While IKEA may not be positioning itself as a top-tier tech company, it continues to enhance its portfolio with reliable smart home devices. The latest additions include a trio of cost-effective smart home sensors catering to diverse needs, from monitoring open doors to detecting water leakage.
(Photo : IKEA)
BADRING water leakage sensor and PARASOLL door and window sensor
Enhancing Portfolio with Reliable Smart Home Devices
Ikea remains committed to making smart home technology accessible to all with the launch of three budget-friendly Zigbee sensors. The additions include Parasoll, a door and window sensor, Vallhorn, a motion sensor, and Badring, a water leakage sensor.
Engadget reported that these sensors are set to hit the global market in the first half of the upcoming year, each priced at less than $10.
Leading the lineup is the Parasoll door and window sensor, designed for easy mounting on any access point. Notably, it effortlessly pairs with Ikea light bulbs without requiring a separate Ikea Home smart hub. While priced at €9.99 in Europe, the exact pricing for the US market is yet to be confirmed.
In the lighting domain, the Vallhorn wireless motion sensor takes the spotlight, activating lights upon detecting movement. Powered by three AAA batteries, it directly controls up to 10 Ikea smart bulbs and costs just €7.99.
It offers broader room coverage compared to Ikea's existing motion sensor, which costs $14.99 / €12.99, is smaller, usable only indoors, and requires more frequent coin cell battery replacements.
Completing the new offerings is the Barding water leakage sensor, dedicated to alerting users about potential water issues before damage occurs.
Equipped with a built-in siren (60dBA at 1m), this alerts users to leaks and sends mobile notifications through the Ikea Home smart app for homes with an Ikea Dirigera hub ($69.99). Priced at €9.99, this sensor is a cost-effective preventive measure against potential water damage.
Compatibility
The sensors boast a sleek and unobtrusive design in a small white form factor, ensuring seamless integration throughout the home, especially if you prefer a more neutral aesthetic. While all sensors are compatible with IKEA's Dirigera Hub, it's worth noting that only Vallhorn is designed to work with the older Tradfri gateway.
Among the trio, Parasoll and Badring sensors do not offer compatibility with the older Trådfri Home smart gateways from Ikea. However, all three seamlessly support the newer Dirigera hub, providing full integration into Ikea's expanding range of smart home products and the Home smart app.
As stated in its press release, this hub also facilitates interoperability with smart home ecosystems from Google, Amazon, and Apple, whether users are at home or on the go.
Also Read: IKEA Powers Up Sustainability Initiatives With Solar Car Parks and Rooftop Installations
According to a statement shared with The Verge, Jonas Söderqvist, the digital product area manager at Ikea, has announced the decision to postpone the introduction of this functionality. Ikea intends to offer an update at an appropriate time.
The ongoing delay is justifiable, given that Ikea's products already integrate smoothly with various platforms. The company aims to maintain simplicity, especially for those who casually venture into the realm of smart home technology while browsing for furniture.
Considering the challenges associated with transitioning everything to Matter networks during this period, Ikea's decision to delay is well-founded.
Related Article: IKEA's DIRIGERA Coming Soon, Smart Home Hub with Matter Support-Price and Release Date?
