If you want your smart home to react to your presence without feeling like you’re living in a surveillance state, Shelly has a new solution. The company just unveiled the Presence Gen4, a sophisticated sensor designed to track movement and occupancy without ever recording a single image.
Unlike traditional motion sensors that can be “tricked” if you sit still for too long, the Presence Gen4 utilizes mmWave radar technology. This allows the device to detect the subtle movements of humans and pets—even if they are barely moving—making it far more reliable for maintaining lights or climate control in a room.
The hardware is impressively capable, boasting a 140-degree horizontal field of view and the ability to monitor spaces up to 650 square feet. For those who prefer flexibility, the device comes with a built-in stand for desk or shelf placement, though it can also be permanently wall-mounted. It powers up via a standard USB-C cable.
What really sets the Gen4 apart is its precision. Users can define up to 10 customizable detection zones. This means you can set hyper-specific automations; for example, your desk lamp could trigger only when you actually sit in your office chair, or your home theater system could boot up the moment you hit the sofa.
Integration is a breeze, as Shelly has ensured compatibility with almost every major ecosystem. Whether you use Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, or Home Assistant, the sensor fits right in. It supports a wide array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Matter.
The Shelly Presence Gen4 is available now for $84.99 via the official Shelly web store, with a rollout to major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy expected shortly. For those looking to automate their energy savings—turning off HVAC and lights the second a room is truly empty—this is a powerful, privacy-first upgrade.
