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Awesome thorough review, Simon! So many features are packed into this camera and so many possibilities for automations. I’m excited for the release in 🇨🇦! Keep up the awesome work!
Your channel is packed with great content and I love the way you structure your analysis. Well done! I was wondering about the general availability in EU/USA, where can I find this information please?
Thanks. It would be nice to have the Mi Home option, but Aqara are really keen to go it alone more and more these days. I’m not sure what the price will be in the US or Europe, but there are so many functions I feel it’s worth the price I paid - roughly $125
@@homekitnews about 1000 RMB? Oh wait 800. Yeah that’s way too unaffordable for me 🥲. I have to wait for a watered down version with no hub, no IR, etc…lol
It’s actually easier to set up than their newest E1 model, but for the basics it’s pretty straightforward. It’s only if you want the extras, like gesture recognition or tracking can it take more time to get it how you like it. Great camera though.
Yes, I agree there’s a ton of features, but to be honest I don’t use all of them, and it’s still one of the best indoor cameras out there in my opinion. I just use the camera, the tracking for my pet when I’m not home, and the IR blaster.
Great review as usual! Trying to buy it on AliExpress, but can’t find it. Any chance to share a buy link to get this one? I live in Brazil and buy all Aqara stuff from China…
Hi, and thanks. At present it’s only being sold in stores that only sell within Mainland China, like TMall, and JD, so you won’t find it on AliExpress for a while unfortunately. If you know someone in China, they can fairly easily pick one up from these stores though.
Hi, yes, as long as the camera is receiving power the hub is still functioning 24/7. One thing to note is that privacy mode only works properly when just using the Aqara app. If you also use HomeKit, you also have to set the G3 to ‘Off’ on the camera settings before the camera will retract.
Are the g3 and g2h pro any different in their HomeKit support? Because when you enter to the overview of the g2h pro award states that the cámara has the fullest HomeKit support to date. Are the 2 models really any different? I really want to buy the g3 but leaning towards to the g2h pro because of their statements on the HomeKit support.
In terms of HomeKit support, they are much the same. The real differences are on the Aqara side of things. The G3 offers pan/tilt, 2K recording, built-in IR blaster, and a privacy option that stores the lens away. If you’re only using it in HomeKit, then there are a lot of HomeKit cameras that fit the bill, but the Aqara options are too good to miss out on, in my opinion.
@@homekitnews so in terms of HomeKit support they are the same. I think I'll go with the g3 then, also they don't mention night vision on their overview for the g3 if it wasn't for your video wouldn't even know about it
@@Cocker_Spaniel not directly, as there’s no function or user interface within the Home app to control movement. What you can do is use an Aqara device like their mini switch (which is also HomeKit compatible) and programme it to move to different preset positions depending on whether it’s single, double, or long press. The other alternative is to use Siri Shortcuts, but that’s control via voice, not automated.
this was a great review indeed! I am keen on buying the Aqara G3 camera, most specifically because it has an infrared blaster and acts as a home hub as well along with being a homekit security camera with 2-way audio, and now has matter support as well. I had a few questions before making the purchase. It would be great if you can reply on whichever you know about- 1. Any idea on leaks or rumors of a new version of this camera about to be announced? Since this was launched over 2 years back. I don't wanna regret my purchase. 2. Now that there is matter compatibility, can infrared devices be controlled through Apple Homekit as well (power toggle, AC temperature, etc.) by exposing scenes from Aqara app to Homekit? I want to control an old Panasonic air conditioner and a Denon AVR mainly. 3. Is this a recommended camera for baby monitoring? Does it have similar features to detect movement or crying? Or can be set somehow with Apple features? 4. The 2-way audio feature, is it only through Aqara app or also through Homekit directly? 5. I am assuming this is easily and directly compatible with Apple TV to show in the control centre? 6. Is there a way to use Apple Sound recognition feature, for door bells and baby crying - to automate the camera to show up on the Apple TV directly as detected? 7. Can there be automations set based on specific face detection? Can these be controlled in Homekit or only Aqara app? 8. The G3 isn't listed on Apple's official website under cameras or hubs. That's not really any problem right? 9. I can't find whether Homekit Secure Video is supported in India or not. If it is not, except for recording, all other features would still be functional? I understand these are too many questions, but any help would be appreciated! thanks in advance.
