Elgato Eve
An Apple-connected smart home network that has eaten from the tree of knowledge.
While most home automation systems are focusing on using a central hub to process and manage the data and interactions of its sensors, Elgato’s Eve takes a different approach; distributing the processing load across each of the range’s four unit types and allowing them to interact directly.
The system also relies on Bluetooth connections between units and the iOS app rather than your home router’s Wi-Fi connection or a proprietary hub. This reduces the initial outlay if you want to do a specific home automation task, but a clever optional integration with Apple’s second-gen TV also accommodates the offsite sensor control that you get from a traditional hub or home automation setup.
EVE ENERGY
Energy is the crux of the Eve range. Not because it carries the smarts to act as a hub, but due to the fact this plug and power socket allows you to control anything and everything you plug into it. Energy can be turned on and off using the Bluetooth-connected iOS Eve app, but you can also create automated power routines with other Eve products. Depending on the sensors it’s paired with, you can turn devices on and off based on any combination of motion, temperature, air quality and whether or not a window or door is closed. Like most of the other units, the Energy has more than one function, and also keeps track of the energy consumption of a particular socket.
EVE ROOM
As the most expensive and most complex of the Eve devices, the $140 Wireless Indoor Sensor packs a lot of smarts into its square 7.9cm frame. As well as a digital thermometer, this compact unit includes a humidity sensor and an air quality sensor to give you a well- rounded picture of a room’s ambient conditions. As one of the only units on the market with an air quality sensor that measures both carbon dioxide levels and the number of volatile organic compounds, this clever device can be used to trigger an air conditioner, humidifier or even an air purifier.
EVE WEATHER
This wireless outdoor sensor relocates the Room’s topside ventilation to the rear of the unit, in order to facilitate an IPX3 splash-proof water resistance. In addition to the necessary weatherproofing, this 3cm-thick tile replaces the air quality sensor for an air pressure gauge. We’re guessing that a running hectopascal measure will be overkill for most people, but since the device keeps the temperature and humidity sensors and only requires two of the Eve Room’s three batteries, it isn’t really a limitation. The app stores up to 21 days of recorded data locally on the unit and displays it to an easy-tomanage graph.
EVE MOTION
The primary function of the Motion is to use its 120º motion sensor to detect any movement within 9m. You can adjust the sensitivity threshold for recognition, and it can also trigger its own actions when paired with an Eve Energy or a compatible Apple Homekit accessory like a smart bulb. Elgato suggests that its two AA batteries and Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy connection will see it last more than a year.