Love privacy and smart home tech? This hub only listens when you're touching it

Aqara's new Voice Mate H1 is a tiny puck-shaped device that activates when you pick it up, addressing privacy concerns for devices that passively listen for wake words.

IFA was packed with new smart home technology this year, with some interesting ideas coming from Aqara, the company responsible for many sleek products, such as Smart Lock U200. Along with its extensive rollout of cameras, sensors, locks, and home security devices, the company also revealed a tiny little device that addresses a different type of security concern.

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The Voice Mate H1 is a small puck that uses voice commands and connects with the Hub M3 -- Aqara's flagship smart home hub. Crucially, the Voice Mate H1 only listens to you when you're holding it. Instead of passively waiting for a "wake phrase" like "Hey ...