Aqara has officially unveiled its latest innovation at CES, the Doorbell Camera Hub G410, which not only offers advanced video doorbell features but also doubles as a smart home hub for Matter, Thread, and Zigbee devices. This sleek device is an update to the Video Doorbell G4 and promises to elevate the smart home experience.

The G410 boasts an impressive array of features, including 2K video quality, a 4:3 aspect ratio, and end-to-end encryption on both live and recorded video. One of the standout features is its use of an mmWave sensor, which enables more accurate person detection. This advanced sensor technology sets the G410 apart from its competitors and provides users with enhanced security and peace of mind.

In addition to its impressive video capabilities, the G410 is a full-fledged smart home hub, supporting dual-band Wi-Fi, Thread, and Zigbee radios. This means it can seamlessly connect and integrate with both Aqara accessories and third-party Matter devices, making it a central hub for users' smart home ecosystems.

Aqara has also added Real-Time Streaming Protocol support, allowing users to send the doorbell's feed locally to third-party clients such as Home Assistant. This feature provides users with greater flexibility and control over their smart home setup.

The G410 inherits many features from its predecessor, including Apple Home compatibility (including HomeKit Secure Video support), on-device facial recognition, local storage, and the ability to operate on battery power (six AAs) or be hardwired to the home's wiring. When hardwired, the device offers 24/7 continuous recording to a microSD card.

Furthermore, the doorbell supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, allowing users to stream video to compatible smart displays. It also works in tandem with Aqara's new Panel Hub S1 Plus, which can function as a video intercom inside the home.

While the G410 offers many exciting features, there are some limitations to consider. The device lacks HDR imaging, which may affect its ability to capture clear faces in certain lighting conditions. Additionally, its weather rating remains at IPX3, requiring it to be mounted under a porch or similar structure to protect against heavy rainfall.

The doorbell's smart alerts are limited to people and motion detection, with no package, animal, or vehicle alerts available (although these can be accessed through Apple Home). The device also only records clips for up to 12 seconds at a time. Like its predecessor, the G410 does not ring existing chimes and requires a small chime repeater to be plugged into a nearby power outlet.

Unlike the G4, which offered free cloud storage, the G410 will require a subscription for cloud storage. However, local storage remains free, and users can also utilize Apple's HomeKit Secure Video service for recorded video. Pricing and release dates have not been announced, but based on the G4's $150 price point, the G410 is likely to fall within a similar range.

In conclusion, Aqara's Doorbell Camera Hub G410 is an impressive addition to the smart home market, offering advanced features and robust integration capabilities. While it may have some limitations, its sleek design and cutting-edge technology make it an attractive option for those looking to elevate their smart home experience.