Eve Systems Acquired
Smart home company Eve Systems, known for its HomeKit and Matter-compatible devices, has been acquired by automation and electrification giant ABB. Eve will become part of ABB's Building and Home Automation Solutions division, allowing ABB to enter the consumer market. The partnership has the potential to accelerate Eve's growth and expand its reach with the financial backing of ABB. Eve Systems was formerly known as Elgato Systems, based in Germany.
The Circana Take:
- This follows news of other smart home acquisitions by large corporations - many in the energy sector. While this acquisition will bring new products to ABB’s automation unit, it will also give the company greater access to the consumer hardware market.
- This may benefit ABB’s ambitions in more consumer facing residential buildings as the firm goes after automation opportunities in that market.
Matter Smart Locks Hit Retail
Three Matter-compatible smart locks are now available or soon to be released. Aqara's Smart Lock U100, priced at $189.99, is compatible with Apple Home Key through HomeKit and has beta support for Matter. SwitchBot is updating its SwitchBot 2 Hub to add Matter support to its smart lock. And Yale has added a Matter module to its Assure SL smart lock. Additionally, Apple has announced that Home Key will support Matter locks on its platform with iOS 17, eliminating the need for HomeKit certification.
The Circana Take:
- The addition of new Matter compatible products will help make buying smart locks easier for consumers and streamline the set up of the devices in the home.
- Three new smart locks will help grow the pool of products available to consumers and offer buyers a wider selection of features. The addition of Home Key and greater tie in with Apple’s ecosystem will help entice Apple users looking for more convenience through their iPhones.