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The recently introduced Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 appears to be an ideal companion for enthusiasts of Home Assistant. Boasting local image processing and microSD card storage capabilities, this sleek device allows owners to bypass the cloud if set up correctly. Let's explore how seamlessly the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 integrates with Home Assistant.
Regrettably, a seamless union between the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 and Home Assistant remains elusive. The device lacks an open API that would enable Home Assistant to connect effortlessly. Furthermore, the doorbell relies on Wi-Fi for video transmission, as only this provides the necessary bandwidth. Consequently, Zigbee connectivity is off the table.
As the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 lacks an API, the prospect of it becoming an official and maintained Home Assistant integration seems slim. However, one might wonder if there's a chance for the device's protocol to be reverse-engineered, paving the way for a custom Home Assistant integration. While this possibility certainly exists, the odds of it materializing remain uncertain, leaving enthusiasts in a state of hopeful anticipation.
For those eager to unite the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 with Home Assistant, there's a potential workaround using Home Assistant's HomeKit Controller capabilities. However, as a courageous Reddit user discovered, this integration comes with a few hiccups.
Streaming the video feed to Home Assistant is possible, but the quality takes a noticeable hit compared to the pristine visuals offered by the Aqara Home app. Muting the doorbell is a breeze, but unmuting it demands a complete reset. The most significant drawback, however, is the absence of any indication that the doorbell has been pressed—an essential feature one would expect from a doorbell that integrates with Home Assistant.
Although the Matter standard hasn't been incorporated into the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 just yet, it's worth pondering whether this technology could eventually facilitate seamless integration with Home Assistant. The current absence of Matter support can be attributed to the standard's existing limitations, particularly its incompatibility with cameras. However, the upcoming version of Matter, expected to launch in early 2023, aims to address this issue by supporting cameras, ambient motion, and presence sensing. In theory, this should enable the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 to integrate smoothly with Home Assistant, but the proof will be in the pudding.
It's essential to emphasize that purchasing the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 based solely on its potential future Matter support would be ill-advised. Once the integration materializes and undergoes rigorous testing, this device could become a top contender in the market. But for now, only time will reveal its true potential.
