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ANNOUCEMENT: Eve Systems Launches 2nd Generation Eve Flare and Eve Shutter Switch
Eve Systems has announced the release of its second-generation Eve Flare, a portable LED lamp, and the new Eve Shutter Switch for in-wall roller shutters. Both devices are Bluetooth- and Thread-enabled and work with Apple Home and Siri voice control. The Eve Flare and Shutter Switch both retail for $99.95/€99.95 and are only available in Europe.
THE EVE FLARE
The second-generation Eve Flare has the same specifications as the original, with an IP65-rated portable indoor/outdoor full-color LED lamp. However, the main difference is that the second-generation works over Thread and Bluetooth, while its predecessor only works over Bluetooth. The Flare is the first battery-powered light to support Thread, which is one of the main protocols of Matter, the new smart home standard that offers local control and promises cross-platform interoperability. According to Eve, Thread technology will make your smart home network more responsive and robust and increase its reach. Thread is also supposed to improve battery life, but the new Flare claims the same six-hour battery life as the first-generation model.
The Flare comes with a wireless charger and a wire handle allows for carrying or hanging the lamp. At 90 lumens, it’s designed as an accent light and is much dimmer than Philips Hue’s Go $89.99 table lamp, which has 530 lumens. The Hue lamp is similar in shape but smaller than the Flare and indoor-only. To use the Thread connectivity, you need a Thread border router, such as a HomePod (second-gen), HomePod Mini, or Apple TV 4K (second-gen, third-gen 128GB). The Eve Flare is Apple Home-only at launch, and Eve says Matter support is coming later.
EVE SHUTTER SWITCH
The Eve Shutter Switch is a wired switch that automates existing roller shutters and works with Eve’s Adaptive Shading function to align the shutter with the Sun’s position, automatically adjusting throughout the day. As a wired device, the Shutter Switch can extend Thread connectivity to battery-powered devices like the Flare. Always-powered devices in a Thread network are router nodes and can extend the Thread network, whereas battery-powered ones like the Flare are end nodes. The switch works in Apple Home and Eve’s app.
Eve Systems promised to update both devices to Matter via an over-the-air update in the future, though they did not provide a timeline. When Matter support arrives, the Flare and Shutter Switch will be compatible with any Matter platform, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
CONCLUSION
The Eve Systems product line continues to maintain its reputation for quality and employs the latest technology to provide efficient and reliable smart home devices. With the release of the second-generation Eve Flare and Eve Shutter Switch, Eve Systems continues to lead the way in the development of smart home products.
