioned only Linkedsys MX4200 is appropriate? Does other wifi / mesh system not work well? I would have thought the mesh system will only affect the strength of the signals across differing brands. Hope you can guide a fellow new home owner like me who is keen to model my house after yours to be a smart home.

[@AlexTeo]

Still relevant today, mesh routers that work with homekit has added security features, you can go with ubiquiti alien as well www.apple.com/sg/home-app/accessories/

[@djphazoproug2734]

Hello how are you doing am called Phazo from Africa uganda always love your work respect

[@AlexTeo]

Thanks mate

[@CandyceTan]

Can I check, for Aqara core devices, how do I connect them in HomeKit? Do I need a Aqara hub in order to sync them to HomeKit? If yes, then do I still need a HomePod? Won’t that be having 2 home hub ?

[@AlexTeo]

You will have a number of hubs each serving different purposes

[@qijietan61]

Hi Alex. thx for the much informative guide. any other smart plug compatible with homekit other then belkin wemo. seems the availability of stock in laz/ shopee v limited.

[@AlexTeo]

eve, if not meross

[@junming1000]

Hi great information. Would like to check if you know aqara m2 hub (global) can pair with aqara China domestic switches eg H1m ?

[@AlexTeo]

As long as it works with homekit, shouldnt be a problem on paper

[@raymondoqh]

Hi Alex! Thanks for the great content! I am revisiting your video as I am currently renovating my home. Am thinking of setting up a smart home as well and contemplating between Apple Home Kit and Amazon Alexa. I do have a few questions here and I hope you can help me on them. 1. I do have a Sonos sound system - will it have the capability to work like the Echo in an Amazon Alexa home system? 2. Have you come across any water heater switch that works with Apple Home Kit? I haven’t been able to find one. My use case: (I) automatically switch on the heater before I wake up (II) automatically switch on the heater before I reach home

[@AlexTeo]

1. sonos is a very closed system that only work very well with all sonos products if you are looking at a whole home system 2. i dont use electric heater so I have no experience in this area, you can always use a switchbot cheap and easy

[@genericmike7361]

Why do you prefer matter over thread? I’ve recently been building my smart home and have been shopping exclusively for thread devices

[@AlexTeo]

Matter is the future standard protocol

[@fakhruziefransyah9796]

Hi great videos, subscribed! I’m looking forward to other videos about homekit, this is a good reference for southeast asia product market! But i have question, i’ve been using Aqara CCTV and logging it in my HomeKit, and its live stream displayed anywhere (phone, watch) but not Apple TV, do you have any solution about this?

[@AlexTeo]

hmm no clue about that, i don't have an apple tv with me to test it out

[@debbiewhoelse]

Hi Alex! For voice assistant, which would you use, Siri (with HomePod Mini) or Google Assistant(with Nest mini)? Not sure if you experienced it, but I find Google Assistant getting more and more buggy. Keeps turning on the wrong things, or does not understand simple straightforward commands.

[@AlexTeo]

Hmm.. for smart home controls i think i prefer siri. For google, i will avoid using words that it will misread, eg blind to light, dark to duck 😅

[@Max86421]

Matter 1.0 save Apple HomeKit 🍎

[@kelvin1303]

Hi alex! your videos are very helpful. Can I ask, if I want my household items (curtains, lights) to be activated by remote switches, what is the minimum set up do I need? Because I am not a fan of voice control. Can I bypass the need of hubs?

[@AlexTeo]

you can't, you can only try to reduce the number of hubs

[@gordonwoon]

Hi Alex, thanks for the video! Would you think it's possible to integrate Dimmer Switch from Moes/Tuya into Homekit via Homebridge?

[@AlexTeo]

there is a tuya homebridge plugin, no idea how well it works

[@wadewassenberg76]

Everyone always talks about the Lutron stuff, I am a big fan of the Leviton switches... I think they are more aesthetically pleasing, they're less expensive than Lutron, and don't require a hub.

[@AlexTeo]

Nice.. too bad they aren't available in singapore

[@supercanardo]

So basically, without a hub Homekit is totally useless. Before the latest update, I could invite members of the family to remote our home (just a couple of plugs), now I need a hub to do this? Please...

[@AlexTeo]

pretty useless without a home hub

[@Despera-xo4zk]

Hi Alex, I am starting a smart home solution soon. Can you comment on Mowe Smart Home, Home-A-Genius and Control 4? I am leaning towards Mowe as they have more appliances for integration. Between google home, alexa and home kit, which one is better and more user friendly assuming money no object.

