The popular browser-based EVE for Tesla app has been expanded upon by the company, resulting in the creation of a new service dubbed “EVEConnect” — allowing for the control of various home “smart” systems (security, lighting, thermostat, door locks, etc.) all from within the Model S or Model X touchscreen console.
The new service is the result of a partnership between Evolved Vehicle Environments (EVE) and Wink — allowing for connection of the browser-based control system and a Wink Hub.
As I don’t have personal experience with the service, I’ll defer here to some excerpts from an article over at Teslarati:
Loading EVE Connect in the Tesla was no more difficult than launching a website from the in-car browser. Browse to http://teslaapps.net, login with credentials (tip: create your user account, password and EVE Connect settings from a desktop ahead of time), and begin poking around.
The platform contains a suite of “apps”, ranging anywhere from a basic weather app, to more advanced apps capable of tracking personal notes, miles driven, and checking email. EVE Connect is an additional service located towards the top of the menu bar and is specific to interacting with smart home features. I had already set up my Wink Hub, a series of Connected CREE LED light bulbs and a connected Schlage touchscreen deadbolt, making for a good “1.0 version” of a smart home. Using Wink’s app, one can link together an endless combination of home actions depending on various triggers. Triggers can be based on time of day, location, sunset/sunrise, and other triggers.
Interestingly, the integration within the Tesla browser allows the EVE Connect app to determine when you’re leaving home, when you’re returning home, and when you’re arriving home. This allows the app to automatically begin certain processes based on what you’re doing at the time (if so configured).
The reviewer from the article above apparently used the service to automatically trigger the turning on of entryway lights whenever he was arriving home after sunset, among many other things.
Here’s more on that:
Smart Home Shortcuts
- Turn on the patio and foyer lights when it’s sunset
- Turn off all lights except the living room lights, only on weekends, when away from home for more than 10 minutes
- Automatically unlock the front door, turn on the kitchen lights, turn on the air conditioning (or some of the best outdoor heaters allow you to remote control them), and play my favorite songs when arriving home
- Turn off all lights and smart home devices accidentally left powered on each night at 2 am
I was admittedly skeptical of EVE Connect’s usefulness as a smart home and notification device not because the app was lacking in feature set and overall usability. In fact, it was quite the opposite. EVE Connect is beautifully thought through, well designed and is packed full of features.
Those interested in the service will be happy to hear that EVE Connect runs only $5.99 a month.
Very cool 🙂