Eve Systems just brought their energy monitoring capabilities to the SmartThings home automation ecosystem, a move that greatly benefits Android users.
Previously the energy monitoring features were supported exclusively by Apple Home, via the Eve app on iOS. There has been no Android app, but there was one set to be developed, only to be delayed.
Though Eve’s Thread-based smart plug and power meter both worked with Samsung SmartThings via Matter, energy monitoring was not supported as that feature does not yet work with Matter. The tech was limited to turning the plug and power meter on or off, and scheduling. Not particularly exciting.
This move with SmartThings allows Android users to take full advantage of the energy monitoring feature⎯a feature that will also work with the SmartThings iOS app on iPhones.
Eve Energy Smart Plug
Price: $39.95
As one of the few smart plugs that supports energy monitoring, Eve’s smart plug is one to consider for its rating of up to 1,800 watts. That’s capable of controlling all sorts of high-powered units, such as portable A/C units, space heaters, air purifiers, humidifiers, fans, and lamps. The plug, and its app, will track the usage of energy so you can see how much the device is consuming, and how much it costs, if you enter your rate.
The device is Matter compatible, so it will work with ecosystems that are Matter compatible, though it will only have those limited capabilities⎯no energy monitoring abilities, as of yet. Eve is working with all the smart home platforms to “unlock the unique capabilities of Eve devices through the tools and capabilities of each platform,” says Eve’s Tim Böth. Despite this, there is radio silence when it comes to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.
Samsung SmartThings App is a Smart Alternative to Matter
Working with Samsung SmartThings while they wait for Matter to add new features is a smart move. SmartThings, which used to only work with Samsung appliances and SmartThings Energy certified devices, now works with third party smart products. Smart lights, outlets, and thermostats from TP-Link Kasa, Aeotec, Wemo, Ecobee, Sengled, and Resideo (Honeywell), all work with Samsung SmartThings. The app itself has seen massive improvement over the last two years as well.
If you’re an Android user who has been interested in the Eve Energy Smart Plug, you can now control it via the SmartThings app. It is no longer exclusive to iOS users, or the limited features that Matter allows the product to have. That inclusivity, separate from Matter, is fantastic, as many people still don’t want to make the switch, and using SmartThings is an easy choice.
