AQARA Door and window sensor P2, with Thread protocol and support

Door and window sensor P2: when the iconic Aqara sensor meets Matter support.

The Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 is a new magnetic open/close sensor from Q3 2023, with native support for Matter via the Thread protocol.

About the Thread protocol

Many experts see the Thread protocol as an enhanced version of the Zigbee wireless protocol for smart homes, combining many of the benefits of the popular Wi-Fi protocol.

Thread has native IP addressability, like Wi-Fi, but very low power consumption, like Zigbee. It supports mesh architecture, just like Zigbee, but can support smart home wireless networks with more than 200 devices, so it is suitable for much larger networks than Wi-Fi (recommended for 50+ devices) and Zigbee (recommended for 100+ devices).

It provides excellent network stability and the highest level of security (with AES-128, ECC support), as well as native support for the Matter interoperability standard, making Thread protocol devices compatible with all Matter-enabled smart home ecosystems.

The P2 sensor uses the Thread protocol, not Zigbee, and is compatible with third party Thread border routers. By ensuring compatibility with the Matter standard, it has broad support for all Matter-enabled solutions. The Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 not only includes all the advanced automation and security features that Aqara is known for, but also allows users to connect directly to third party Thread border routers, often built into the latest Wi-Fi routers or smart speakers, and take full advantage of the Matter standard.

To use the device via the Thread protocol, a "Thread border router" is required. If you want to use the sensor also via the Matter standard, the Thread border router must also be a Matter Controller.

From July 2023, the next Thread border routers support Matter and are compatible with the Aqara P2 sensor:

• Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 128GB), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), HomePod (2nd generation), HomePod Mini
• SmartThings Hub v3, Aeotec Hub v3, SmartThings Station
• Echo (4th generation)
• Nest Hub (2nd generation), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wi-Fi Pro
• Home Assistant Yellow, Home Assistant with SkyConnect
• Aqara M3 hub

Features:

Based on the Thread protocol: It offers robust, low latency and mesh-capable communication with the new Thread protocol.

Native Support Matter: Entering the Matter era allows users to be unencumbered by different platforms and protocols, all that is needed is a Matter application and a Matter-compatible Thread Border Router. This means that connections between different ecosystems and platforms are simpler and better. Matter allows direct connection to platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and more.

As one of the first sensors with native Matter support, the Door and Window Sensor P2 connects directly to Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and, in the near future, Aqara Home via the Matter-compatible Aqara Thread border router. So you can build rich and varied smart home scenarios that work completely locally.

Open/closed status control: The Aqara P2 sensor provides continuous open/closed detection for your peace of mind. Receive real-time notifications to your smartphone when the sensor detects activity. Never miss a potential security threat and keep everything under control, whether you're at home or away.

Local home automation: It integrates seamlessly with selected smart home ecosystems without relying on cloud services. With automations based on open/closed status, you can increase the efficiency of temperature control, create security alerts or control lighting.

Local and remote alarm: Receive instant alerts/notifications on your phone when the sensor detects a trigger, regardless of your location. Use it to monitor doors, windows, toilets, fridges, security lockers, bird cages, etc.

Maximum efficiency with voice assistants: Supported voice assistants (e.g. Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa) can send you notifications about events such as doors opening or ask about the status of the door, making your daily tasks easier. (A compatible voice hub is required to use the voice functions.)

Easy and flexible installation: The sensor is easy to install with its strong sticker. A thin magnetic plate is also included for greater flexibility. The compact design and self-adhesive back make it easy to integrate into any interior space. The upgraded stickers leave no residue after removal and the additional flat magnet allows for more installation options.

Future upgrade via OTA: Alarm on removal attempt, adjustable sensitivity, programmable button... More features will be available with a future OTA update. (Note: Support in the Aqara Home app will only be available after the launch of Hub M3.)

Additional features supported soon with Aqara M3 hub:

• Adjustable sensitivity: users can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor within a range of 1-3 cm and set the sleep time according to specific scenarios.
• Programmable button: allows you to trigger automations, such as activating an alarm when you leave home.
• Removal attempt alarm: instant notification to your smartphone if someone tries to remove the sensor.