The Presence Sensor FP1E uses millimetre wave (mmWave) technology to detect even slight human movements, enabling precise presence detection for various home automation scenarios. It can detect presence up to 6m/19ft away and monitor a room of up to 50 sq m/538 sq ft when ceiling mounted. Unlike PIR motion sensors, the FP1E detects human presence even when the person is sitting or lying still. It can quickly recognise when a person leaves a room and trigger automation to turn off lights and air conditioning, reducing energy loss.

The FP1E complements the more versatile Presence Sensor FP2 (review HERE, video HERE) and is streamlined for user-friendliness, ideal for those seeking a precise occupancy detection solution without advanced features like zone positioning. The FP1E uses AI algorithms to distinguish between relevant movements and false triggers, eliminating the need for additional setup. It filters out small pets and interference from mirrors, metals, curtains, and ACs, while its sensitivity is self-adaptive. The sensor’s AI learning capabilities improve detection accuracy by adapting to the user’s home environment over time.

Aqara Home users can use the FP1E to detect human movement or stillness, unlocking various automation possibilities based on movement status and duration. For example, if the sensor detects a person remaining still for over 30 minutes, it can send notifications or change the colour of smart lights as a reminder to stand up. This feature aims to promote healthier routines and reduce sedentary behaviour.

The FP1E is powered by a 5V1A supply (USB power brick not included) and comes with a magnetic and adhesive-backed bracket for easy installation on walls, ceilings, or corners.

The Presence Sensor FP1E is available in Aqara’s Amazon stores in North America (US, Canada), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK), and Asia (Japan), as well as from select Aqara retailers worldwide, and for a limited time you can get 20% off the list price using the following codes on Amazon stores – UK/EU – FP1EEU20 | US/CA – FP1ENA20

You can read our full written review below;

Aqara Presence Sensor FP1E (review)

The post Aqara Launches New Presence Sensor FP1E appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

(mmWave) sensing is a non-contact system of using mmWave radar sensors to measure movement, acceleration, and angles as small as a fraction of a millimeter. This system requires a mmWave radar sensor to transmit and receive pulses of millimetre electromagnetic wave energy, detecting targets and motion from the reflections it receives back.

So as you can see, simply shallow breathing will be enough to let a Presence Sensor know you’re still there, and not leave you in the dark – literally. today’s product review is for the Aqara FP1E, which can both be considered the successor to the FP1, which was only released in China, and a scaled back version of the Aqara FP2 (review HERE, video HERE).

If you’re keen to know how it performs, and how it differs from the other two Presence Sensors just mentioned, read on…

PACKAGING | CONTENTS

Aqara’s packaging is fairly standardised now, with the product front and centre, a sort of ‘disclaimer’ below, and logos for compatible ecosystems. this is where some Apple Home users might be confused, as the ‘Works With Apple Home’ logo is not present alongside the Alexa and Google logos. That’s due to the FP1E using Zigbee 3.0, which in turn means it would require an Aqara hub, which is point of entry to Apple Home. I have to assume that Alexa or Google are a bit more easy going about their logos being on the box than Apple, as the disclaimer text does state “To connect to third-party ecosystems such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home, an Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub is required”. So don’t panic, it definitely works with Apple Home – as long as you have one of their Zigbee 3.0 hubs.

The rear of the box is a little more technical, showing the sensor’s radar detection range, whilst the sides offer up features and specs;

Features

• Accurate presence detection
• Active spatial learning
• Hassle-free setup for all
• Versatile mounting options

Specs

• Model: PS-S03E
• Ports: USB-A
• Input power: 5V 1A
• Wireless protocol: Zigbee (3.0)
• Dimensions: 57 x 50 x 37mm
• Operating temperature: -10~40ºC | 14~104ºF
• Operating humidity: 0~95% RH, no condensation

Inside the box you get the FP1E of course, a metal plate with two holes for fixing it to a wall using screws, a matching double sided adhesive patch, and the manual in multiple languages. Both the metal mounting plate and the base of the FP1E’s stand are magnetic, so once you’ve mounted the plate the FP1E will cling to it very well. If you’ve ever used the G2H or G2H Pro, you’ll be able to attest to the magnet’s strength at holding fast. THere’s no power brick, as you may have come to expect these days.

