If anyone asked me why I prefer HomeKit over smart platforms at home, it would be for the ease of creating automations in the Home application that can then be used with Siri over the HomePod. The second favorite reason would be the creation of automations that take place based on the use of sensors. This week, I want to look at the Eve Door / Window sensor with wire holder.

HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks and everything to do with the smart home frame from Apple.

Door and window sensors have been part of HomeKit since the beginning. There are several use cases for them. First, you can use them as a low-budget security system that you self-monitor. You can use them to see if the door is open, to trigger a series of events, if so, and then to check your rooms. The Home app can send you a push notification every time the door or windows open.

From a technical point of view, door sensors are based on a simple concept. When the door is closed, the magnet portion closes an electrical loop. When the magnet is pulled, the current is cut off and then the sensor is considered "open". If you have a standard security system that is connected to your home, it works in almost the same way.

When you add door sensor technology to HomeKit, you can do some pretty fun things as a result. For example, in my house, we use a home alarm system, so I use their door sensors in the HomeKit. The great thing about HomeKit is that you can get the same result, no matter which door sensor you use.

Unpacking and setting up Eve Door

The launch of Eve Door is not very different from most HomeKit products. You will take it out of the box, install the included battery, then scan the code in the Home application.

However, you will want to download the Eve app immediately. You will probably be waiting for a firmware update that adds Thread support. If you've read my previous HomeKit articles, you know I'm excited about Thread. I like that Eve is upgrading existing devices to support them instead of forcing you to buy new devices.

What is Thread?

Thread and its low-power mesh technology do not rely on a local hub, so there is not a single point of failure for your network. If your devices are offline, packet data routes can be alternated to reach the Internet. Once a HomePod mini is added to the network, Thread-enabled accessories will automatically communicate with it and with each other. This connectivity takes place automatically, without users having to configure anything in advance. The wire holder is one of the critical features of the HomePod Mini compared to the original HomePod.

As the number of devices with Thread technology grows in your home, your network will continue to grow stronger.

Where is Eve Door useful?

If you do not have a HomeKit alarm system, put an Eve Door on all your exterior doors. From there, you will have the option to build HomeKit automations to turn on certain lights when a door is open, etc. Most people think of using these automations to turn on the interior lights, but I found it useful to turn on the outside. the.

One of my favorite automations is getting our dog out at night. We have automations set to turn on the exterior lights for 15 minutes when the doors are open at night. The lights turn off automatically after 15 minutes.

Outside of your exterior doors, it could be useful in another part of your home. Wherever you have a door there could be a place. Do you have a cupboard and want to see if it's open (but don't want to lock it)? Install Eve Door on the inside. Do you want to watch how many times a day your pantry door opens? Watch him with Eve Door.

Wrap up

Eve Door is an efficient and useful HomeKit device. If you do not have a HomeKit compatible alarm, you should install it on all exterior doors. I like that it includes a Thread firmware upgrade and my only complaint would be that it would include a rechargeable battery option. On the other hand, it would be difficult to remove the motherboard while the housing remains attached to the door.

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