Glad you enjoyed the video. The G3 is a great camera hub, which I’m still using now. I’ll try and address each of your questions; 1. The most recent camera was the E1, and as of now, I’m not aware of any camera to supersede the G3 right now. The only cameras due at some point are outdoor models. 2. The camera’s hub is only a Matter Bridge, so it can only be added to other Matter platforms as a bridge (Matter still doesn’t support cameras yet). This also means unlike the new Aqara M3, this is not a Matter Controller, and although you don’t specially need a Matter Controller for IR to be exposed to HomeKit, the G3 is not capable, as is also the case with the Hub M2. 3. The G3 should be suitable as a baby monitor, as long as you don’t expect too many features directly related to monitoring a small child. It has abnormal sound detection for example. 4. 2-way audio is available in HomeKit too. 5. You can see the live stream for this camera on Apple TV, just like other HomeKit cameras. 6. The G3 can’t access the Apple feature you mention, although there may be ways around this. 7. Yes, you can set up automations based on face recognition, but they’re only available in the Aqara app. However, if you use this feature for scenes in the Aqara app, you can export those scenes to HomeKit. 8. Apple’s website isn’t always up to date when it comes to compatible products, but I use Apple HomeKit pretty much exclusively and it’s definitely 100% HomeKit compatible. 9. I can’t answer this question, but the G3 is compatible with HomeKit secure video.
@@homekitnews thanks for the prompt response.. that about answers it all.. I’m gonna order it off Amazon! So I’m assuming that if G3 is connected via IR to an AC, the HomeKit app won’t allow temperature control, but only power toggle. I know the Aqara app would probably allow once the IR has configured it as an AC. Similarly, if I get a remote fan setup through IR, HomeKit won’t allow fan speed control in any way, recognising the exposed scene as a Fan? Once again, appreciate your response :)
The G3 can control a multitude of devices using IR, but none are exposed to HomeKit. In Aqara, you usually get a full set controls for devices, so you can create a scene that controls a specific function (or functions) of the IR device, and expose it to HomeKit as a scene. With IR blaster devices that can be exposed to HomeKit, like the Nature Remo Nano and the Switchbot Hub 2, they do expose the AC to HomeKit, and other devices too, but for those other devices, it’s simply on/off, so a fan wouldn’t have controls in HomeKit. There is a fan category for HomeKit, but IR devices are simply seen as switches or plugs essentially (apart from AC control).
@@homekitnews hmm alright.. so i guess at some point I would have to think of getting the switchbot.. it works with homebridge or home assistant also if i'm not wrong, correct? i guess i could be confusing this. if it's just another hub then i'll probably lose out on camera functions and getting into the Aqara ecosystem. Since i only shifted to iPhone and watch last year, I have a bunch of accessories still without homekit / matter.. like Govee TV lights, strip lights and bulbs. I can only spend for one device as of now, so I guess rather make do with not having fan and ac temperature and speed controls for the time being.
Unfortunately pan/tilt functionality is not available in any HomeKit app, including Apple Home. I was hoping that would have changed with iOS 16, but it didn’t.
Hi, I have some questions about Aqara G3 features such as face detection or gesture detection. I would like to create a homekit automation with gestures to non-aqara devices. I’m using some matter non-aqara devices but as an example, I can’t trigger my kasa matter lights with g3 gesture. Because as an idea, it is possible to create lots of automation with face recognition and gestures. The problem is how to integrate it into the homekit. Please kindly help me, even if it's better if you prepare some kind of tutorial video. Appreciated!
It really depends on what you want to achieve. For the most part, face and gesture recognition is designed primarily to work with other Aqara devices. There are workarounds, but it usually involves using another Aqara device as a proxy/middleman, like a smart plug.
Hi, if you don’t actually require a camera, I would usually recommend keeping cameras and hubs separate, just so you don’t lose both features if the camera were to stop working. That said, the G3 offers a lot, most of which you get on the M2. The good news is that Aqara said not only will the M2 and M1S get their hubs updated for Matter, but so will the hub within the G3. In terms of range I think they would be pretty much the same. The M2 could be seen as more reliable due to its Wired connection, but that won’t have any effect on the Zigbee signal itself.
Hi, and thanks. You can use the Chinese G3 in Europe, but you would have to use the Mainland China server to add it to the Aqara app. The only downside is if you already have EU devices connected to the Aqara app set to the Europe server, which means switching servers if you want to control something on a different server. If everything you use for Aqara is via HomeKit, then it’s not so important.
Thanks. The three biggest and best differences to the G2H is the option to connect to 5GHz WiFi for faster streaming times, 2K recording (not in HomeKit), and the pan/tilt control. There are other things too, like gesture and face recognition, but I don’t use them too much.
Great video again man!!! I watch all your videos! One quest: I have M1s , G2H,ac p3 and m2 hub but in the HomeKit app all this act (arm/disarm etc) as 3 different alarms!! Can I make it act as one?? Or only if you buy the G3 all are connected and act as one alarm??
