Smallest Hub Yet? The Aqara Hub E1 - Homekit Smart Home

Summary

Debra Lloyd introduces Acara's new E1 USB-powered smart home hub, compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and IFTTT. The hub is compact, affordable, and supports up to 128 Zigbee devices. Despite its small size, it offers reliable performance, although it lacks the speaker and light found in other Acara hubs. It can also act as a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi repeater. Debra highlights Acara's affordability and reliability, encouraging viewers to explore the ecosystem. A promo code for a discount on the E1 hub is available in the video description.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new Acara E1 hub is a small, USB-powered smart home hub that was released on October 26th.
• 🔌 It is the smallest hub from Acara, about the size of a USB drive, and weighs only 58 grams.
• 🏡 The hub is compatible with HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and IFTTT, but the focus is on HomeKit in this video.
• 💡 The E1 hub can connect to up to 128 devices and uses Zigbee 3.0 for fast and reliable communication.
• 📉 This hub is more affordable than other Acara hubs, costing only $39.99 CAD, making it a budget-friendly option for those starting with smart home devices.
• 🚫 The E1 hub lacks a speaker and light for alarm features, which are available on other Acara hubs like the M1S.
• 📶 A unique feature of the E1 hub is that it can act as a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi repeater, capable of connecting up to two devices.
• 🧩 Acara's ecosystem includes a variety of affordable sensors and devices that integrate easily once you have the hub.
• ⚙️ Setup is simple through the Acara app, with quick installation and firmware updates to ensure smooth performance.
• 🎁 The E1 hub is a good entry point for building a reliable and affordable smart home, especially with Acara’s ongoing innovation and product development.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video introduces Aqara's newest smart home hub, the E1 hub, and discusses its features, benefits, and affordability for building a smart home ecosystem.

What is unique about the size and design of the Aqara E1 hub?

The Aqara E1 hub is extremely small, about the size of a USB drive, and weighs only 58 grams. Its compact design allows it to connect to any USB port, making it unobtrusive and versatile for installation.

What are the compatible smart home platforms for the Aqara E1 hub?

The Aqara E1 hub is compatible with multiple smart home platforms, including Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and IFTTT.

Why did the creator initially not consider Aqara products for their smart home?

The creator initially overlooked Aqara products because they were not available in Canada. Later, they avoided Aqara because they required a hub, opting for other more expensive products to avoid purchasing a hub.

How does the cost of Aqara products compare to other smart home platforms?

Aqara products are more affordable compared to other smart home platforms, especially when considering their sensors. Although a hub is required, the overall cost is lower once the hub is purchased.

What communication protocol does the Aqara E1 hub use and how many devices can it support?

The Aqara E1 hub uses the Zigbee 3.0 communication protocol and is capable of connecting up to 128 devices, providing fast and reliable communication.

What key features are missing from the E1 hub compared to other Aqara hubs?

The E1 hub lacks a speaker and light, which are present in other Aqara hubs such as the M1S. However, it still supports all four alarm modes via phone notifications.

What is a unique feature of the Aqara E1 hub not found in other hubs?

The Aqara E1 hub can function as a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi repeater, allowing it to create a Wi-Fi hotspot and connect up to two devices that might benefit from boosted Wi-Fi coverage.

How does the affordability of the Aqara E1 hub benefit smart home beginners?

The affordable price of the Aqara E1 hub, at only $39.99 CAD, makes it an attractive option for beginners looking to enter the Aqara ecosystem and build a reliable, affordable smart home.

What additional features and accessories can users explore once they are in the Aqara ecosystem?

Once users have the Aqara hub, they can explore a variety of accessories including door/window sensors, motion sensors, leak sensors, buttons, switches, and other innovative smart home devices that Aqara continues to develop.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Introduction to Acara's New E1 Hub

Debra Lloyd introduces her channel, focusing on smart home solutions using Apple HomeKit. She discusses Acara's latest product, the USB-powered E1 Hub, which launched on October 26th. It's the smallest hub from Acara, weighing just 58 grams and being easy to use. Debra provides a product link and discount code, and sets the stage for a deeper look into its features, drawbacks, and whether it's worth buying. She notes Acara's reputation for making affordable, reliable smart home accessories that work across various platforms.