The FP1E uses the now tried and tested stand you find in products going way back to the days when early Xiaomi cameras came out – you know, the ones that were released years before Wyze used the same camera design and repackaged it…

This stand is still in use with the Aqara camera Hub G2H Pro, and the cameras that preceded it – the G2, and the G2H – so it’s clearly a good design, and offers versatility for the placement of the FP1E at many different angles. Along with the option to angle it in the vertical plane, it can also be rotated, making it really exceptionally handy. The underside has a simple but easy to press reset button.

Unlike its big brother, the FP2, the power cable is fixed to the device, and as such can’t be replaced for another cable. The cable it comes with is probably more than long enough for most use cases, coming in at a bit under 2 metres.

If you’re an owner of the FP1 (I have three here myself), then you’ll immediately know the design has not changed at all with the introduction of the FP1E. It differs from the FP2 visually, but also in terms of functionally too though, which I’ll get to shortly. It has improvements over the original FP1 too, although perhaps less perceptible.

IN AQARA HOME

Compared to both the FP1 and the FP2, the FP1E is a lot more streamlined, both in terms of the options within the app, and in terms of functionality. Whilst the FP2 offered an array of functionality, including creating a detailed map of your room or living area, along with icons for furniture etc, the FP1E has none of that, and in some ways is better for it. Also unlike the FP2, which offered up to 30 separate zones – all exposed to Apple Home, I might add – the FP1E simply covers one area, which can be adjusted.

The main page for the device is quite simple, with three main accessible options shown. The first of these is a log of presence and absence events. It’s very simply laid out, and as such is easy to understand. The Detection radius setting is really simple to use, and a lot more intuitive than was offered by the FP1, which had a screen that represented your room/area, like the FP2. However, the UI for the FP1 was really difficult to get a grasp on, as through trial and error you had to work out the edges of its detection range. This for me involved standing in four corners of the living room, to check whether I was within range or out of range of the sensor, then adjust the map boundaries accordingly. It was pretty tedious, if I’m honest.

The FP1E does away with that, and just has  slider that represents the complete detection range, from zero to six metres. When you’re in the sensor’s range, a little icon would appear above the slider to show where you are in relation to the sensor, and therefore allow you to adjust the sensors detection range. This means if you wanted it to only detect presence within two metres of the sensor, even if the room was  four metres deep, then this allows for that. Of course, it’s not as detailed as the FP2 with its 30 zones, but for some people and some use cases, this simple setup is exactly what’s needed, and no more.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been testing it in a few locations, but primarily in the bathroom. The reason for testing it here is that the bathroom offers the perfect circumstances for testing how well it adheres to the limits set for its detection range. when going from the living room to the other bedrooms, we would pass by the open sliding door of this bathroom, and so for a standard motion sensor, there’s going to be the strong chance that it would pick up motion even when you’re not actually in the bathroom, merely passing by.

Not so with the FP1E! Before anything else, you should set the device up, then clear the area of any type of moving object, be that a person, a pet or a fan. Then with the help of AI, the FP1E will build up an image of the area in question as a starting point. It only take around 20 seconds to do this. after that’s done, you can go into the Detection Range Settings page, and set up the limits for the sensor.

As you can see from the last two screenshots above, I’ve set it so that anything outside of the bathroom is set so that it won’t trigger anything based on presence, even though it clearly can detect when I’m outside of the range I set it at. This has worked incredibly well, and I can stand right outside the door to the bathroom without triggering the automation I set up for it, which incidentally turns on the Aqara wall switch controlling the bathroom lights.

IN APPLE HOME

There’s not much to report on with the Apple Home side of things, so in essence, if you’re going to use the FP1E in Apple Home automations, it’ll act like any motion or presence sensor to trigger other devices, depending on the detection of presence or absence. It’ll still abide by the detection limits you set in the Aqara app, however.

One thing the FP1E lacks versus the FP1 is that the latter does offer both presence and motion detection. Motion detection is almost on a par with a standard Zigbee motion sensor in terms of speed, which is quicker than a presence sensor for initial motion detection. You can see the two separate sensors listed here in the Eve app, with the FP1E only showing presence as an option. The FP1E doesn’t have such an option, however, whilst presence detection still isn’t as fast to react compared to a PIR sensor, it’s a massive improvement over the speed of presence detection with the original FP1. In most cases I may end up using a standard PIR sensor in combination with the FP1E, unless response time isn’t a top priority.