[@AlexTeo]

Homekit if you are ok with apple ecosystem

[@sylviachin3255]

Hi Alex, In order to have an Apple ecosystem, I must have mesh routers compatible with Apple HomeKit? Can any brand of router be used? Thank you

[@AlexTeo]

any is fine, the linksys MX4200 just have extra features for homekit

[@showang721]

Can you suggest where to get HomePod mini? Since SG and MY is not selling? Considering to get it from Apple official store in Tmall, worth it? Or any other place?

[@AlexTeo]

mine is an EU set, can check out carousell as well

[@brendanconceicao1402]

Hi Alex, thanks for the informative video. Any recommendations as to where to reliably purchase the HomePod mini?

[@AlexTeo]

Buying it direct from apple store is the safest most relisble, so if yourself or your friends/colleagues are going overseas can help buy

[@jiajunryanho6332]

Hi have you tried lutron dimmer switch? Seems like they are 110v will it work fine with our voltage?

[@AlexTeo]

Can refer to my smart switches video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrKhWSVrrqrmrcsi=PlytluYrsFR0udiv

[@kancil14]

I bought the Starling Home Hub (cause I had too much problems and connectivity issues with HOOBS and Homebridge) to specifically get my Google Nest Doorbell (battery) and Google Nest Cam to work with Apple Homekit (and it works like a charm)... and yes I also do have the new IKEA Dirigera Hub for smart products as it has Thread which helps with Apple Homekit connectivity... Currently with IKEA, I've got a few smart bulbs, remotes and smart blinds linked up...

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for sharing!

[@jaselinpo7365]

Thanks for sharing about Homekit! I was thinking about getting HomeKit system for our new house since my partner and I are Apple users. As we have most of our devices are from Apple.

[@AlexTeo]

yeah definitely consider homekit

[@mingcherteo8731]

Hi Alex. Great video once again! Do you have any recommendations for a rain sensor? I would like my blinds to close automatically once it starts raining. Thanks!

[@AlexTeo]

unfortunately no, not aware of any

[@michaellimantara3703]

Hi Alex, great video on smart home as usual! Do you recommend using a smart switch for water heater? Also, what's the smart water heater switch compatible natively with homekit?

[@AlexTeo]

for me i use a smart gas heater, you need a switch that supports a load of 20A for heaters/hob n hood such devices

[@karhoulim743]

Hi Alex, great video. Do you know if Aqara E1 curtain driver from china works with Global hub?

[@AlexTeo]

technically it should but i am not 100% certain

[@bythewei]

I’ve been trying to find a smart lock for HDB gates that support homekit but to no avail. Any recommendations or alternatives?

[@AlexTeo]

Check out the solution from yale as shared

[@Kai-ow4ek]

I’ve been thinking of buying the sensibo but I heard you can’t control the fan speed in HomeKit. Is that true? I’m currently looking at products like mysa but I don’t hear about them a lot.

[@AlexTeo]

used to be but not sure whether any changes from updates, welcome anybody to share!

[@thedougside]

Wondering what additional features does an Apple home hub offer when the Aqara hub can control all the switches?

[@AlexTeo]

Local control and better security features

[@b3nzrk]

Have you seen smart devices from Near in Singapore? How does it compare with Aqara stuff since they run Zigbee as well ~

[@AlexTeo]

They are tuya products, you got to use homebridge to integrate to homekit via cloud.

[@weiloong1989]

Actually is there anything i need my electrician to do in order to replace the aqara smart switches? Or as simple as just replace the current one? Sorry a newbie that is still doing research

[@AlexTeo]

it should be v simple, unless there is not enough space allowance to run the wires because smart switches are much bigger than the normal ones

[@therealdealmccoy]

Careful camera buyers. New eufy firmware broke HomeKit integration.

[@AlexTeo]

thanks for sharing

[@Max86421]

😏 Not everyone can just set up a smart home, Hopefully matter smart devices will solve that problem

[@AlexTeo]

fingers crossed it will be good

[@lzacare]

This is very great info! Am waiting for your upcoming content as my smart home now is a mess.... have no idea where to start. So many apps in 1 phone.

[@AlexTeo]

yup stay tuned!

[@linusang]

do you know of a homekit compatible smart switch (20amp i think) for the water heater, dish washer etc?

[@AlexTeo]

nope, its something i didnt dig deep as I don't use any of them

[@kennethhong7834]

Hi Alex, great content! Have been enjoying every video! I’m torn between getting locally distributed Aqara products and China Aqara products. Are there any real cons getting the China Aqara products other than not being able to connect to google home and Alexa. Thank you!

[@AlexTeo]

hi thanks kenneth for your kind words. No warranty support for the products, maybe firmware updates in the future I am not sure. To me the hub is the most critical so better get the global version for that, as for the child devices especially those battery powered ones I will get from china

[@russty7569]

Do one for kitchen appliances haha

[@baseplatecharlie]

Great stuff as usual, keep it up Alex. Still a bit iffy at the recent Eufy security... Looking forward to your Google home recommends!