05:01

🏡 Why Debra Chose Acara After Hesitation

Debra shares her initial hesitation with Acara, primarily because the products weren't available in Canada and required a hub. She would initially opt for other brands' accessories to avoid buying a hub, but realized she spent more over time. Acara's hub provides better long-term value as its sensors are affordable, reliable, and easy to use. Debra emphasizes that while affordability is important, reliability remains her top priority. She notes that her experience with Acara’s products has been positive, especially because of their Zigbee-based communication system.

🔧 Unboxing and Setup of the E1 Hub

Debra showcases the E1 Hub, praising its compact size and USB connectivity, making it easy to install. The hub can connect to various USB sources like a wall charger, computer, or router. She explains that setup is simple via the Acara app, which involves selecting the hub, scanning a HomeKit code, and updating the firmware. Once set up, the hub allows pairing with numerous child devices such as temperature sensors and motion sensors. Despite its small size and low cost, Debra notes the E1 Hub is just as capable as Acara's larger hubs, connecting up to 128 devices using Zigbee 3.0.

🚨 Comparing E1 with Other Hubs: What’s Missing?

Debra compares the E1 Hub with Acara's other hubs, highlighting that while it lacks a speaker or light for alarms, it still supports all alarm modes via notifications on your phone. She addresses the concern of having too many hubs but argues that performance is a worthwhile trade-off, similar to other premium smart home systems like Lutron Caseta and Philips Hue. Debra touches on the limited availability of Thread-compatible accessories and praises Acara for adding extra value to their hubs by including features like alarm systems, night lights, and even a built-in camera in their other products.

📶 Unique Feature: Wi-Fi Repeater on the E1 Hub

Debra highlights a unique feature of the E1 Hub—its ability to act as a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi repeater. Through the app, users can set up a Wi-Fi hotspot and connect up to two devices, which is helpful for gadgets that are farther from the router. This feature adds more flexibility, making the hub not just a smart home controller but also a practical network booster. Debra emphasizes how the affordability and functionality of Acara’s products make it easy for users to enter the smart home ecosystem and start expanding their setup with a range of sensors and devices.

🎁 Affordable Smart Home Solutions and Promo Code

Debra wraps up by discussing the price points of Acara's hubs, comparing them to other available models on Amazon. The E1 Hub is the most affordable at $39.99 CAD, making it a great entry point into the Acara ecosystem. She encourages viewers to take advantage of the 10% promo code, valid until October 28th, and shares excitement about Acara's future innovations. With the holidays approaching, Debra suggests that these smart home devices make perfect gifts and invites viewers to check out her other Acara-related videos.

Keywords

💡Aqara E1 Hub

The Aqara E1 Hub is a new, USB-powered smart home hub introduced by Aqara, which connects to various smart home devices. It is the smallest hub in their lineup, weighing only 58 grams, and supports multiple platforms such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa. The video emphasizes its affordability and ease of use for people who are new to smart home setups, especially in the context of building a reliable ecosystem.

💡HomeKit

Apple HomeKit is a platform for smart home automation that allows users to control devices via Apple's ecosystem. In the video, the speaker highlights that while the Aqara E1 Hub supports multiple platforms, the focus is primarily on HomeKit. Aqara's compatibility with HomeKit allows users to build out their smart home with affordable sensors and devices that integrate seamlessly with Apple's system.

💡Zigbee 3.0

Zigbee 3.0 is a wireless communication protocol used in smart home devices for fast and reliable communication. The Aqara E1 Hub uses Zigbee 3.0 to connect up to 128 devices, enhancing both speed and dependability in smart home setups. The script highlights how this feature contributes to the reliability of Aqara products, ensuring smooth operation of sensors and other connected devices.

💡Wi-Fi Repeater

A Wi-Fi repeater extends the range of an existing Wi-Fi network by boosting the signal. The Aqara E1 Hub includes a unique feature that allows it to act as a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi repeater, supporting up to two additional devices. This makes it a versatile option for users who need to enhance their home network coverage, especially for devices located far from the main router.

💡Sensors

Aqara offers a range of smart home sensors, such as door/window sensors, motion sensors, and leak sensors, which communicate through the Aqara E1 Hub. The video emphasizes how affordable these sensors are, and how they enhance the overall functionality of a smart home system by providing reliable monitoring and automation. Sensors are a core component of the Aqara ecosystem.

💡Affordability

Affordability is a central theme of the video, as the speaker repeatedly emphasizes the low cost of Aqara products compared to other smart home brands. The Aqara E1 Hub, priced at CAD 39.99, is highlighted as an entry point into building an affordable smart home ecosystem. The script compares Aqara's value to competitors, pointing out that it offers both reliability and low costs.

