In this article, I’ll give a detailed insight into the new Aqara Cube T1 Pro, how to set it up, how it’s better than previous cubes, what it can do, and some of its applications.
What Are Aqara Cubes?
Aqara, a Chinese smart home technology company, provides a small cube-shaped device called Aqara Cube. There have been many versions of such cubes, and while they may differ in many ways, their purpose remains the same.
These cubes are designed to be wireless controllers for smart devices and systems. Unlike a remote, these cubes are equipped with gyroscopes and accelerometers, which allow them to be used in easy and fun ways without any buttons.
Unboxing and First Looks
In terms of items, there isn’t much in the package. You get:
- A pretty hefty manual, which you’ll read
- A lever-type thing to open the battery area
- The Cube itself
The new cube has several dots on each side, much like a dice, but instead of the number 1, there’s the Aqara logo. The cube is clean and compact, using a good blend of grey and white.
When you open the battery compartment, you’ll be delighted to see a CR2450 with 2 years of battery life. You’ll also find a connect/reset button labeled “Link,” which you’ll need when pairing it later.
Difference Between the Old and New Cube
| Aqara Cube T1 Pro | Older Cubes |
| Now supports Apple’s HomeKit, Amazon’s Alexa and more. | Only compatible with the Aqara app. |
| Actions and Scene mode means more actions and more automation. | Only the basic actions, |
| Future Matter compatibility. | No Matter compatibility. |
| Ecosystem support. | No Ecosystem support. |
| Supports OTA updates. | No OTA updates. |
Setting It Up
You’ll find the new cube pretty exciting if you use Amazon products a lot. This requires a Zigbee hub from Aqara, but after that, it could connect to Amazon’s Alexa and start routines.
You need some smart products, an Aqara hub (which happens to be an Aqara M2 Hub in my case, (connected to the ethernet, of course), and the cube.
You have to:
- Add an accessory in the Aqara app.
- Select Cube T1 Pro.
- Long press the Link button for 5 seconds. (You should get a blue light)
- And it’s done! Now you can name it and place it wherever you want.
What Can It Do?
Say what you want about Aqara, but their app is incredibly powerful from an automation standpoint. The cube works like a button, and an event can be assigned and triggered in several ways.
Whatever application you are using, be it Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa, the app will detect whatever side the cube is on. This can trigger events, as I did in this video.
The Cube has numbers written on each side, so you can easily remember what event you programmed for what side. Apart from this, more motions are available for detection in the new cube.
In the Aqara App, there are two modes:
- Action (Classic)
- Scene (New)
Action Mode
There are 7 basic actions in Action mode, similar to the old cube. This greatly limits the cube’s potential and, in my opinion, isn’t worth using unless you know what you are doing.
- Flip 90º
- Flip 180º
- Tap twice
- Push
- Shake
- Rotate
- Triggered after one minute of inactivity
It should be noted that this mode is exclusive to the Aqara app and won’t work in other applications.
Scene Mode
If you want to maximize the value of your cube, Scene mode is your best option. It provides additional actions and improvements on the basic actions.
- Side up
- Flip to side
- Pick up and hold
- Push
- Shake
- Rotate
- Triggered after one minute of inactivity
Instead of just flipping 90º or 180º, each side can be assigned a unique task.
Some Applications
Aqara Cube T1 Pro is very powerful when it comes to automation. It can be used to make creative routines that can be triggered in a fun way.
The following are some routines you can follow to utilize your cube better.
Lighting Control
It’s always a bright idea to have your lights automated. Say goodbye to buttons and welcome to the Aqara Cube T1 Pro. It can be used to dim, change, or turn off the lights by just changing the face of the cube, though compatible Aqara lights are required.
- Are you going to bed? Turn to side 1 to turn off the lights.
- Waking up? Turn to side 2 to turn them on.
- Feeling romantic while watching a movie? Turn to side 3 to completely change the room’s vibe by turning the LED strip to a custom color.
With Aqara Cube T1 Pro, the possibilities are endless!
The Security Dice
The Aqara Cube T1 Pro can now send notifications to your phone using the Aqara Home Alert system to warn of intruders.
Trigger Alarams with a shake or alert your security system with a nudge. Whoever wants to break into your house will certainly not go unnoticed.
Create a security routine that can lock all doors and activate security cameras when you are going out or even just going to sleep.
Children Friendly Automation
The Aqara Cube T1 Pro opens automation possibilities for elders and children alike as it’s safe and easy to use for the little ones.
The cube can be programmed to play a lullaby when it is held or change the music when it’s shaken.
Children can easily control their stuff without needing complicated apps or assistance.
Compatibility
As mentioned above, the Aqara Cube T1 Pro isn’t bound to the Aqara App like its predecessor, making it much more versatile with matter support coming soon.
For example, a shake can be detected by the Aqara app, and a flip can be programmed by a different app altogether!
Ecosystem support allows the Cube to connect with other ecosystems and control practically any compatible third-party device.
Can anyone speak to the Aqara Cube T1 Pro working in HA?
byu/jdlnewborn inhomeassistant
Final Rating
After thoroughly examining the features of the Aqara Cube T1 Pro, I’ve decided to give it a 7 on a scale from 1 to 10.
While this may look underrated if you are someone who has used the old cubes and appreciates the new convenient and efficient feature, it’s necessary to look at the bigger picture.
The Cube is great at what it does, but it’s unnecessary for an average smart home user who prefers simplicity and ease of automation. The Cube appeals more to smart home enthusiasts and those looking for fun and creative ways to automate.
Aqara Cube T1 Pro Insights and Interesting Facts
- The Cube T1 Pro’s biggest strength is its versatility. With six sides, each programmable for different actions and scenes, it can control various smart home devices.
- Compared to the original Aqara Cube, the T1 Pro simplifies control by using designated sides for specific actions, eliminating the need to memorize gestures.
- The future-proofing aspect of the Cube T1 Pro, thanks to OTA updates, ensures it can stay compatible with new smart home devices and features.
- The Cube T1 Pro uses the Zigbee 3.0 protocol, known for its improved stability, compatibility, and range compared to older Zigbee versions.
- It boasts compatibility with popular smart home ecosystems like HomeKit, Alexa, and IFTTT (limited to scene mode).
- The Cube T1 Pro is surprisingly battery-efficient, lasting up to two years on a single charge.
FAQs
Does HomeKit support Aqara Cube?
The new mode lets the Cube T1 Pro use HomeKit and Alexa.
Does Xiaomi own Aqara?
Lumi United Technology, a Xiaomi ecosystem company, owns Aqara. Aqara is one of the most successful ecosystems ever.
Will the Cube Work Without a Zigbee Hub?
No, Aqara Cube can’t work without it. A Zigbee 3.0 hub is necessary for the Aqara Cube to connect to your phone.
Conclusion
- Aqara Cube T1 Pro makes automation in your house more fun and performs way more efficiently than the older versions of the cube.
- Unlike other smart devices, setting up the Cube T1 Pro is easy and quick. You only need a Zigbee hub and a compatible ecosystem app.
- Instead of being useless, it provides many practical, real-world applications, ranging from security to lighting and lullaby for children.
- It has many more features than the older cubes and is compatible with other ecosystems like Apple Homekit, Amazon’s Alexa, and IFTTT.
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