Low cost Aqara G100 Indoor and Outdoor Camera
Smart home enthusiasts seeking robust outdoor security without breaking the bank have a new contender to watch. Aqara, known for its wide range of smart home devices, previewed its upcoming G100 camera at CES 2025. Now rumoured for an imminent release, the G100 is generating buzz for its expected aggressive pricing strategy. Aiming to compete directly with established players like Amazon’s Blink, and crucially, to become the cheapest HomeKit-compatible outdoor camera on the market.
The G100 has a sleek, modern design and a feature set that belies its anticipated low price point. This strategic move by Aqara could significantly lower the entry barrier for users looking to integrate outdoor surveillance into their Apple Home ecosystem.
Aqara G100 Rumoured Key Specifications:
- Indoor and Outdoor Use: The G100 is IP65 rated, making it suitable for various outdoor environments. It also has a built in spotlight to enhance visibility in various lighting conditions.
- HomeKit and Other Ecosystem Support: Prominently featured is its compatibility with Apple HomeKit, including support for HomeKit Secure Video (HSV). The G100 will also have support for other ecosystems like Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and can be integrated with Home Assistant via RTSP, ensuring broad appeal.
- High-Quality Video: The camera boasts stunning 2K resolution (3MP), a significant step up from many budget cameras, ensuring clear and detailed footage. It also features a f/1.8 wide-angle lens (140°) to cover more ground.
- Local and Cloud Storage Options: Users will have the flexibility to choose their preferred storage method. The G100 supports microSD cards up to 512GB for 24/7 event-based recording. Additionally, cloud storage options via Aqara Cloud Storage and support for SMB3-compatible NAS storage provide further versatility.
- Multiple Installation Methods: Powering the device is a modern USB-C port. The camera also offers various installation methods, including horizontal placement and a standard 1/4 inch threaded screw mount, with included screws and plastic anchors for convenience.
- Advanced Detection: The G100 incorporates motion and facial detection, crucial features for minimising false alerts and ensuring users are notified of relevant events.
- Connectivity: The camera will connect via Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz) and supports protocols like RTSP for local streaming.
Making HomeKit Outdoor Security More Accessible
While official pricing is yet to be announced, the industry expectation is that the Aqara G100 will be very reasonably priced. If it indeed launches as the cheapest HomeKit-compatible outdoor camera as rumoured, it will be a significant development for Apple smart home users. Historically, HomeKit-enabled outdoor cameras have commanded a premium. Aqara’s entry at a lower price point could democratise outdoor security for HomeKit households. Offering features like end-to-end encryption through HomeKit Secure Video without a hefty investment.
The G100 signals Aqara’s intent to aggressively expand its market share by targeting a budget-conscious segment that still desires deep integration with major smart home platforms. As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on Aqara to see if the G100 can deliver on its promise of affordability and performance. Potentially setting a new benchmark in the competitive smart home security market.