💡USB-powered

The Aqara E1 Hub is powered via USB, making it highly portable and easy to integrate into a home setup. The script mentions various ways users can plug the hub in, such as using a router, computer, or old phone charging bricks. This flexibility adds to the ease of installation and convenience for users, especially those with limited space or who want a less obtrusive device.

💡Firmware Update

A firmware update is a process that improves a device’s functionality by updating its software. After installing the Aqara E1 Hub, the user is prompted to update its firmware, ensuring that the hub runs optimally. The video uses this feature as an example of Aqara’s commitment to keeping devices updated for better performance, reliability, and security.

💡Smart Home Ecosystem

A smart home ecosystem refers to interconnected devices that work together to automate and enhance home living. The Aqara E1 Hub acts as the central controller for such an ecosystem, allowing users to add multiple devices like sensors, lights, and switches. The video highlights how the Aqara ecosystem is easy to build and manage, particularly for users new to smart homes, by offering compatibility across different platforms and affordability.

💡2.4 GHz

The 2.4 GHz frequency is a common wireless standard used for Wi-Fi and Zigbee communication. In the video, the Aqara E1 Hub uses this frequency not only for connecting Zigbee devices but also for its Wi-Fi repeater function. The speaker highlights how the 2.4 GHz capability allows the hub to help expand Wi-Fi coverage for other devices in the home, making it a multifunctional hub.

Highlights

Introducing Acara's newest hub, the USB-powered E1 hub, officially released on October 26th.

The E1 hub is Acara's smallest hub, only slightly larger than a typical USB drive and weighing just 58 grams.

Despite its small size, the E1 hub works with major smart home platforms like HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and IFTTT.

Acara products, including the E1 hub, use Zigbee 3.0, offering fast and reliable performance.

The E1 hub can connect up to 128 devices, making it ideal for building out a smart home system.

Although the E1 hub is inexpensive, it lacks features like a speaker and a light, which are present in other Acara hubs.

The E1 hub can function as a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi repeater, capable of connecting up to two additional devices.

The hub's small size and USB connection make it easy to install without being intrusive.

Setup is simple, requiring users to select the hub in the Acara app, scan the HomeKit code, and update the firmware.

The E1 hub is priced at $39.99 CAD, making it an affordable entry point into Acara's smart home ecosystem.

The hub supports various Acara sensors, such as temperature sensors, motion sensors, and wireless mini switches.

The review highlights Acara's reputation for reliable and affordable smart home products, with sensors priced lower than competitors.

Acara's focus on simplicity and affordability makes it easier to build a dependable smart home system.

The reviewer mentions Acara's consistent performance, making it a reliable option compared to other more expensive brands.

Acara is always innovating and developing new products, with potential upcoming accessories that could benefit from the E1 hub's Wi-Fi repeater function.