Ultimately, the options in Aqara Home are superior, as long as the automation is working with other Aqara devices of course. There are options for presence and absence, but also ‘presence for’, ‘Absence for’, ‘Moving’, ‘Still’, ‘Moving for’, and ‘Still for’. Additionally, you can even trigger a couple of options with the FP1E, which you don’t normally see. So, you can, for example, use an Aqara smart button to trigger the FP1E to relearn its Spatial Learning, thereby resetting the absence status, or you can even restart the device. That’s impressive.

THE FP1E IN USE

As previously mentioned, I have three FP1s, two of which are in use. Both are used in small spaces, like our en-suite bathroom (not the one used in the tests), and our entrance area. I never reviewed the FP1 for two reasons; I found the device hard to set up to my liking, and found it inaccurate some of the time, especially for larger areas. I also didn’t review it because it was only available in China, and didn’t want overseas readers buying one off the back of my review, despite it being a largely negative review if I’d written it. With the FP1E, things have changed considerably, and I’m glad that Aqara saw fit to release this internationally, as it does the job well. Yes, it’s not as comprehensive as the FP2, but for use in a bathroom or kitchen, where you may not require the zones feature offered by the FP2, this does a great job. It’s way more easy to set up than either the FP2 or the FP1, and on that basis it works as well as I could have hoped for. I’m also glad they stuck with Zigbee for this device as opposed to WiFi as is found in the FP2, or Matter over Thread for some of the company’s newer devices. Not that I don’t like Matter or Thread, but I know where I stand with Zigbee, and it rarely lets me down, which is of paramount importance to me, and I should imagine to other users too.

If I were to find any negatives, it would be the fact the power cable is permanently fixed into the sensor, but I guess Aqara decided to stick with the design they already had in the FP1 and just upgrade the internals, which definitely seems to be the case in my experience. Other than that, its highly recommended.

The post Aqara Presence Sensor FP1E (review) appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

The reason for the 3-in-1 description is in reference to the three distinct sensors contained within the MS600; a presence sensor, much like Aqara’s original Presence Sensor FP1, a light sensor, as you’d also find in the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2, and a standard PIR motion sensor. It also uses USB-C to power it, so no batteries required.

The first of these uses the now popular use of millimetre wave technology, commonly referred to mmWave which in laypersons terms is much like radar, where it detects objects in its field of view, regardless of whether they’re moving or not, which is very different to a standard PIR sensor. The inclusion of a light sensor pits it against the admittedly more powerful and feature-rich Aqara FP2, which allows its detection area to be split into up to 30 separate zones, each of which is exposed to Apple Home as separate presence sensors. With the light sensor, you can set up additional conditions for when, for example, automations involving the motion or presence sensor are triggered;

• If presence is detected in the living room…
• but only when brightness in the room is below 50lm
• Turn on the living room lights

Additionally, the MS600 has the ability to detect whether the presence of a person is approaching or moving away, which again is something both Aqara devices have the ability to do, albeit only within the Aqara ecosystem. Meross also claim that due to the complex algorithms within the devices hardware, it has ‘pet-proof triggering’ which we take to mean whilst the MS600 will detect a human presence, it will disregard the presence of pets. This is in fact achieved with the assistance an included ‘Pet-proof Shield’ that effectively blocks the sensor’s detection range below a certain height. Whether this will also affect small children is a possibility too of course.

One differentiating factor between the MS600 and the aforementioned Aqara FP2 is that whilst both use WiFi, only the former is a Matter over WiFi device. So whilst both can connect to the standard ecosystems that support Matter (Apple, Alexa, Google etc) only the MS600 can be added to Matter platforms directly, which mean local connectivity, although Apple Home has always been local of course, so this is of most benefit to Google and Alexa users.

Preorders are available now, with an estimated shipping date of August 20th 2024.

The post Meross 3-in-1 Matter Presence Sensor Available for Preorder appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Visually, it follows the same design cues as the original FP1, so it’s larger and bulkier than the FP2, which enjoyed international sales. It differs from the FP1 only in as much as response times and accuracy are concerned, with the FP1 suffering in both areas for many people. The detection range is larger, along with faster 200ms response times, however, and thanks to some AI input, the FP1E is better at correctly differentiating from false presence and motion triggers. So triggers from things like curtains, standing fans, pets, and robot vacuums, should be a thing of the past.

