While the Aqara Cube T1 Pro may not tick all the boxes for some users, it remains an exciting addition to Aqara's product lineup. Its upgraded Zigbee 3.0, over-the-air updates, and HomeKit support make it a worthwhile investment for those keen on smart home automation.
Familiar exterior, revamped interior
Chinese smart home automation company Aqara has recently unveiled its latest offering, the Aqara Cube T1 Pro. This new device is an enhanced version of their previous controller, now boasting Zigbee 3.0, over-the-air updates, and HomeKit support. The Cube T1 Pro may appear strikingly similar to its predecessor, but its new dice-like indicators offer users a clearer understanding of their controls.
Thread support: the missing piece
A notable feature that users eagerly anticipated was Thread support, which could have future-proofed the device. Alas, the Cube T1 Pro lacks Thread support and relies solely on the Aqara hub for connectivity. Despite its mostly hollow structure, the battery life remains unchanged, leaving some users feeling underwhelmed.
The Aqara Cube T1 Pro is an appealing choice for those interested in Aqara's Cube series. It has been confirmed to work seamlessly with ZHA, but sadly, Zigbee2MQTT support is currently missing. While Aqara has hinted at the possibility of Matter support via a future firmware update, this will only be accessible through the Aqara hub, and the Cube T1 Pro itself won't be able to connect directly to Thread Border Routers.