Transcripts

hi i'm debra lloyd and welcome to my

channel all about making your home

smarter with apple homekit

hot off the press introducing a car's

newest hub their usb powered e1 hub

which was officially released in these

markets effective today october 26th not

only is this a car's newest hub it's

also their smallest hub not much larger

than an average usb drive and only

weighs 58 grams

making the move to a car has never been

easier i have a product link and

discount code in the description but

first what features does it have is

there anything missing and should you

buy it all of this information coming up

if you're not familiar with acara they

make reliable and easy to use smart home

products that are compatible with a

variety of smart home platforms in fact

the e1 hub works with homekit google

home alexa and ifttt though i will of

course be focusing on home kit as always

i initially didn't give a car much

consideration mainly because it wasn't

available in canada and then later

because i needed to buy a hub when they

did come to canada i'd hop onto amazon

and think hey there's an affordable

accessory like a door window sensor and

it works with home kit from this company

called acara ah but i need a hub so end

up paying considerably more for a sensor

from another company thinking that it'd

save money because i don't need a hub

then a month or two goes by and i pop

back on for maybe a motion sensor this

time and i go through the same thing

i later realized that because of the

cost of the other accessories i actually

paid considerably more than if i had

just gone with a car and purchased the

hub

stick around and i'll tell you more

about how a car adds value to their hubs

homekit products have always been more

expensive than other smart home

platforms and that's a large part of a

car's appeal

yes you need a hub but once you have it

it's so easy and fast to build out your

smart home because their sensors are so

affordable

though i would not recommend a product

just because it's affordable reliability

is number one it has to consistently

work and work well

the more i've used zakara the more

impressed i am i've been very happy with

the performance and reliability of all

of my acara products and in part that's

because of the hub that makes their

products so dependable these products

communicate using zigbee which is both

fast and reliable i feel like this is a

good time to thank akara for sending me

their e1 hub to test out and review

though i also want to mention this will

not influence my opinion of this product

if i have critical feedback i will

absolutely let you know so let's take a

look at akara's newest hub

well here it is as you can see it's

extremely small and as the name suggests

it connects via usb

this makes it easy to connect without

being obtrusive this simply connects to

any usb port such as a wall outlet with

usb

or a wall charger you can even connect

this to the usb on your router

or computer

or if you have one of those five watt

charging bricks laying around from an

old iphone then that works as well in

fact this is how i have mine installed

as you can see it can easily pivot to

keep it out of the way

i love how small it is it's barely

noticeable

and setup was a breeze

[Music]

from the akara app select the e1 hub

from the list of available hubs

[Music]

then scan the home kit code and wait for

it to connect

[Music]

once installed i'm prompted to update

the firmware to ensure i have the best

performance

once that's done you're good to go and

you can start pairing whatever child

devices you have such as a temperature

sensor wireless mini switch or a motion

sensor just to name a few this hub is

super small and inexpensive but does

that mean it's less capable

the answer to that is no as a hub the e1

is equally capable with the cars other

flagship hubs like their m1s m2 and g2h

camera hub this hub communicates using

zigbee 3.0 it is capable of connecting

up to 128 devices though this device is

compatible with all four alarm modes via

notifications on your phone if say there

was unexpected motion or door window

sensor was triggered however there's no

speaker like there are on the car's

other hubs and no light like there is on

the m1s

so something to keep in mind if the

alarm feature is important to you trust

me i get the concern with having too

many hubs but the trade-off is

performance which is worth it in my

opinion i say the same when it comes to

lutron caseta and phillips hue threat is

here and if you watch my videos then you

know i'm totally on the thread bandwagon

but compatible accessories are still

limited and typically cost more at least

for now what i appreciate about a car is

how they take something basic like a hub

and they add value by including an alarm

system or night light an infrared

blaster or even a 1080p indoor camera i

mean maybe we have it wrong maybe you're

buying an accessory that just happens to

be a hub

i see that you want hub being for

someone that doesn't need all the bells

and whistles of some of the other

available hubs or perhaps someone who's

just getting started with the yakara

ecosystem and wants to take advantage of

all their devices and sensors

the one feature that i do have to

mention that's unique to this hub is

that it's capable of being a 2.4

gigahertz wi-fi repeater within more

settings you can actually create a wi-fi

hotspot where you can then connect up to

two devices this could be any wi-fi

devices that are maybe further away from

your router so could benefit from the

boosted wi-fi you can customize the ssid

and password to make it the same as your

main network or make it something

different if you choose so really while

i hope this video has shown you the

features and benefits of the e1 hub i

also want to share how the affordability

of these products make it even easier to

enter into the acara ecosystem to build

a reliable and affordable smart home as

of recording the g2h sells on amazon.ca

for 89.99

the m2 is

74.99 and the least expensive a car hub

is the m1s at

64.99

the e1hub is available today for only

39.99 canadian that's pretty affordable

in my opinion overall i've been

impressed with the product and its

reliability so to celebrate the launch

of a car's newest hub a car has provided

a promo code that will give you an

additional 10 off the link of promo code

is in the description and it's valid now

through october 28th once you have the

hub you're in the ecosystem and this

opens up so many possibilities to

explore including door window sensors

motion sensors leak sensors buttons and

switches so so many possibilities and a

car is always innovating and coming up

with new products like the hub we

discussed today so you just know there's

some new cool devices in the works maybe

even some that could potentially benefit

from the wifi repeater on the e1 hub

with the holidays just around the corner

not only would these make great gifts

but it's the perfect time to smart home

your place up and wow your family when

they come to visit i'll link in the car

playlist in the description which

includes videos i've done reviewing

their various hubs and sensors so make

sure to check those out i'm also working

on another car video that i'm really

excited about that will show up just how

well all of these car accessories work

together so keep an eye out for that to

drop later this fall

thanks everyone for sticking around till

the end of this video i appreciate you

supporting the channel once again if

you're interested in picking this hub up

the promo code is good until october

28th thanks as always for watching and

i'll talk to you soon