The manufacturer of HomeKit compatible demotics accessories, Eve, solves the great limitation of HomeKit accessories that connect via Bluetooth to the Accessories Center: the short range of this type of connection. For this, it has launched Eve Extend, a small accessory that solves it completely.
It is a bridge that connects to the home WiFi network and to which up to 8 Eve devices are connected via Bluetooth, so that we can place them as far as we need as long as there is WiFi coverage, since this Eve Extend will be the one that connects to the Central through our home network. We have tested it and we will tell you how it works.
Bluetooth, low consumption, short range
Eve has opted for the Bluetooth connection for her HomeKit accessories for a clear reason: minimal consumption. Not needing any type of cable is perfect for poder to place a sensor or similar where we really need it, without having to look for a plug or do wiring installations. And achieving this while maintaining sufficient autonomy requires using Bluetooth, since WiFi consumes much more energy.
But this comes at a price: the range of Bluetooth is much lower than that of WiFi. Considering that we need an iPad, Apple TV, or HomePod for the device to connect to our HomeKit network, these Eve accessories cannot be placed far from these Apple devices. Filling the house with HomePods or Apple TV is expensive, hence the importance of this new Eve Extend, with a much lower price.
Eve Extend, a bridge that solves it
The new Eve Extend connects via WiFi (2,4 or 5GHz), but there is no problem because it does not work with battery or batteries, but plugged into the mains. It will be the other Eve accessories that will connect to it via Bluetooth. In my case, I had connection problems with Eve Aqua, an irrigation controller designed for outdoors and that is far from my Apple TV, so I could not access it other than when I approached with my iPhone.
It is a very small device (75x23x78mm) that connects via a microUSB cable to any conventional USB charger. The included cable is not too long, but since it is a conventional connection, you can purchase one of the length you need without any problem. Made of white plastic, it is very discreet and you can place it on any shelf or table without clashing. In my case, I have placed it on a shelf about 5 meters in a straight line from the Eve Aqua, and it works fine.
Configuration and operation
The configuration is very simple, but before we begin we must make sure that all our Eve accessories are updated to the latest firmware version. To do this, go to the Eve app settings (link) and check that you have no pending updates. Done that, You must add this Eve Extend like any other HomeKit accessory, by scanning the corresponding QR code and following the steps that the Eve app indicates.
When the time has come it will ask you to add the accessories you want to connect to this Eve Extend bridge. You should keep in mind that once connected to it, they will no longer connect to the control unit directly, so if you move it and want to connect it again to your Apple TV or HomePod directly, you must first unlink it from the Eve Extend. There is not much more to say about the operation of this Eve Extend, since in itself it does nothing, it only serves to be a connection bridge with the rest of the accessories.
Editor's opinion
It was something that had to happen, and it finally happened. In the absence of Apple launching a more affordable HomeKit control panel than the Apple TV (€ 199), the HomePod (€ 329) or an iPad (€ 349), the manufacturer Eve has launched Eve Extend, a bridge that allows solving the problems of Bluetooth connectivity, with a limited range. This bridge perfectly fulfills the only mission of connecting with up to 8 Eve devices and connecting them with the Central HomeKit that you have configured, no matter how far they are as long as there is WiFi coverage. I only wish that the plug was integrated into the device, to be able to place it in corridors. Its official price is € 49,95 and will soon be available on Amazon (link)
- Editor's rating
- 4.5 star rating
- Exceptional
- Eve Extend
- Review of: Luis Padilla
- Posted on:
- Last modification:
- Integrated
- Configuration
- Operation
- Price quality
Pros
- Small and discreet
- 2,4 and 5GHz WiFi connectivity
- Easy setup
- Transparent operation to the user
Cons
- A plug integrated into the device itself could make it been more functional
