SAN JOSE, Calif., March 16, 2026 — THIRDREALITY today introduced the Motion Sensor R1 with Case, an updated radar-based motion sensor designed for indoor and covered outdoor monitoring. The new version adds a protective silicone enclosure to the existing Motion Sensor R1, expanding the locations where it can be deployed around the home.
Most motion sensors on the market are designed primarily for indoor use and rely on PIR (Passive Infrared) technology. While PIR sensors are widely used indoors, they can be more prone to false triggers in outdoor environments due to factors such as direct sunlight, temperature changes, or moving heat sources. As a result, many outdoor smart home monitoring scenarios remain underserved.
The Motion Sensor R1 addresses this challenge by using 5.8 GHz mmWave radar technology. Unlike PIR sensors that detect heat signatures, radar-based sensing detects movement through signal reflection, allowing the sensor to identify both human activity and approaching vehicles while remaining largely unaffected by sunlight or ambient temperature changes.
To expand its usability outdoors, the Motion Sensor R1 with Case includes a protective silicone enclosure that enhances resistance to water exposure. This makes the device suitable for locations such as front entrances, driveways, garages, porches, and other covered outdoor areas, especially where there is some overhead protection and stable Zigbee signal coverage.
For example, when installed near a driveway or front entrance, the sensor can detect when a person approaches the door or when a vehicle arrives. When connected to a compatible Zigbee hub, the device can send instant notifications to a smartphone or trigger smart home automation routines such as turning on lights when motion is detected.
The Motion Sensor R1 with Case supports the Zigbee 3.0 standard, allowing integration with popular smart home platforms including Home Assistant, SmartThings, Hubitat, and Homey, as well as Echo devices with built-in Zigbee hubs.
Powered by three AA batteries, the sensor supports flexible placement without wiring and can operate for up to three years under typical usage conditions, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
In outdoor environments such as light rain, environmental factors may occasionally trigger motion detection events, but the sensor continues to operate normally once conditions stabilize.
Availability
The Motion Sensor R1 with Case is available through the THIRDREALITY online store and Amazon. The original Motion Sensor R1 is priced at $29.99, while the version with the protective silicone case is priced at $31.99.
About THIRDREALITY
THIRDREALITY is a smart home technology company dedicated to developing reliable, user-friendly and practical connected devices. Its portfolio includes sensors, switches, plugs, lighting products, controllers and automation solutions built on Matter, Thread, Zigbee and Wi-Fi.
Media Contact
Tina Zhu
Marketing Manager
Third Reality, Inc.
info@3reality.com