Chromecast-like box adds Apple Music smarts to dumb audio tech
Eve Systems, of HomeKit (and now Matter) smart home tech fame has jumped into the world of audio.
Over in Berlin at IFA 2023, the German brand unveiled its latest innovation: the Eve Play, an AirPlay streaming box designed to make your dumb speakers and hi-fi equipment smart.
Essentially an Apple-flavored Chromecast dongle for your music, Eve Play adds the versatility of Apple’s AirPlay to more traditional hi-fi systems, stereos, and speakers through various output options.
Think of the Eve Play as an AirPlay 2 speaker with no sound, you’d simply plug it into whatever speaker or system you want made smart and click the icon on your iPhone or iPad as you would any other AirPlay speaker.
This integration can be synchronized in multi-room setups with other AirPlay speakers, such as Apple HomePods and Sonos speakers, delivering a unified and immersive audio experience throughout the home.
You’ll be able to adjust the latency between your AirPlay speakers using Eve Audio Sync feature, if you feel that the multi-room audio isn’t perfectly in sync.
The Eve Play boasts both RCA and digital (optical and coaxial) outputs, providing a versatile solution for integrating modern streaming technology with traditional audio setups.
To ensure the highest quality streaming performance, the Eve Play supports 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi and features an integrated Ethernet port for stable and reliable streaming. This should mean minimal disruptions and optimal streaming quality, catering to even the most discerning audiophiles.
Speaking of audiophiles and a key highlight of the Eve Play is its built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 112 dB. Eve tells us this guarantees an unparalleled audiophile-grade sound experience, reproducing music with exceptional clarity, depth, and fidelity.
The Eve Play will be available from mid-November, priced at $149.95.
Elsewhere at IFA, Eve also took the covers off of the Eve Thermo Control ($79.95, mid-November launch date).
It’s a wireless temperature sensor and controller that it says delivers precise, efficient, and convenient indoor climate control than traditional TRV temperature sensors provide.
Eve also stated that it will release a free firmware update for Eve MotionBlinds, adding Matter smart home support and a new Adaptive Shading feature for easier and more efficient smart shading.