Although the FP1E is in many ways a mini update from the FP1, it does differ significantly from the FP2 (FP1 and FP1E are collectively referred to as FP1/E henceforth). The FP2 uses WiFi, whilst the FP1/E use Zigbee 3.0. The FP2 is capable of creating up to 30 separate zones, each individually visible in Apple Home, with the FP1/E only having one zone, although you can split the FP1/E’s area into sections within the Aqara app to some extent. Finally, the FP2 has a detachable USB-C power cord, whilst the cable in the FP1/E is fixed to the sensor itself. The FP1/E doesn’t have an ambient light sensor, which is found in the FP2.

The FP1E can be mounted to a wall, ceiling or corner, although unlike the FP2, there seems to be no dedicated sleep monitoring function. Interestingly, the FP1E is exposed to Matter via a suitable hub, which according to the promotional materials, states that despite this being a China-only product (at least for now), it will work with Google and Alexa, which are both unavailable in China, as well as SmartThings and Apple Home, of course.

You can check out our video for the FP2 below, or read the full review HERE.

Thanks to Eric Yao for the info.

The post Updated Aqara Presence Sensor FP1E Launched in China appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

If you’re not already aware of the FP2, it’s a presence sensor that can detect the ‘presence’ of someone, even if they’re not moving, which differentiates it from a standard motion sensor that typically relies on motion. Add to that, the FP2’s field of detection can be broken down into up to thirty zones, each essentially acting as individual presence sensors for a particular area or zone, and then you get a hint at the power of this device.

Whilst the FP2 has always been able to detect presence or fall detection, depending on how you mount it (wall or ceiling, respectively), the company now has an option via the latest update, for Sleep Monitoring. As the blurb states on the update page;

Add[s] a new sleep monitoring function section, which can achieve 24-hour, non-contact monitoring of sleep status and vital signs of individual human targets, including sleep staging reports, real-time heart rate and respiratory rate monitoring, and sleep scenario automation.

This does sound like a big deal, and to reflect this, it would appear that whilst it’s free to use right now (“Limited Free”), it will likely be a paid option at a later date.

Using this mode requires a specific installation position, that sits above the head of your bed, with the sensor tilted down so that it’s aimed at your chest area. AS you can see from the screenshots above, this is designed to only work with single users, so it can’t measure readings from two (or more…!) people in your bed.

The update does seem to be available on the China server, although after checking our unit tied to the US server, it doesn’t seem it’s available there or in Europe just yet. We’ve not updated our Chinese FP2 as it’s currently in use as a presence sensor, but if you’re game for testing out this new feature, let us know your findings!

The Aqara FP2 is available in most Amazon stores to purchase now.

You can check out our review of the FP2 HERE, or watch our overview video below;

The post Aqara FP2 Update Adds Sleep Monitoring Functionality appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Accurate human presence detection provides essential information for pinpoint smart home automations such as home security monitoring and energy management systems (e.g., automated lights, HVAC, and home appliances control). The mmWave-based FP2 Presence Sensor takes a leap forward from the PIR motion sensors as the former detects a person’s presence with even the slightest movement such as the act of breathing. Gone are those frustrating experiences of having your smart lights turn off unintentionally because you were sitting still reading a book or working at the desk.

Moreover, the FP2 sensor raises the precision of human detection to the next level with its capability to monitor multiple zones and multiple targets simultaneously. The FP2 allows the user to define up to 30 zones within a room (up to 40 sq m/430 sq ft). For example, the living room and dining area can be configured as separate zones with individualized automations. This sensor tracks up to 5 people at the same time², making it possible to control different zones based on the real-time location of each family member. For instance, dim the dining area lights and switch the TV on when the kids leave the dining table and move to the sofa, meanwhile keeping the kitchen light on when someone is washing the dishes.

The powerful capabilities of the FP2 sensor can also be used within third-party smart home platforms including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant³ and more. Once the zones are set up in the Aqara Home app, the zone configuration can be synced to these platforms as multiple motion/occupancy sensors, allowing users to trigger zone-based automation with a wide variety of third-party smart home devices. Support for the new smart home standard, Matter, is also planned for the FP2 and will be added to the device via a subsequent OTA update⁴.

Aside from its precise presence detection and multi-zone automations, FP2 also has fall detection built-in⁵, which is particularly essential for senior citizens who are more vulnerable to fall injuries. Families and caregivers can be alerted by both local siren and remote alerts if the FP2 sensor detects a fall, which allows them to seek immediate assistance if necessary. The FP2 sensor can detect a fall at the home in a convenient way without the need to wear additional devices on the body. At the same time, unlike a typical security camera, the Sensor provides meaningful alerts and data without intruding on a person’s personal privacy.

