Meross, a specialist in inexpensive home automation, recently presented a new product and the MS600 is interesting. It is indeed its first presence detector and not just movements, and since it is compatible with Matter, it can be added to the Home app. Which means that with a base price of around $31.99, this accessory should be the least expensive in its category to find a place in the Apple ecosystem.
For this price, you will get a presence detector that actually also contains a motion detector (and even a light sensor, which is always useful). As a reminder, the distinction between the two is based on the technology used: ultra-precise millimeter waves for the first, infrared waves for the second. The combination of the two should improve detection, according to Meross: infrared is supposed to be faster at identifying movement and it is the one that activates the millimeter waves, which then monitor the smallest movements, including those you make while breathing. Another advantage of infrared is that its range is greater (12 m compared to 6 m for millimeter waves), which can be useful in very large rooms.
While motion sensors alone are quite effective in my experience, combining the two is an interesting approach. Meross even found an original solution to erroneous detections with millimeter waves: you can add a cover on the motion sensor to eliminate a zone, which can be used to ignore pets (and younger humans). Enough, on paper, to only activate automations if an adult is in the room while ignoring a dog that would wander alone all day in the home.
Like most Meross products, the MS600 is associated with a Wi-Fi chip, which means that it does not require an intermediate bridge. It is natively Matter, which will allow it to be added to all home automation ecosystems compatible with the standard, Apple’s in the lead. Like all products of this type, a permanent power supply is necessary, it is supplied here with a removable USB cable. The manufacturer has also provided adjustable support, a key point for presence detection to be effective.
The MS600 is currently up for pre-order on the manufacturer’s website, for $31.99 with free shipping. By using the code “Welcome”, you can reduce this price by another 5%.
