Imagine a world where your smart home devices are no longer tethered to power outlets, freeing you to place them anywhere you desire. That's the reality Meross is bringing with its latest innovation: the MS605 presence sensor, a cordless upgrade that's turning heads in the tech world.
Written by Andrew Liszewski, a seasoned tech journalist with nearly two decades of experience, this update highlights a game-changer for smart home enthusiasts. Liszewski, whose passion for electronics dates back to his childhood, breaks down why this sensor is more than just a minor tweak.
But here's where it gets exciting: Meross has ditched the power cord in favor of a single CR123A battery, promising up to three years of operation. While high-traffic areas might drain the battery faster, this wireless design opens up a world of installation possibilities. Available for preorder now at a discounted price of $34.99 (via Meross’ online store), it’s a deal that’s hard to ignore.
And this is the part most people miss: The MS605 isn’t just battery-powered; it’s also Matter-compatible over the low-power Thread protocol. This means it plays nicely with Google Home, Apple Home, or Alexa—but there’s a catch. You’ll need a Thread-capable hub in your home, though it doesn’t have to be a Meross device. This shift from its Wi-Fi-dependent predecessor, the MS600 (as reported by The Verge), marks a significant leap in versatility.
Design-wise, the MS605 retains the MS600’s articulated mounting plate, allowing for 90-degree tilting and 360-degree rotation. But here’s the real kicker: It’s now IP67 waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use. The sensor combines light, passive infrared (PIR), and 24GHz mmWave radar to detect motion, presence, and even differentiate humans from inanimate objects like curtains. However, the trade-off for battery power is a reduced detection range—6 meters for motion and 4 meters for presence, down from 12 and 6 meters, respectively.
Controversially, some might argue that the reduced range is a step backward. Is the convenience of cordless installation worth the compromise in detection capabilities? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Whether you’re a smart home novice or a tech veteran, the MS605 is a device that sparks debate and innovation alike. Follow Andrew Liszewski and this topic to stay updated on more groundbreaking tech developments like this one.
