Eve Motion is the first Thread motion sensor

Smart home company Eve Continuing its transition to Thread this week with the launch of the second generation of the motion sensor. Wireless sensor working via Thread and Bluetooth Low Energy, Eve Movement It is the first standalone motion sensor to use the Thread wireless protocol, which is a pillar of the new technology. Matter smart home standard.

Today, the motion sensor will work with Apple HomeKit to trigger automations like turning on connected smart lights or opening smart window shades. But when Matter arrives later this year, Eve says the motion sensor and all of Eve’s Thread-based products will receive a wireless firmware update to be compatible with Matter. This will open the device to other Matter ecosystems, including Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.

With Thread onboard, this motion sensor should be significantly faster than its Bluetooth-only predecessor. Thread is a network that allows devices to communicate directly with each other instead of talking to a hub or bridge to receive commands. This means faster response time and lower latency. I tested Eve’s Door and Window sensors on both the Bluetooth and Thread versions, and the difference in response times was significant – well under a second, from 3 to 4 seconds. It’s likely the same here, but we’ll test the sensor and report back.

Image: Eve

The new Eve Motion costs $39.95, which is $10 less than the previous version and its closest competitor. Philips Hue Motion Sensor (It uses Zigbee and also monitors temperature). Eve Motion is available today at: home online store and it’s coming to Amazon and Apple stores later this year.

Image: Eve

Image: Eve

The sensor is powered by two AAA batteries rather than two AA batteries, which means it’s significantly smaller than its 2.56-inch-tall predecessor. Interestingly, the second-generation model adds a brightness sensor to monitor ambient light changes, so you can adjust the automations to respond to available light. It’s also designed to work with Eve’s MotionBlinds to adjust curtain levels to match the room’s brightness. The Eve Motion is IPX3 rated, so it can be used outside in temperatures of 0 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Today you’ll need an iPhone or iPad to set up and control Eve Motion, and a HomePod or Apple TV (fourth generation or newer) to control it from outside your home. When matter arrives, it will work with other ecosystems, but a thread border router For communication outside the home.

The HomePod Mini and Apple TV 4K (second generation) are Thread border routers, like most Eero Wi-Fi routers. Amazon and Google announced that the Echo smart speaker (fourth generation) and Nest Hub Max and Nest Hub (second generation) will be upgraded to Thread border routers later this year.

This is the 14th Thread-enabled product release as Eve continues its commitment to adopt the new wireless protocol designed specifically for smart home devices. The company currently offers its own versions of Thread. Eve Energy smart plug, Eve Room air quality monitor, Eve Door & Window sensor, Eve MotionBlinds, Eve Weather station, Eve Water hose controller and Eve Water Keeper leak detector. In Europe, Eve also has a smart light switch and radiator valve using Thread.