IKEA's new motion sensors may play nice with Google Home and Apple HomeKit

Date:
Mon, 26 Jun 2023 23:36:52 +0000

Description:
IKEA is expanding its smart home lineup with a motion sensor and contact sensor that can tell you if you left the door open.

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Two recently discovered FCC (Federal Communications Commission) filings indicate furniture-brand IKEA is currently developing a contact and motion sensor for smart homes.

To be honest, there isnt a whole lot of information in these documents , but there is enough to paint a picture. First, you have the Parasoll Open/Close Sensor consisting of a large main unit running on a single AAA battery and what may be a magnetic key fob for detection. Contact sensors are typically installed on doors as well as windows to alert homeowners whenever either one is left open. They're also flexible enough to work in other places around the house like the garage or on a mailbox. Whats noteworthy about the Parasoll is its slated to run on the Zigbee communications protocol.

Zigbee , for those who dont know, has the ability to broadcast data up to
100 meters (around 330 feet) indoors without demanding a lot of electricity
to do so. However, it is considerably slower than a typical Wi-Fi connection. Potential widespread support

As for the second device, its called the Vallhorn Motion Sensor . Theres very little info pertaining to the Vallhorn although we do know itll measure
around 70.45W x 70.46L mm (about 2.77 inches on both sides). Its unknown if this sensor will run on a AAA battery. But considering the fact other IKEA smart home gadgets run on the same power source, its probably safe to assume the Vallhorn will require the battery. The same goes for Zigbee. The filings dont mention anything about the protocol, but considering the fact its being developed alongside the Parasoll, it most likely will support the standard.

It does appear interested users will need to purchase IKEAs DIRIGERA hub if they want to use either of these sensors. The gadget is mentioned by name in Vallhorns testing document. Having the DIRIGERA for testing purposes is an interesting choice as its compatible with Amazon, Google, and Apple smart
home ecosystems. This could mean both devices may work in both Google Home
and Apple HomeKit environments alike.

However, at the end of the day, we dont know for sure. IKEA is developing the sensors in collaboration with IoT (internet of things) manufacturer
Leedarson. Everything is still in the early stages so things may look different at launch. Regardless of the final products, it is good to see IKEA expanding its smart home lineup.

If youre looking for other ways to upgrade your house, check out TechRadars recently updated guide on the best smart home devices for 2023 .



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-home/ikeas-new-motion-sensors-may-play-ni ce-with-google-home-and-apple-homekit


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