Aqara is introducing a new presence sensor that is a natural addition for HomeKit users who want reliable automations without the need for a camera. The new Aqara FP300 combines mmWave presence sensing with a traditional PIR sensor and also adds on light, temperature, and humidity readings. For Apple users, the big story is Thread and Matter support, allowing it to easily integrate with the Home app for fast, room-aware automations.
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What makes FP300 interesting for HomeKit
One thing to know here is that presence detection is different from basic motion. A simple PIR sensor (very common with all motion sensors) sees movement and then stops once that motion stops. mmWave can tell that someone is still in the room even if they are sitting still, reading or using a Mac at a desk. The Aqara FP300 combines both technologies, allowing PIR to provide quick wake-ups and mmWave to maintain automations even when someone is still present in a room.
For HomeKit, that combo of technologies should make things like lighting and temperature control more reliable. Instead of lights shutting off while you are on the couch or at your desk, the Aqara FP300 can track presence and only instruct HomeKit to power things down once the room is actually empty.
FP300 also reports light, temperature, and humidity. In the Home app, that means it can act like a small brain for a room. One accessory can tell you if someone is there, how bright the room is, and whether the air is getting warm or stuffy which is perfect for building smarter automations.
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