While many manufacturers offer new cameras with enhanced features, Anker presented a solution at IFA 2026 that breathes new life into existing devices. The new Anker MindBase central station can integrate older eufy cameras, equipping them with artificial intelligence capabilities and providing a colossal storage capacity of up to 48TB. The main advantage of MindBase is that it works with already purchased eufy hardware. Users won't have to replace their cameras to get a "brain" for them. This solution not only saves money but also prevents the accumulation of outdated technology.
MindBase acts as a Matter 1.5 controller with Thread and Zigbee support, easily integrating with existing ecosystems like HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Home Assistant. The station can manage up to 20 cameras and 34 sensors, as well as hundreds of other Matter devices.
Anker has undergone a rebranding, consolidating its sub-brands (eufy, soundcore, SOLIX) under the single name Anker. MindBase, as the central "brain" of the home, fits perfectly into this new strategy where all devices should work as a unified whole.
The device's design is intended for placement in living rooms, not technical rooms, distinguishing it from traditional Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, which often resemble office equipment. Anker aims to solve a long-standing problem for smart home owners: their homes are connected, but not intelligent. MindBase promises to change this by allowing the system to locally analyze events, such as distinguishing a family member from a stranger.
The system demonstrates impressive local AI capabilities. Sensors can detect strangers up to 15 meters away and identify family members by their smartphones up to 30 meters away. MindBase then independently decides on escalation – from turning on lights to issuing a voice warning or active deterrence.
For comparison, a modern laptop with an AI accelerator has a performance of about 40 TOPS and uses it mainly for improving video calls. Anker, on the other hand, proposes using less computing power for critical nighttime security decisions. This could be the most useful application of local AI, or a feature many might want the option to completely disable.
At present, Anker has not disclosed the price or release date for MindBase. However, considering that competitors like Nest, Ring, and Aqara are also exploring the concept of local hubs, but without built-in storage systems, the storage capacity is MindBase's key differentiator. The device's success will depend on whether Anker can offer it at an affordable price for ordinary households. The question remains open whether existing eufy cameras will be sufficient to justify the wait.