Hi, and thanks for the support. Regarding the different alarms, they should all work together, although the G2H alarm modes aren’t shown in HomeKit, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. You wouldn’t need the G3 to make this happen. Are you signed into the Aqara app, or are you using HomeKit mode only?
@@homekitnews I am signed in the Aqara app. But they act as independent alarms! Before one or two firmware’s they armed and disarmed together,but now no. Do you use ios15 beta or something?? I have M1s and m2 in Europe server and ac p3 unfortunately to mainland China server! But the two hubs in the same server also doesn’t work together in HomeKit!!
@@homekitnews I also asked in the Reddit and they replied it acts as different alarms. Maybe if I add them in the same room for ex living room maybe it acts as one!
I guess you could, but you would also have to ensure the USB-C port and rear speaker were protected against liquid ingress, which isn’t going to be easy.
Hi, yes the tracking will work independently of whatever you have set up in HomeKit, so if human (or pet) tracking is active on the Aqara app, it will continue to he active when viewing the camera in HomeKit/Apple Home, and also work with HSV.
Yes, you can do all of those things. In order to record to SD card you would need to initially set it up in the Aqara app, which would require you to sign in/set up an account. Once it’s set up you can sign out after that, and watch the live stream in the Apple Home app (if you use it), or via the Aqara app.
I finally have my G3 over here, but some concerns: - I also have 2 G2H. If i trigger the allarm, arm it to any mode, it alarms all other g2h. Isn't possible to disable it? One of my G2H is on my future son's room, and have it alarming can be very concern... - I couldn't find how to put the sd card on it, or how to enable privacy mode, to have the camera hidden - The angle seams to be a little limited, cannot aim to low on it, so I can't leave it on a very high location, otherwise I cannot see the floor, to have my dog tracked by it. Seams to not have a zoom out control, such a wide mode... the G2H aperture pleases more than G3. Do you have any comments or notes bout these concerns that I've pointed??
Hi, at present there is no way to exclude the G2H from being armed/activated when the G3 or another Aqara hub is armed/activated. Aqara are looking at how to fix this. If you email support@aqara.com, this will show them that more people need this feature, and will push them to implement it sooner. To insert the SD card, you have to put the G3 in sleep mode in the Aqara app, AND turn it to Off in HomeKit too (I assume you’re using it in HomeKit too). This is also the case when you want to put it in privacy mode. Unfortunately this is the same with all cameras that have a privacy mode of this type (Vocolinc, Eufy), so it’s not specific to the G3. If you have the camera situation quite high, it is probably better to have it mounted Upside down. The G3 has a less wider viewing angle because it uses pan and tilt to compensate for this.
I’ve heard that the G3 will hopefully be available internationally in Q4 of 2021, but that could change due to the worldwide computer component shortages affecting much of the industry.
@@tiagodores2739 if you want to use it with some Tuya certified Zigbee devices, like ZemiSmart, then it’s possible in Apple HomeKit, but you would need the ZemiSmart HomeKit Zigbee hub.
@@homekitnews that would be a great solution if I were an apple user... I use android and google home and as far as I researched aqara has a very bad google integration due to its limitations in China, plus there's the servers problems for instance in europe we dont have access for all the aqara sensors as global versions, some exists only as chineses version and aqara single switch module is one of those exemples and because of this google home would recognise it and I won't be able to control my lights with voice and that's a most in a smart house. so far my option is to go for a Tuya ecosystem with the smat life app and perfect google home integration and have the aqara g3h and aqara door sensor so I can create a comand where when the door is open the cam will pan and zoom to it and identify who is entering home. Once this is the reason and the automation I need, I think that having the camera out of the Tuya ecosystem and google home voice control would change too much the things once the aqara app allows me to create all this routines and have it run atomatically. Being you an expert what do you think about my idea? will it work?
The G3 is only available in Mainland China at the moment, and is selling for between RMB 800-900, although the price will certainly be different when it’s released internationally.
Hi, I haven’t mounted it upside down myself, so I’d have to try and see, but it also depends on the height of the ceiling and how far back you are from the area you want to cover. If I can find a place to mount it, I’ll let you know the results.
@@homekitnews Thank you! Great that you checked. Really nice of you. Sad that it works only when it’s opened but I already thought so, probably the IR is also used as night vision illumination.
@@ctlspl I'm not sure if the IR LEDs do that or not, but it may be that the IR's are in line with the camera, so when the camera is hidden so is the blaster.
You can add it directly to HomeKit, but you’ll be missing out on a few useful functions in the Aqara app if you do. If you want to use the hub portion of the G3, then the Aqara hub is necessary to a degree, although some features can be used in the Aqara app without signing in.
@@homekitnews Thank you for the response! I was worried about his because the Eufy requires using their app to set up even if you use HomeKit. I’m glad Aqara doesn’t.
