It’s been just over a year since we first reported on an FCC filing for a new, HomeKit-compatible motion sensor from Qingping, and at the time there was no definite evidence that the device would be using Thread. Even though the company confirmed that the device would use Thread, even though the FCC filing mentioned above showed that it was using Bluetooth, it would appear that this device is indeed using a Bluetooth chip capable of being updated to use Thread.
Now the device has gone on sale in China for RMB169 (roughly U$24/UK£20/EU€23) and is listed as compatible with Apple Home, and using Thread. When it comes to international shores we can’t say, but the fact that it has previously been through the FC process, and is now certified to work with Apple Home using Thread, it would appear that an international release can’t be far off.
the sensor uses a magnetic ball joint to mount it to a wall, with the joint part sticking to the wall with an included adhesive patch. This arrangement allows the angle of the sensor to be easily adjusted to the appropriate angle, or removed to change the batteries, which, like the Aqara P1, uses two CR2450 coin batteries. If you don’t want to use the ball joint, you can opt for sticking the device directly to a wall with the adhesive patch, or if you have a metallic surface you’d like to place it, the sensor can be magnetically attached to such a surface too.
The motion sensor also contains an ambient light sensor that is also reported to be exposed to HomeKit, which almost puts it on par with Eve’s own motion sensor. I say ‘almost’ as the Eve motion sensor is now compatible with Matter, whereas Qingping’s offering makes no mention of Matter at this time.
This would be Qingping’s second device to be reintroduced to include Thread connectivity, following on from the company’s popular temperature and humidity sensor (See the video review below) that gained Thread support in its third iteration with the T version. (M version with Bluetooth/Mi Home support, H version with Bluetooth/HomeKit support). Hopefully, we’ll not only see this new Thread device on Amazon soon, but also at a competitive price, although it will have competition from not only the Eve Motion, but also the forthcoming updated motion sensor from Onvis, with Thread and Matter, and the long-awaited Aqara P2 motion sensor with Thread (and Matter?).
Thanks to Eric at Wavetech for the tip-off