Although it’s been quiet at the moment, there has still been some exciting news this week: from IKEA’s foray into the outdoors with new outdoor sensors, to Onvi’s latest 5-button switch with Thread technology, to Aqara’s upcoming launch of Thread devices and their recent firmware updates. In addition, we have published a DIY solution for a water level indicator in HomeKit.

IKEA expands Smarthome portfolio with sensors for outdoor use

IKEA is expanding its Smarthome range and plans to introduce a waterproof motion sensor and a contact sensor. The new devices, named “Vallhorn” and “Parasoll,” were recently spotted at the U.S. FCC.

Both sensors are IP44 rated, which protects them against splashing water. This means that the devices can also be used outdoors.

Onvis HomeKit Switch HS2 with Thread

Now the second Thread device from the manufacturer Onvis also goes on sale. But with the new Onvis 5-button switch, you get much more than just a handful of buttons.

The fast Thread connection is also convincing in this device. In our report, we will show you what other advantages the new switch has to offer.

Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit launches

As of this week, the Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit is available for pre-order to mirror the colors from a TV or monitor. Like Govee, Nanoleaf also features a camera that detects the colors on the screen and adjusts the lighting accordingly.

The products are suitable for TVs and monitors up to 65″ and 85″ respectively, and can be synchronized with more than 50 light sources from Nanoleaf. The kits are available for pre-order from Nanoleaf’s online store, although the camera can also be purchased separately.

Thread devices from Aqara about to launch

Aqara plans to launch devices with Thread. These are to support the new Matter smarthome standard and can be used without an additional hub.

Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2

A contact sensor and a motion detector are to make a start. On Twitter this week, Aqara announced that the contact sensor will be available soon.

Rain barrel: water level display in HomeKit

If you also have a rain barrel in your garden and would like to see in HomeKit whether there is still water, we have a DIY solution for you. In this tutorial, we integrate a float switch into HomeKit via a contact sensor.

Rain barrel: Display water level in HomeKit

This allows us to see if there is still water in the rain barrel even when we are on vacation and also prevents our irrigation pump from running dry.

Aqara releases updates for G4 video doorbell and FP2 presence sensor

Aqara has provided new firmware updates for the G4 video doorbell and FP2 presence sensor this week. The G4 video doorbell receives version 4.0.1_0032.0050, which is primarily aimed at bug fixes.

Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4: What the innovative video doorbell can do

The FP2 Presence Sensor has been updated to version 1.1.8_0005 with a number of optimizations and new features, including sensitivity and distance measurement improvements. In addition, Aqara has released version 3.2.6 of its own app.