Eve Systems today announced the newest version of its HomeKit-compatible Eve Energy Smart Plug, introducing Thread integration.
The fourth-generation Eve Energy supports HomeKit over Thread, and as a main-powered always-on Thread accessory, Eve Energy serves as a router node in the Thread network to make smart homes more reliable with better reach throughout the house.
As a Thread router node, the Eve Energy can relay other accessories' data packages in the Thread mesh network for overall performance improvements.
"Packing Thread router functionality into a premium quality, small-footprint smart plug, Eve Energy is the quintessential HomeKit accessory," said Jerome Gackel, CEO of Eve Systems. "Not only does it offer endless automation possibilities, but it also delivers an ultra-robust network to ensure that your schedules and timers work, any time and any place."
As a Smart Home device, Eve Energy is a plug that can turn any standard appliance into a smart appliance, allowing it to be controlled through the Eve app, though the Home app, and with Siri voice commands.
With the Eve app, users can monitor the energy consumption and energy costs of whatever is plugged into the Eve Energy.
If a smart home setup has a HomePod or Apple TV as a home hub, users can access their accessories when away from home, plus the Eve Energy supports automations that work with other HomeKit products.
Through Thread and Bluetooth integration, Eve Energy can join a Thread network automatically, and it will work more reliably than a standalone Bluetooth-enabled accessory. Eve has several other Thread-compatible accessories including the Eve Door & Window, Eve Weather, and Eve Aqua.
Eve Energy can be purchased from the Eve online store for $40, and it will soon be available from Apple and Amazon.
Top Rated Comments
In a traditional network you could only extend said network by buying additional hubs or routers, in a Thread network a device itself can extend the network.
It also runs on a different frequency than the normal wifi does, so it shouldn’t interfere or slow down your actual wifi network.
It’s also future-proof, in that a thread-enabled device should work with the CHIP protocol, which is the standard that the big home automation companies are putting together for better cross-platform compatibility
Disadvantage is the limited distance bluetooth is working, but that is exactly what thread is made to counteract by extending the range of the system.
These will be purchases for me - Thread is the future, I think, in smart home products.