Meross Radar Sensor Goes Wireless with Matter Support
▼ Summary
– The new Meross MS605 presence sensor is now battery-powered, allowing installation anywhere without needing a power cord.
– It uses a single CR123A battery that lasts up to three years, though battery life may be shorter in high-traffic areas.
– The MS605 supports Matter over the low-power Thread protocol, requiring a Thread-capable hub for use with Google Home, Apple Home, or Alexa.
– It features an IP67 waterproof rating for outdoor use and retains the same sensors to detect motion and differentiate humans from objects.
– The sensor’s range has been reduced to 6 meters for motion and 4 meters for presence detection compared to its predecessor.
The new Meross MS605 presence sensor marks a significant leap forward in smart home automation by offering complete wireless freedom through battery power and Matter over Thread connectivity. This upgrade eliminates the need for a constant power outlet, allowing for far more flexible placement throughout your home or even outdoors. Powered by a single CR123A battery that lasts for up to three years, the device provides a truly cable-free installation experience, though areas with constant activity may see a reduction in that lifespan. Available now for preorder at a special introductory price of $34.99, the MS605 makes advanced presence detection more accessible than ever.
A key enabler of this new cordless design is its integration with the Matter standard using the low-power Thread protocol. While its predecessor, the MS600, also supported Matter, it relied on Wi-Fi, which consumes significantly more energy. This shift to Thread is what makes long-term battery operation feasible. To use the MS605 with major smart home platforms like Google Home, Apple Home, or Alexa, you will need a Thread border router in your network, but it does not necessarily have to be a Meross-branded device, offering excellent compatibility with existing ecosystems.
Physically, the MS605 retains the practical and versatile design of the previous model. It features the same articulated mounting plate, providing extensive adjustability with up to 90 degrees of tilt and a full 360 degrees of rotation for precise aiming. A major improvement is its new IP67 waterproof rating, which officially certifies it for outdoor use, opening up a wider range of applications like monitoring patios, garages, and gardens. The sensor continues to utilize a sophisticated fusion of light, passive infrared (PIR), and 24GHz mmWave radar. This multi-sensor approach allows it to reliably detect both moving and completely stationary individuals, while its advanced radar can intelligently distinguish a person from other moving objects like a blowing curtain or a passing pet.
The transition to battery power does come with one notable trade-off: a reduced detection range. The motion detection range has been halved from 12 meters to 6 meters, while the range for detecting a stationary presence has been decreased from 6 meters to 4 meters. For many residential settings, these updated ranges will still be perfectly adequate, but it is an important specification to consider when planning your installation to ensure the sensor covers the desired area effectively.
(Source: The Verge)
