The smart home company has finally launched its Android app, but so far, it only works with Google Home and only supports one device.
After years of catering exclusively to Apple users, Eve Systems has made a groundbreaking move by releasing its first-ever Android app. This marks a significant milestone for the smart home device maker, which until now had only developed products and software for the Apple ecosystem. The new app, Eve for Matter, is now available on the Google Play Store and promises to bring enhanced smart home functionality to Android users, albeit with a few initial limitations.
A New Era for Eve Systems
The launch of Eve for Matter comes over two years after the company announced plans to support Android. Historically, Eve’s commitment to privacy and local control kept it firmly within the Apple HomeKit ecosystem. However, the emergence of Matter, the universal smart home standard, has allowed Eve to maintain its core values while expanding compatibility to other platforms.
At launch, the Eve for Matter app is designed to work exclusively with Google Home and just one device: the new Eve Thermo. This smart radiator valve, priced at €79.99, is tailored for European homes and comes with Matter and Thread protocols pre-installed. While older versions of the Eve Thermo can be upgraded to support these standards, the new model has them built-in, ensuring seamless integration.
Why Launch Now?
According to Lars Felber, Director of PR at Eve Systems, the timing was no accident. “We wanted to make the app available to our Eve Thermo customers with Android and Google Home as early as possible in the heating season,” Felber told The Verge. This strategic decision ensures that users can maximize the potential of the device during colder months, even if support for other Eve products and platforms is still in the pipeline.
What Can Android Users Expect?
The Eve for Matter app unlocks features that go beyond the basic controls offered by Matter-compatible platforms like Google Home. For instance, Android users can now create and manage autonomous schedules directly on the Eve Thermo using the app. This level of customization was previously exclusive to iOS users via the Eve for Matter & HomeKit app.
While the initial rollout is limited, Eve’s CEO Jerome Gackel emphasized that the company is committed to expanding support. “The Google Home APIs released earlier this year turbocharged the development of Eve for Android,” Gackel said. The company plans to extend compatibility to other platforms, including Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings, in future updates.
A Long Time Coming
Eve’s delay in developing an Android app wasn’t due to a lack of interest in the platform. Rather, it stemmed from the company’s strict adherence to privacy principles. Unlike many competitors, Eve avoids cloud-to-cloud connections and doesn’t require users to create accounts to use its products. This privacy-first approach aligned well with Apple HomeKit’s architecture but presented challenges in creating an Android app that met Eve’s high standards.
With Matter, these hurdles have been overcome. This open-source smart home protocol allows devices to communicate locally within your home network, eliminating the need for cloud dependence and paving the way for Eve’s expansion into new ecosystems.
What is Matter, and Why Does It Matter?
Matter is the next big thing in smart home technology. Developed collaboratively by industry giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung, this interoperability standard ensures that devices from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly. Matter-enabled devices operate locally, prioritizing security and privacy while offering robust functionality.
Currently, Matter supports a wide range of smart home devices, including lighting, thermostats, locks, robot vacuums, and more. Devices with the Matter logo can be set up with any compatible platform, such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Samsung SmartThings, and controlled across multiple ecosystems thanks to a feature called multi-admin.
The Road Ahead for Eve
Android users can already add many of Eve’s Matter-enabled devices — like the Eve Energy smart plug and Eve Motion blinds — to platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. However, for now, the advanced features of these devices remain exclusive to Apple users through the Eve for Matter & HomeKit app.
With the Android app, Eve is taking its first steps toward a more inclusive ecosystem, promising to bring its innovative features, such as in-depth energy monitoring and adaptive shading, to a broader audience. The company has set its sights on delivering a comprehensive app that rivals its iOS counterpart.
As Eve Systems continues to roll out updates and expand support for its devices, Android users can look forward to a more feature-rich smart home experience. For now, the Eve for Matter app is an exciting preview of what’s to come.
Conclusion
Eve’s venture into the Android space is a game-changer, both for the company and for Android users seeking high-quality, privacy-focused smart home solutions. While the initial offering is limited to the Eve Thermo, the app signals a shift toward greater accessibility and compatibility. With Matter as its foundation, Eve Systems is poised to bridge the gap between Apple and Android ecosystems, setting a new standard for smart home integration.
If you’ve been waiting for Eve to embrace Android, the future looks bright — and warm, thanks to the Eve Thermo.