[@AlexTeo]

Thanks thanks, that will be up next!

[@ibisan]

Hi, do u have any recommendation for smart power strips?

[@AlexTeo]

nope for apple homekit

[@wolfhideout]

Hi alex, not sure if you would be replying to this, would you recommend any Xiaomi product for HomeKit? ( not sure if it’s compatible as well)

[@AlexTeo]

you can refer to this site - www.apple.com/sg/home-app/accessories/

[@wolfhideout]

@@AlexTeo thanks!

[@dustinb9660]

great vid straight to the point thanks!

[@andrewlee8110]

Hi Alex, I’m confused with the comments I’ve read and the things you mentioned in the video. In order for apple HomeKit to work with Aqara devices, I need to have Aqara Hub M2? Why can’t I connect all devices directly to Homekit? Regarding zigbee z-wave matter, I can still use apple HomeKit?

[@AlexTeo]

aqara devices all are based on zigbee, you need a device that is able to pick up zigbee signals so for homekit you will need the aqara hub

[@andrewlee8110]

@@AlexTeo I see. Thanks for answering my queries!

[@gnsirk]

hi alex, really excited for this homekit video! you mentioned that region settings does not matter for the aqara switches? was wondering if you recently tested that cuz a local reseller told me that aqara recently (last nov/dec) started disabling connection for switches from china i.e. you will not be able to connect it unless you are on the china server

[@AlexTeo]

4:09 i am on china region, it doesn't matter which region setting you are on as long as you can add the devices into aqara app and the device works with homekit, you will be able to see them in the apple home app. But being on china region doesn't mean you can add all the devices in, for eg. I can add my global ver M2 hub into the china region, but I can't add the curtain E1

[@greglhc]

Where did you get the folding glass door for your study area? Looks sleek!

[@AlexTeo]

part of the reno package so no idea who is the exact sub-con

[@seanong8074]

Extremely informative video, thanks for making such video! Greatly helped me who is completely new entering into smart home stuff! Will you consider making a updated video for 2024 please? Will be getting keys to my BTO in the coming months!

[@AlexTeo]

No huge changes so i wont make an updated video soon, instead i plan to make one on platforms

[@seanong8074]

@@AlexTeo I see! Thanks for the reply! :)

[@iben6234]

You have also IKEA products : cheap and good (lot of products) + VOCOlinc : cheap and excellent

[@AlexTeo]

yeah but i will reframe from adding more apps and more hubs/bridges to manage

[@marvinz911]

@@AlexTeo but Ikea product will require Ikea gateway right ? I can't seems to add anything Ikea to my m2

[@ivantpc]

Hi Alex, thanks for the great video! Watched it and decided to go for the Logitech Circle View Doorbell. Unfortunately, my electrician couldn’t get it to work. It works only when it’s connected to wall plug. Once it is mounted to the wall, the white LED just keep flashing non-stop. Do you have any electrician that is familiar with this product that u could recommend?

[@AlexTeo]

its a wired doorbell so it requires a power transformer to regulate the voltage for it to work. My guess is most of the old electrician probably have no experience with smart doorbells

[@ivantpc]

The electrician I got in used transformer for the installation but they are more comfortable with rechargeable doorbells. Now I’m stuck with a not working doorbell mounted on the wall.

[@pine_appl3]

hi Alex, I watched your video on smart curtain posted 2 years ago "Smart Curtains for $120 SwitchBot vs Aqara" and noted you were using Aqara motorized track for curtain whereas in this video you recommended "Aqara E1 Curtain Driver". do you have any recommendations between these 2? I like that the motorized track can be connected to power directly and seemingly quieter but I think E1 is relatively easier to install. thank you in advance.

[@pine_appl3]

and thank you for your video! I am an iphone user and this video is extremely helpful.

[@AlexTeo]

I recommend both depending on whether you prefer motorized or retrofit, they are very different even from price pov. I will recommend motorized though

[@ZishanAliMalik]

Do you need a different hub to all these different brands that you mention?

[@AlexTeo]

if they are zigbee devices then yes, else usually nope

[@Ian_81]

Hi, iam interested in homekit setup for aqara. You did mention region is not important as its running locally in homekit right? Currently I have a G3 camera hub global version. To add G3 to homekit, we only scan the G3 hub right QR, Other sensor still need to add to G3 via aqara app right?

[@AlexTeo]

that's right, unless the firmware on the aqara hub blocks adding of devices not within the same region which could happen else you shouldn't face any issues

[@Ian_81]

@@AlexTeo thanks for the input.

[@JacobGagoOfficial]

Just FYI I'm using the iPad option as a hub you just need to enable it.