It can be mounted upside down, but no bracket is provided, and the base doesn’t use a magnet. Instead, it has a quarter inch thread, like you would find on the underside of a camera. So you would have to buy a stand with this type of fitting yourself.
@@homekitnews great! i’ve actually got my renovator to put sockets in my false ceiling near the ACs in each room - for the Aqara smart AC controller - and so with that i could literally have a ceiling mounted cam connected to the socket with a short usb cable. i did it with the g2h in my toddler’s room. now i’m thinking of doing the same for my living/dining/study (3 areas with 1 cam). this was previously not achievable without a pan and tilt function.
It can be a bit confusing, as there are human and pet detection options, and separate human and pet tracking options. The 'detection' options can be set to record or not record in the 'alert settings' section of the camera, and can also both be active at the same time. For 'tracking', you can only have either human or pet options active at any one time, not both, but in order to record tracking of either subject, you just need to have 'motion detection' turned on and set to record. This will then record any motion, and also track a pet or a human. I hope that makes some sense, but as I mention in the video, there are a lot of options, some of which seem to overlap, which makes it a bit confusing at times.
No son directamente compatibles con HomeKit, por lo que debe tener un dispositivo que funcione tanto con HomeKit como con Aqara que pueda usarse como proxy para activar otros dispositivos. Por ejemplo; una automatización en la aplicación Aqara se activa con el gesto de la mano, que enciende la luz LED de mi concentrador Aqara en rojo. En HomeKit, creo una automatización que funciona así; si el anillo LED está en rojo, encienda las luces del dormitorio.
does it appear in homekit when I add it to aqara devices? in other words: can it work both in homekit and in aqara app? it was an issue with previous version (g2h).
Please.. can someone explain how to best use the away, stay and night security modes in HomeKit? I thought I’d be able to have it turn on certain lights in one mode and other lights in another mode but I can’t figure out if this is possible or not. Right now I don’t see much point to these different modes 🤷♂️
Hi, the primary use case for these different modes is about alerts, as they are part of the alarm system, and how they differ depends on how you want to use them. In everyday use, all of the modes would involve sensors, so if the house was vacant, and everyone was at work, then Away mode would be the obvious option. For that, you would need to use contact sensors on doors and windows as triggers and motion sensors inside the home. For Home mode, when people are at home, but you still want to know if someone enters through a door (or window) you would set the same contact sensors as trigger devices for this mode, but not motion sensors, as there are people at home. For Sleep mode, you would want, once again, the contact sensors as your alarm triggers, as these are always the point of entry for people trying to get into your home. You might also want motion sensors in areas where people in the home are unlikely to go, and therefore trigger a motion sensor, so you'd pick your motion sensors as triggers based on that. For example, a motion sensor in the living room is good when you're in away mode, but probably not so useful if someone in the household walks into the living room for some reason, but a motion sensor in the garage, where you're much less likely to be in the middle of the night, would probably be of more use. the final mode is Off, which is self-explanatory. In HomeKit, you can only use sensors that belong to the alarm system's own ecosystem, so for the Aqara, only Aqara devices can act as triggers for the alarm system, even if you can activate these different alarm modes in HomeKit. Does that all help you understand the use cases better? If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
@@homekitnews Hi thanks for the clarification. I was beginning to realise this. albeit slowly. What threw me was my previous experience with Smartthings which had a similar 'home, away etc'. mode that let you have your smart devices behave differently in each mode. Aqara's Home 'alert', Away 'alert' should have been an indicator, I just thought it was a misleading translation. Even though Aqara works differently than I expected I do see the potential and will stick with it. Thanks again.
@@johnny5alv you can still make other devices change their state, colour etc based on these different modes, and in fact in HomeKit that’s easier, as you can create automations involving any HomeKit devices based on the state of the Aqara alarm.
@@homekitnews ok now I’m confused again 🤦♂️ I’ve not figured out how to do this yet. HomeKit seems to just let me change the state of the alarm.. Home, away etc but there’s no if this then that. Like if alarm set to night, set bedroom light to 10% brightness etc.
@Jon L sorry, that’s my fault. Automations when it comes to alarms in the Home app are limited to if the alarm is ‘triggered’, set to arm, or disarm. However, if you use the Eve for HomeKit app, or similar, you can use all four alarm states as triggers for other devices as part of automations.
If you’re only using Aqara’s system, then select the sleep option in the user interface in the G3 (the Eye icon). If you’re also using it in HomeKit, you do the same, but you also have to set the camera to ‘off’ in the recording options section.
No it’s only compatible with the Aqara app and HomeKit. Edit: it’s also almost certainly compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but I don’t really use those systems, so I can’t say for sure.
