Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: The Smart Home Hub with 2K Video

Introducing the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: A Game Changer in Smart Doorbell Technology

The long-awaited update to the popular Video Doorbell G4 was unveiled by Aqara at CES this week, and it promises to be a significant improvement that smart home enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating. The Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 boasts enhanced capabilities that set it apart in the ever-evolving market of smart home devices.

Enhanced Video Quality and Features

One of the standout features of the G410 is its stunning 2K video quality, which provides sharper images and more details compared to its predecessor. The change to a 4:3 aspect ratio enhances the field of view and is particularly beneficial for capturing full-body images of visitors. Additionally, the G410 employs end-to-end encryption for both live and recorded video, ensuring that your privacy is maintained.

Advanced Detection Capabilities

The G410 is among the first doorbell cameras to utilize an mmWave sensor for more accurate person detection. This advanced technology promises to reduce false alerts and improve the overall functionality of the door camera, making it ideal for today’s smart homes.

Versatile Connectivity: A Smart Home Hub

This new doorbell does not just serve as a monitoring device; it operates over dual-band Wi-Fi and features built-in Thread and Zigbee radios, transforming it into a fully-fledged smart home hub. It can seamlessly connect with both Aqara accessories and third-party devices that are Matter-enabled, allowing for a cohesive smart home experience.

Real-Time Streaming and Integration

Users can take advantage of the new Real-Time Streaming Protocol support, which enables them to send the video feed locally to third-party clients like Home Assistant. This enhances the flexibility of the device within your smart home ecosystem while maintaining the features carried over from the G4, including:

• Apple Home compatibility (including HomeKit Secure Video support)
• On-device facial recognition
• Local video storage options
• Battery or hardwired options (using six AAs or connected to your home wiring)
• 24/7 continuous recording when hardwired to a microSD card

Smart Assistant Integration

The G410 supports major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It is designed to stream video to compatible smart displays, which is a significant upgrade for those who want a more integrated experience. It also works with Aqara’s new Panel Hub S1 Plus, functioning as a video intercom within your house.

Limitations to Consider

Despite its impressive upgrades, the G410 does have some limitations. The camera’s field of view, while wider at 172 degrees, lacks HDR imaging, which can pose challenges in varying lighting conditions, making it difficult to see faces clearly. Moreover, the device comes with an IPX3 weather rating, which means it must be installed under shelter to mitigate potential weather-related issues.

Smart Alerts and Recording Features

Smart alerts on the G410 are currently confined to detecting people and motion, without options for package, animal, or vehicle alerts (albeit some of these features are available via Apple Home). Recordings are limited to 12-second clips at a time, which might not satisfy every user’s expectations. Like its predecessor, it won’t ring traditional chimes, necessitating a plug-in small chime repeater that acts as a bridge and houses the microSD card for local storage.

Subscription Model for Cloud Storage

While the G4 model provided free cloud storage, users of the G410 can expect to pay for a subscription service for similar cloud features. However, local storage remains free, and users can utilize Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video service for recorded clips.

Pricing and Availability

Currently, there is no official word on pricing or release dates for the G410, but considering the G4’s launch price of around $150, customers can anticipate a similar price range for the new model.

Conclusion: A Solid Upgrade

The Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 improves upon its predecessor with significant enhancements in video quality, detection capabilities, and smart home integration. Although it has some limitations, it provides a strong value proposition for anyone looking to boost their home security.