Aqara released the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro earlier this year. It features an outdoor camera, hub functionality with both Zigbee and Thread, but also support for RTSP and HomeKit Secure Video. There are two versions, one with WiFi and one with PoE. Today, Aqara announces several updates to the features of the G5 Pro after an initial request on Reddit to let them know which features users are missing. The update includes more free cloud storage, faster local automations, local clip downloads, better playback and more.
Cloud Storage Aqara G5 Pro
From now on, users get a 6-months 23-hour free event cloud storage, without the need to provide a credit card or trial subscription. Most of the feedback regarding the G5 Pro was the way Aqara seemed to push towards a monthly subscription, something a lot of Smart Home brands do. However, with RTSP you can also locally stream and store your footage outside the Aqara app. Now, 24/7 NAS recording and ONVIF support for third-party NVRs is available.
There were also some detection timeout restrictions, which could only be avoided by paying for a subscription. This is now removed, such that users can set recordings and automations which can be triggered every 15 seconds. It’s now also possible to directly save event clips to your phone. Some other improvements include a fast-forward button, AI event markers and fewer false alerts, better detection zones and improved automation options.
Aqara Camera’s
Aqara offers several camera’s, which all support HKSV, allowing you to record clips in Apple HomeKit for 7 days, stored in iCloud. The Aqara Camera E1 and Camera Hub G3 are their latest models, however the G5 Pro is their first outdoor camera. A successor of the Aqara G4 Video Doorbell, the Aqara G410, is also expected later this year, which features a Zigbee and Thread hub, but also RTSP. This enables better integration into platforms like Home Assistant.
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is available on Amazon and costs $179,99/€179,99 for the WiFi version and $199,99/€199,99 for the PoE version. They are both available in Gray and White.
