Aqara has announced a raft of updates coming to the recently released G5 Pro outdoor camera. A number of these updates was pointed out in the review I published last month and it’s great to see Aqara acting on user feedback.
In a statement today on Reddit, Aqara said
First and foremost, thank you. Your candid feedback about the G5 Pro’s subscription model and feature limitations was invaluable. We’ve listened, and today, we’re excited to share major updates that address your concerns head-on. Our goal is to ensure subscriptions are truly optional while empowering you with robust local functionality.
Free Cloud Storage for All Users
- New users will receive 24 hours of free cloud storage for six months—no trial activation or payment credentials required.
- Existing G5 Pro owners can activate this benefit by removing and re-adding their camera in the Aqara Home app, or they can wait for the upcoming Firmware 4.3.4 update.
Enhanced Local Functionality
- Detection & Automation Timeouts Removed: Say goodbye to paywalls for detection frequency, now down to 15 seconds (App 5.1.9).
- Local Clip Download: Download event clips directly to your phone for better access and control (App 5.2.0, Firmware 4.3.4).
- “No Motion Detected for N Seconds” Automation Condition: Configure spotlight behaviour more flexibly than ever (Firmware 4.3.4).
Timeline & Playback Upgrades
- Fast-Forward Buttons: Navigate local recordings with ease (App 5.2.0).
- AI Event Markers on Local Timeline: View labelled events (faces, pets, vehicles) without a subscription (App 5.2.0, Firmware 4.3.4).
- Local Timeline Snapshots: When no motion events are detected, the camera will take periodic snapshots to ensure your timeline isn’t left with empty gaps (Firmware 4.3.4).
Storage & Recording Flexibility
- 24/7 SMB NAS Recording: Use your existing NAS for continuous recording (Target: Firmware 4.3.4 – currently in testing, may be released later).
- ONVIF Support: Integrate with third-party NVRs for advanced setups (Firmware 4.3.4).
AI Improvements
- Reduced false alerts (e.g., animals mistakenly tagged as humans).
- Improved detection zones for enhanced accuracy (Firmware 4.3.4).
Aqara G5 Pro update timeline & rollout
- Firmware 4.3.4: Released on April 20th.
- App 5.2.0: Released on April 20th.
- App 5.1.9: Released on April 4th.
Please note that firmware and app updates may roll out in batches, so some users may receive them later than others.