Thanks to its powerful hardware, the FP2 sensor will be able to support much more cutting-edge features in the future such as posture detection, which not only recognizes falls but also other postures including standing, sitting, and lying down. Sleep monitoring and respiratory rate detection capabilities could also be achieved via the FP2 in the future. These advanced features will be added to the FP2 sensor via future OTA updates⁴.

You can check our video review of this new product below;

1. Product availability may vary among different retail channels and could be updated all the time. It’s recommended to check with the regional retailer(s) for real-time availability.
2. The best result can be achieved in the case of tracking not more than 3 persons.
3. The FP2 sensor can be added to Home Assistant using HomeKit Controller integration.
4. Some features of the FP2 sensor such as Matter support, posture detection and sleep monitor are not available by the time of launch.
5. The Presence Sensor FP2 is not a medical device, and can only be used for notification purposes. Ceiling-mounted installation is required for fall detection, and the monitoring area will decrease when the FP2 is ceiling-mounted. In fall detection mode, many functionalities of the FP2 become unavailable, including zone positioning and multi-person detection. 

The post Aqara Releases its Revolutionary FP2 Presence Sensor appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Along with the presale launch and the features we already know about, we’ve also gleaned a couple of additional details about this successor to last year’s FP1, some of which I’ll list below;

• The FP2’s area of detection can be split into 320 separate zones, with these zones being exposed to HomeKit as up to 30 individual motion sensors. Yes, 30 (unofficially 32) separate motion sensors on one device!
• It can detect movement in three different planes – so it can detect if you’re sitting, standing, or lying down, for example
• On top of this, there’s also a forthcoming feature that will even be able to detect when someone has fallen down. both the type of position and fall detection will apparently be added in an update later on
• It can also track up to three different people simultaneously
• To achieve this kind of detailed detection, the FP2 uses WiFi not Zigbee, which in one sense means this can be directly added to HomeKit, although to configure the aforementioned zones, you’ll still need the Aqara app
• the FP2 is also claimed to be able to cover a 40m² space, which should be large enough for almost all room types.
• The FP2 also exposes an ambient light sensor to HomeKit
• Whilst it uses WiFi, the device also contains a Bluetooth radio, which Eric from Wavetech states is to be used for future Matter compatibility (pairing/onboarding/commissioning only)

Like the FP1, as well as the company’s G2, G2H, and G2H Pro cameras, the FP2 will once again make use of an adjustable stand, to allow for the best overall position. The unit will come with an LED status light, which we can only assume can be turned off as well.

Whilst the price may seem steep for a sensor, its worth bearing in mind this could potentially replace multiple standard motion sensors, whilst providing more accuracy when it comes to occupancy and position, so ultimately this could replace a lot of devices in one go.

The post Aqara FP2 Presales Launch in China With March Release appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

This new sensor is designed to be recess-mounted in a ceiling much like standard spotlights or downlights and comes in at Φ80 x Φ65 x 45mm. Unlike Aqara’s offering, this device also contains an ambient light sensor, with a measuring range of 0 ~ 65535lux. Because it is constantly measuring the detection area, it’s not effectively possible to use batteries to power the device, so it needs to be hard-wired, but it does support all standard voltages (100~240V).

Like the FP1, LifeSmart’s offering uses Zigbee 3.0 and can work with either their standard HomeKit compatible Smart Station or the company’s standalone DEFED security system. Whilst only the former gateway is HomeKit compatible, the company state that the DEFED gateway will be Matter compliant when the new smart home standard is (finally) released.

The other devices that make up the DEFED security system are also reportedly HomeKit compatible, with impressive battery life across the board; a door/window sensor (CR123A) and keyfob control device (CR2450), both with 10-years between battery changes, a motion sensor that can last seven years on a single (CR123A) battery, and a 105dB siren that can last five years (2 x CR123A). All four of these devices use LifeSmart’s own CoSS protocol, which we’re led to believe is based on the RF433MHz wireless frequency range.

Getting back to the Presence Sensor, we’re told by LifeSmart that although the device is already available, there’s currently no stock. We’re also waiting on confirmation of a price, and will update this article with that information, once we have it.

The post HomeKit mmWave Presence Sensor Unveiled by LifeSmart appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.