We have already talked about Aqara on other occasions. A firm specializing in products for the connected home that is now renewing one of its devices. Its about Hub M1S that now reaches its second generation and it does so by providing security improvements and new features.

The Hub M1S Gen 2 arrives with improvements in security, as this model is now compatible with the WPA3 security protocol. In addition, it has customizable warning tones by the user to create specific notification systems for each device.

Safer when betting on WPA3

The MS1 Gen 2 Hub is the Aqara Hub responsible for connecting all the brand’s devices and allowing integration between sensors and home automation devices. The MS1 Gen 2 Hub works on top of the Zigbee 3.0 protocol. This device is capable of managing up to 128 Aqara devices.

In terms of design, there are no changes compared to the HUB M1S that we already know. With a circular shape and with a plug to connect it directly to the power outlet, this model includes among its functions an LED ring that can function as a positional light that we can turn on and off with our voice.

The improvements to the Hub M1S Gen 2 come on the inside. It inherits most of the features of its predecessor and improves network security by adopting the WPA3 standard. This means more security, since it goes from using a 128-bit key to a 192-bit key. And it is that the higher the encryption key, the more difficult it is to break it, since more powerful computers and more time are required to forcefully decrypt the data.

In addition this model add customizable ringtones, so that users can create more personalized home automation. This is possible thanks to the inclusion of a 2-watt speaker that can also be used as an alarm or doorbell.

The M1S Gen 2 Hub is a control center within the Aqara ecosystem compatible with major third-party ecosystems, including HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT. It remains to be seen if this Hub is updated and supported to work with Matter when this standard becomes a reality.

The M1S Gen 2 Hub It can already be purchased in the Aqara store on Amazon at a price of 55.99 euros

Aqara Home Automation Hub M1S Gen 2(2.4GHz Wi-Fi Required), Smart Home Bridge for Home Automation and Alarm System, Remote Control, Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit and IFTTT