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Aqara has released two new devices — the G410 video doorbell and the G100 indoor/outdoor camera. Both offer local storage, 2K resolution, and work with Apple HomeKit Secure Video, focusing on privacy with AI smart detection. These devices aim to be alternatives to cloud-dependent systems, keeping your data local.

Aqara G410 Video Doorbell

The G410 boasts a 2K resolution (2048x1536) with a 175-degree wide-angle lens and an f1.8 aperture for better low-light performance. Unlike its predecessor, the G4, it uses a 4:3 aspect ratio, giving you more vertical view. While it has infrared night vision, it can sometimes be washed out by external lights, so turning it off might be better.

Powering the doorbell has two options: battery or hardwiring. The battery option uses six AA batteries, lasting up to five months with average use. Hardwiring is recommended for 24/7 recording. The doorbell comes with a mounting plate, an optional angle plate for better viewing angles, and a 95 dB chime.

Key Takeaways

• Local Storage: Supports up to 512GB microSD card in the chime for 24/7 recording.
• Apple HomeKit Secure Video: Records at 1600x1200 resolution (due to 4:3 aspect ratio) and saves clips to iCloud for up to 10 days.
• Advanced Detection: Uses millimeter wave radar for more accurate motion detection compared to PIR sensors.
• Connectivity: Dual Wi-Fi support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
• Smart Hub Features: Can act as a Thread border router, Matter controller, and Zigbee hub.
• Privacy Features: Includes privacy masking and a voice changer.
• Durability: IPX3 rating, suitable for sheltered installations.

The chime unit has a microSD card slot, allowing for continuous recording that overwrites older clips when the card is full. This local storage is a big plus for privacy. If you use Apple HomeKit Secure Video, 1080p clips are uploaded to iCloud. For clearer footage, the Aqara app provides access to the 2K recordings.

It's recommended to keep the chime close to the doorbell for better connectivity, as the chime connects to your network and the doorbell communicates with the chime. You can also use HomePods as chimes within the Apple Home app. The G410 uses millimeter wave radar for motion detection, which is more precise than PIR sensors that rely on body heat.

Additionally, the G410 can function as a Thread border router, Matter controller, and Zigbee hub, useful for connecting other Aqara devices. Privacy masking lets you block out specific areas, and a voice changer offers options like anonymous, robot, or clown voices for answering the door. You can also unlock compatible Aqara smart locks directly from the doorbell view.

Sample footage shows good image quality and microphone performance. When wired, the doorbell can buffer footage, showing a bit of action before motion is detected. Using it with Apple Home offers seamless integration and longer recordings, while the Aqara app provides higher resolution and automation features.

An anti-theft feature prevents stolen doorbells from being used with other accounts. The doorbell has an IPX3 rating, meaning it should be installed under some cover to protect it from direct rain.

Where to Buy: You can get the Aqara G410 Video Doorbell directly from Amazon. 👉 Click here to check price and availability

Aqara G100 Indoor/Outdoor Camera

The G100 is Aqara's new indoor/outdoor camera, designed to be a more streamlined option compared to the G5 Pro. It addresses some of the G5 Pro's drawbacks, like not having onboard storage and requiring external power. The G100, however, still needs to be powered externally, but it compensates with a microSD card slot for continuous recording.

Key Takeaways

• 2K Resolution: Features a 3-megapixel sensor with 2K resolution.
• Wide Field of View: Offers a 170-degree field of view.
• Durability: IPX65 rated, making it more resistant to weather.
• Night Vision: Dual mode with traditional infrared (black and white) and color spotlight mode.
• Local Storage: Supports microSD cards up to 512GB for 24/7 recording.
• Connectivity Options: Supports RTSP, NAS storage, and Apple HomeKit Secure Video.
• AI Detection: Local AI for people and motion detection (subscription needed for pet/package detection).
• Privacy: Includes privacy masking and voice changing features.
• Anti-Theft: Similar to the doorbell, it has an anti-theft function.

This camera supports 24/7 recording via a microSD card, which is great for reviewing events even if motion wasn't detected. It has a 2K resolution with a 170-degree field of view and an IPX65 rating, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Night vision includes both traditional infrared and a color spotlight mode. The spotlight can also act as a deterrent. Like the doorbell, it supports RTSP, NAS storage, and Apple HomeKit Secure Video. Using it with Apple Home allows for custom modes, like switching to streaming-only when people are home and recording when they're away.

Local AI detection for people and motion is built-in, but advanced detection like pets or packages requires an Aqara Home Guard subscription. The camera also offers privacy masking and a voice changer. The anti-theft feature prevents unauthorized use if the camera is stolen.

Motion or people detection clips are typically 6-12 seconds, but 24/7 recording is available with a microSD card. Sample footage from both the Aqara app and Apple Home shows good image and audio quality. Apple HomeKit Secure Video offers continuous recording for as long as motion is detected, though it's limited to 1080p. Hardwired cameras can stay on indefinitely when viewed on an Apple TV, and they buffer footage for pre-motion event recording.

Where to Buy: The Aqara G100 Camera is available on Amazon with global shipping options. 👉 Click here to see it on Amazon

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Smart Assistant Compatibility: Works with all major smart assistants, including Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video.
• Local Storage: No reliance on cloud storage or fees.
• Aqara Ecosystem: Integrates well with other Aqara smart devices.
• Continuous Recording: Option for 24/7 recording via microSD card.

Cons:

• Image Clarity: Despite 2K resolution, the small sensors and lenses result in less clarity than desired.
• Frame Rate: Clips are saved at 20 frames per second, which is lower than the typical 30 fps, impacting smoothness and detail.

Overall, Aqara's G410 doorbell and G100 camera offer solid local storage options and good integration with smart home ecosystems, especially Apple HomeKit. While image clarity and frame rate could be improved, they provide a strong alternative to cloud-dependent security devices.