Matter is coming and Eve’s at IFA to show products and more
Matter and Thread, the new smart home standards that we think will really push the whole concept forwardare almost here, and IFA is full of solutions to demonstrate this, many from Eve Systems.
Eve is also making an Android app
Eve is exhibiting heavily at IFA this year, telling us that its products are already primed to work with both standards just as soon as they ship. The beauty of the standards, developed as they are by a cross company group, is that they make it possible for products made for different smart home ecosystems to interoperate together.
It means Eve’s products should work with any Matter-compatible ecosystem without needing a cloud-to-cloud connection. Everyone, Apple, Samsung, and Amazon are making their platforms Matter-compatible.
The company is also jumping into a wider opportunity, as once Matter and Thread do get made available it’s going to be way easier to support other platforms. The company tells us to expect the Eve App for Android in late 2022.
Industry is waking up
Eve will also debut new motorization options for Eve MotionBlinds, an Eve Shutter Switch (EU), a new Eve Light Switch with Thread (North America), and a new Eve Outdoor Cam White Edition.
“We’re pumped for Matter to become available this fall,” said Jerome Gackel, CEO of Eve Systems. “A host of Thread-enabled Eve products is waiting to help shape the smart home of the future.”
Gackel told me last year that in his opinion, Matter is a foundational technology. “We think Matter will push the space forward because it removes so much friction and makes for easy-to-use products. It will lay the foundation for the smart home, and means companies like ourselves can focus on delivering really good products,” said Gackel.
“We’re excited to partner with Eve to bring Frustration-Free Setup to all their Matter-enabled Thread devices,” said Chris DeCenzo, Senior Principal Engineer, at Amazon. “Adding this zero-touch setup experience which automatically connects devices as soon as they’re powered on, coupled with our support for Matter over Thread across millions of new and existing Echo and Eero devices, are important steps toward creating a more seamless smart home experience.”
“The launch of Matter will mark a significant milestone in the future of connected living,” said Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings US.
“Eve was one of the first to join our Partner Early Access Program, which allowed companies to test their Matter-compatible devices. Thanks to partnerships like these, we’ve been able to make substantial progress toward interoperability, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
Modern baby room interior.
New and updated products
Eve’s former Bluetooth range is now an all-Thread lineup, offering 14 products that are ready to support Matter. These Thread-enabled Eve products, currently working exclusively with Apple Home, will begin receiving free over-the-air firmware updates so, over time, they can be used with other smart home systems, like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Samsung SmartThings.
The company announced several new product features at it show, including new options for Eve MotionBlinds, the first connected blinds and shades motors in the market to support Thread and soon Matter.
Eve is also now adding a controller for motorized roller shutters and blinds with Eve Shutter Switch. Thread-enabled and available exclusively in Europe, Eve Shutter Switch converts an existing in-wall roller shutter switch into an automated shading solution.
The third generation Eve Light Switch adds Thread support and will now replace 3-way switches too, making almost any lighting setup smart. The company is also introducing a white edition of its award-winning Eve Outdoor Cam which uses HomeKit Secure Video.
You’ll find most of these new products at Eve Systems online, or via Amazon as they reach the retailer.
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