If you were looking online for HomeKit-enabled home automation devices, then the likelihood is that you would be presented with some powerful devices manufactured and marketed by Elgato. The company is well-known as being one of the more premium device manufacturers in that particular sector and has just announced an expansion to its range with the reveal of the Eve Extend and Eve Aqua at CES 2017.
The new Elgato Eve Extend is likely to be the more popular and wider appealing of the two new offerings. This particular connected device is designed to integrate with additional HomeKit devices in order to extend the Bluetooth LE range of such devices. It also enables remote access for Bluetooth LE-only HomeKit accessories.
It does this by connecting to the internal WiFi network in the home and then going about its business. Apple typically covers this issue by using the Apple TV set-top box or iPad being used as Hub, but as home automation buffs would know, those options have limitations. Eve Extend tries to solve the range issues with Bluetooth LE accessories.
Elgato’s new Eve Aqua is an entirely new product and connected device in its own right. The wireless irrigation controller definitely won’t be as popular as other connected devices, such as smart plugs or intelligent lighting systems, but it will most definitely find a market amongst the energy conscious and those who are acutely aware of their own environmental responsibilities.
The new Eve Aqua relies on internal batteries for power and Bluetooth LE for connectivity, and essentially allows homeowners to control the flow of water through a hose or faucet. There’s no known information as yet about whether or not the Aqua will offer HomeKit compatibility, but it will come finished in either silver or black.
Elgato hasn’t given intricate information on both new products just yet, but will be providing launch and pricing information sometime during the ongoing CES 2017 week. It’s likely that both products will ship sometime this quarter and will be strategically priced alongside Eve’s other home automation products.
(via: 9to5Mac)
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