Eve Aqua HomeKit-Connected Water Controller Gains Thread Support via Firmware Update

I thought it'd have to be Thread-ed all along to screw onto the spout!

...

Ok, I'll see myself out...

Looks like a bad idea and a flooding disaster in the making

Looks kind of flimsy. What happens when someone pulls on a hose? o_O

The user gets " Hosed." ;)

Although one would expect some type of warning of water flow outside the scheduled times?

I use the Orbit B-hyve and it is amazing. It has also been around for a long time... though no Homekit support. It controls water flow, measures usage, and monitors the weather so it doesn't irrigate on days it rains.

Eve today announced the availability of Thread support for the second-generation Eve Aqua ('https://www.evehome.com/en-us/eve-aqua'), which is now available through an Eve Aqua firmware update.



The Eve Aqua, for those unfamiliar, is a smart water controller that attaches to any outdoor faucet, adding smart functionality and irrigation controls to sprinklers and hoses.

Eve has been working to update all of its Bluetooth-compatible accessories with Thread technology, and several of the devices, including Eve Aqua, have a Thread-capable chipset inside that can be activated through a firmware update.

As a battery powered device, Eve Aqua is a Minimal Thread Device that does not relay packets, but the mesh network Thread technology in general offers extended range and connectivity improvements when paired with a Thread-capable device like the HomePod mini.

Eve has three Thread-capable devices including the Eve Door & Window and the Eve Weather, with a Thread-enabled Eve Energy smart plug coming to the U.S. at the end of April. The Eve Energy, as a continually connected device, is a Full Thread Device that enables extended range for accessories like the Eve Aqua when placed between the Eve Aqua and a HomePod mini.

The new firmware update can be downloaded through the Eve app. The Eve Aqua is available from Amazon for $80 ('https://www.amazon.com/Eve-Aqua-Controller-Autonomous-schedules/dp/B07D5S3QD3').

Article Link: Eve Aqua HomeKit-Connected Water Controller Gains Thread Support via Firmware Update ('https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/01/eve-aqua-thread-firmware-update/')

Automatic watering valves from companies like Rainbird have been around forever and cost a fraction of what this one does. The primary difference between the older style valves and Eve appears to be that it records the amount of water being used and so it could help people monitor their consumption and lower their watering bills. That may be worth paying for if Eve can last more than a few seasons. And of course, that the company is around to support the app since it's no better than a paperweight if you can't control the thing.

Looks kind of flimsy. What happens when someone pulls on a hose? o_O

The plastic screw is pretty flimsy. During a storm, a garbage can fell over it and. The plastic screw on Eve Aqua snapped on impact. To Eve's credit, they sent me a new one. But it really should be all-metal. Or at the very least, the screw should be user replaceable part.