Aqara launches several new products in the United States today, after an initial release in the EU. The new Aqara Light Switch H2 with Matter over Thread and Zigbee is now available in a 1, 2 and 3-channel option, but also the Aqara Led Bulb T2 launched today with four different options. There is a GU10 and E26 variant, both with or without RGB. They are now available on Amazon, prices range from $13.99 – $19.99. The most interesting feature of these new led bulbs is probably the dual connectivity, allowing users to choose between Zigbee and Matter over Thread.
Features Aqara Led Bulb T2
If you choose the RGB option of the Aqara Led Bulb T2, you can choose between 16 million colours, while the regular bulbs only show white colors. The RGB color temperature of the E26 bulb ranges between 2000 and 9000K with a brightness of 1100lm at 6500K and 950lm at 2700K. The GU10 version has a brightness of 450lm. Power off memory make sure the lights stay off when the power returns, which you can set up in the Aqara app. The lights have a lifespan of about 25000 hours, which means about 3 years without interruption. They can operate in temperatures between 14 °F and 104 °F.
Matter over Thread and Zigbee
The unique feature of the Aqara Led Bulb T2 is the support for both Zigbee and Matter over Thread. This means you can choose which protocol you like to use for your Smart Home. You’re able to switch between protocols during setup in the Aqara app, which triggers a software update. Afterwards, you can use the Aqara app if you have an Aqara hub. With the Aqara Hub M3, you’re able to use Matter over Thread withint he Aqara app, other hubs require you to use Zigbee. With Thread, you can also use the bulb directly in Apple HomeKit or Google Home, if you have a hub with a Thread Border Router, such as an Apple HomePod mini, Apple TV, Google Nest Hub or Google TV Streamer. The default setting of the T2 will be Matter over Thread, which means the Aqara app is not needed for installation. However, using the Led Bulb T2 in the Aqara app will allow you to change more settings, such as the fade out period when turning of the light.
Availability and Price
The Aqara Led Bulb T2 is available immediately at Amazon in the United States and Canada. The price ranges from $13.99 to $19.99. The Aqara Light Switch H2 US has three versions, a 1 and 2 channel with two buttons and a 3 channel with 4 buttons. Like the Led Bulb T2, they work both with Zigbee and Matter over Thread. The price ranges between $44.99 and $54.99.