[@AlexTeo]

did you update your iOS?

[@JacobGagoOfficial]

@@AlexTeo it should be in the latest. But it’s in the setting to use it as a hub. Found out how to do it from an article online.

[@jumpinsphere]

It's shame Aqara don't sell their product officially here in indonesia. So, the google ecosystem stills a viable option because no one Homekit product is officially sold here. I wonder is it possible if Homesmart distributes and sells these product here?

[@AlexTeo]

Got to check with them directly, yup smart home is very specific to whats available at where you are based

[@jumpinsphere]

@@AlexTeo I did reach out to Aqara. Unfortunately, they won't sell here because unknown reasons after I asked them.

[@welrovert]

Nice!! Im so excited on your upcoming Google Home guide.

[@AlexTeo]

Coming soon!

[@Buqammaz]

I am a new subscriber!! keep up this amazing content!

[@AlexTeo]

Thanks for the sub!

[@AdrienHartmann]

very very good video ! thx

[@lifern1437]

Hi Alex, my hubby and I are two "oldies" who will be renovating our flat (cos we couldn't afford to downsize - ya I know that sounds "contradictory" but that's how things are right now). Anyway, we love your videos and we always say, before we buy this and that gadget, see if Alex Teo has a video on that or not first,😊. Thanks for all the objective advice, really appreciate it🙏🏻👍💓. Anyway we can PM you?😉

[@AlexTeo]

Thanks for the support! Feel free to PM me on IG

[@lifern1437]

@@AlexTeo Thank you very much Alex. But we oldies don't know how to use IG😅. But it's ok, we'll try our best. Will be watching your videos even though we are not into a smart home! Stay healthy, happy and safe!

[@ElTorro9449]

Maybe Matter will solve compatibility problems..

[@AlexTeo]

hopefully

[@myrainforest]

Hi Alex, another great video as always! I have one question. Is your Aqara M2 hub a China version or international version? Any issue if I get a China version and run it in Singapore? Thanks!

[@AlexTeo]

For homekit users, it doesnt matter what region server you use in the aqara app. Just scan the code thats all

[@myrainforest]

@@AlexTeo thanks Alex! 👍

[@maxleong91]

hello Alex, happy CNY! i've been following you late last year (sorry for being late!) and also decided to get Aqara A100 for my new place after watching your review (your 2nd place for Top 3 Digital Door Lock). i saw Aqara's Camera hub G2H/G2H Pro/G3 supports Apple HomeKit and on their website it says they can store footage in iCloud - how/does that work? because im always thinking - if someone tries to break in and takeaway the SD Card/Camera itself, I have no proof... if it is stored online LIVE that would be helpful... ((very new to IOT, hence exploring and learning alot from you :D

[@AlexTeo]

Hey there, you are right about the SD card. I am someone that is quite pro cloud, but provided its a big company like apple, google or aws. So i think it depends whether you care more about cyber security or physical local security (not sure whether this is the right term)

[@ShaunLeeLC]

With Aqara cameras, you can always store on HomeKit secure Video which will be on the cloud. It’s not 24/7 recording but it should record any motion.

[@eken2612]

hi can I ask where you get the homepod mini from ?

[@AlexTeo]

i got it from carousell

[@boblybob5492]

Sigh. I just implanted the Alexa system for my new house. if I had watched this earlier, I would use the home kit instead. hahaha

[@AlexTeo]

alexa is awesome as well, just not as much in south east asia

[@boblybob5492]

@@AlexTeo Advice if i should swap to homekits device

[@maytan2411]

I rem you said you are not apple fan, any reason why?

[@AlexTeo]

Overpriced product with their closed proprietary solution, ie. Lightning port, magsafe, itunes..

[@lukasbelck4514]

i was looking exactly for a video like this, thanks!

[@AlexTeo]

happy to hear that!

[@danielyit2013]

Any idea when Eve would be available in SG?

[@AlexTeo]

Totally no idea, but i think very unlikely

[@stix55]

@Alex Teo Possible to use SwitchBot Hub 2 with Aqara switches without Aqara M2 Hub?

[@AlexTeo]

don't quite understand what you are looking for, what are you trying to achieve with the switchbot hub 2?

[@stix55]

@@AlexTeo I prefer to use switchbot hub 2 instead of Aqara M2 Hub, and probably using SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2. For the switches, to go with Aqara switches - so just wondering if I can mix them up. Does this make sense? haha

[@AlexTeo]

@@stix55 ehh... the switchbot hub provides remote access to switchbot products because they are based on bluetooth. Aqara hub controls aqara zigbee products, so a hub/gateway with zigbee capability is required

[@stix55]

@@AlexTeo thanks Alex. Watched other videos of yours and got answers too. Thanks! :)