# Aqara Camera Hub G350: An In-Depth Examination
When Aqara initially unveiled the Camera Hub G350, it garnered attention by asserting its status as the first Matter-certified camera available. Matter represents a crucial advancement in the smart home sector, fostering interoperability and freedom from vendor restrictions. This piece delves into the features and capabilities of the Aqara Camera Hub G350, especially its compatibility with Matter and HomeKit.
## What’s Inside the Package and Technical Specifications
The Aqara Camera Hub G350 includes the camera unit and a lengthy USB-C cable. Nevertheless, it lacks a wall adapter, which could be a disadvantage for some individuals. Below are the primary specifications:
– **Resolution and Lenses**: This camera is equipped with a dual-lens setup, merging a 4K wide-angle camera with a 2.5K telephoto lens. Keep in mind that HomeKit Secure Video supports only up to 1080p.
– **Zoom and Viewing Area**: It provides up to 9x hybrid zoom and features a motorized pan-and-tilt base, offering a complete 360-degree perspective.
– **Smart Home Hub**: Beyond its video functionalities, it operates as a Zigbee hub, a Matter Controller, and a Matter bridge for connecting other Aqara gadgets.
– **Local AI Tracking**: The camera integrates on-device intelligence for monitoring people and pets, improving privacy by processing information locally instead of using cloud services.
– **Storage Options**: Users can store recordings on a microSD card (up to 512 GB), utilize a NAS, or link to Apple HomeKit Secure Video.
– **Hardware Privacy**: A physical lens cover automatically obstructs the camera when it’s powered down, ensuring user privacy.
## Aspiring to be a Genuine Smart Home Hub
The Aqara Camera Hub G350 is crafted to transcends its role as merely a security camera; it aims to function as a comprehensive smart home hub. It supports Matter 1.5, the latest standard that now includes cameras within the Matter ecosystem. Although Apple Home has not yet updated to accommodate Matter 1.5 cameras, the G350 is primed for future integration once it is available.
Furthermore, it serves as a Zigbee hub and a Thread Border Router, permitting users to directly connect existing Aqara devices such as door sensors and climate sensors to the camera, seamlessly connecting them to Apple Home.
## Configuring the Aqara Camera Hub G350 with Apple Home
At present, the setup procedure for the G350 is contingent on the standard Apple Home integration, since the Home app has not yet been revised for Matter 1.5 cameras. After connecting the USB-C cable and linking to Wi-Fi through the Aqara app, users can incorporate the camera into Apple Home by scanning the code located on the device.
After integration, the camera functions like any standard HomeKit Secure Video camera, providing iCloud recordings, facial recognition, and designated activity zones. Nonetheless, the video stream is restricted to 1080p via HomeKit Secure Video. Users also have the option of using RTSP to transmit full 4K video to a NAS or local storage, ensuring high-quality footage while still receiving notifications through the Apple Home app.
## Conclusion on the Aqara Camera Hub G350
The Aqara Camera Hub G350 distinguishes itself as a solid HomeKit Secure Video camera that additionally serves as a hub for Aqara devices within Apple Home. Its hardware privacy shutter, dual-lens configuration, and Matter accreditation render it an attractive option for individuals seeking to upgrade their smart home environment. As Matter standards progress and receive support from Apple, the G350 is well-positioned for upcoming enhancements.
For those interested, the Aqara Camera Hub G350 can be purchased on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4uLiM0G).