The manufacturer of smart home devices, EveEve, has recently announced the release of a new product at the IFA consumer electronics trade show. The Eve Play is a compact AirPlay 2 receiver that can transform any traditional speaker into a smart, connected device. It will be available for purchase on November 14th for $149.95 (or €149.95).

At first glance, the Eve Play appears to be a simple device with its minimalist design. There are no buttons, screens, or remote controls. It features an aluminum frame with a sleek black finish on the top. The back of the device showcases a variety of ports, including optical, coaxial, RCA audio outputs, and a power port, allowing for easy connectivity to diverse stereo systems.

In terms of local network connectivity, the Eve Play is compatible with Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n on 2.4 or 5 GHz networks). Additionally, it includes an Ethernet port for reliable connections. Once set up, the Eve Play receiver can be accessed through the audio output screen on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It is also compatible with Apple's Home app, enabling its use for home automation. As it supports AirPlay 2, it can be integrated into a multi-room audio setup. For example, you can have a HomePod in your kitchen, a Sonos speaker in your bedroom, and an Eve Play connected to your stereo in your living room, allowing you to play the same music in all rooms.

AirPlay 2 automatically adjusts the latency between speakers, but Eve also provides the option to manually adjust the latency in their app. The Eve Play utilizes a digital-to-analog converter from Texas Instruments to convert digital audio into an analog audio signal. While there are other audio receivers on the market, such as those from Belkin or Bose which offer additional features like Bluetooth pairing, the Eve Play offers a clean and simple AirPlay 2 solution.