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

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Eve today announced the availability of Thread support for the second-generation Eve Aqua, which is now available through an Eve Aqua firmware update.

eve-aqua-1.jpg

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.

Article Link: Eve Aqua HomeKit-Connected Water Controller Gains Thread Support via Firmware Update
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/01/eve-aqua-thread-firmware-update/
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This honestly seems like a great way to monitor consumption of lawn irrigation during drought levels. Neighbors get awful testy when my lawn is green and theirs isn’t. Now I’d be able to prove I consume less.
 
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MacRumors said:


Eve today announced the availability of Thread support for the second-generation Eve Aqua, which is now available through an Eve Aqua firmware update.

eve-aqua-1.jpg

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.

Article Link: Eve Aqua HomeKit-Connected Water Controller Gains Thread Support via Firmware Update
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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.
 
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JosephAW said:
Looks kind of flimsy. What happens when someone pulls on a hose? o_O
Click to expand...
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.
 
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rezinator said:
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.
Click to expand...
If you are happy to tinker, home assistant had a third party integration via HACS that allows you to bring b-hyve into that automation suite

github.com

GitHub - sebr/bhyve-home-assistant: Orbit BHyve custom component for Home Assistant

Orbit BHyve custom component for Home Assistant. Contribute to sebr/bhyve-home-assistant development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com github.com

From there you can expose your b-hyve to HomeKit via home assistant and control it via the Home app or Siri.
 
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Thread works great. I have a number of Nanoleaf bulbs that use Thread with my HomePod mini and the response is instant and I haven't had any troubles with it not responding.
 
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rezinator said:
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.
Click to expand...
I’m stuck with the Orbit for now and have given up on hoping for HomeKit support. The hardware has so far been good but man is their app terrible.
 
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Your article links to version 1 of the Eve Aqua. Version one is on sale but is not compatible - even with a firmware update- with Thread.

Version 2 is - but it’s not on a sale right now.
 
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Every year I have to lay down soaker hoses and setup my timers for my NY home. I’m considering an irrigation system but at $4000 I keep holding off. I’ve been tempted by the Eve system but the ones I use have dual outs which means on the mornings they’re set to run one faucet waters a section for an hour then another section after that. I‘d lose that ability with the Eve but they’re easier to program and control.

Decisions decisions
 
If I were Eve I would be very worried. Apple’s entire smart home strategy revolves around the Mini at this moment, that’s not exactly reassuring to build your entire business around.

With the HomePod discontinued and the Mini not available in most countries, the future of HomeKit remains uncertain.
 
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magicschoolbus said:
Jeez.. smart home everything huh? I get it's a growing sector.. but do we really need things like this?
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Smart faucets are probably one of the better use cases for smart devices IMO. In particular being able to use weather data to skip watering if it won’t be needed, something a dumb timer system won’t do, while also having automation so it can run when you aren’t at home. Also gives you more freedom to do watering at a time that is ideal rather than basing it around when you can be physically there.

Irrigation systems are something that definitely benefits from automating and smart scheduling where weather data is pulled in.
 
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