Mastering Your Smart Backyard: My Top HomeKit Devices for Outdoor Living
I recently gave you guys a tour of my Apple Home Smart setup, and I must say, I'm all in on HomeKit. So, I thought it'd be fun to head into the backyard and share some of the smart devices I've been using for motion sensing, fan control, garden hoses, floodlight cameras, and more. Let's dive in!
My Number One Backyard Gadget: Eve Aqua
The Eve Aqua is probably my favorite device for the backyard. This latest generation supports thread connectivity, making it super reliable and responsive. The device connects to an outdoor spigot, and you connect your garden hose to the other end. With the spigot always on, the Eve Aqua controls the flow of water, making it super convenient for me, especially since my backyard spigot is hard to reach.
Not only can I control the hose with voice commands, but the Home App also lets me program an auto-off timer. This feature has been great for filling my pool, ensuring I don't accidentally leave the water running too long. And with thread connectivity, I've had zero issues, even though the device is on the outside of a block wall, far from my Wi-Fi router.
Eve Motion Sensor for Patio Fans
Another favorite is the Eve Motion sensor. While I don't leave it in direct weather, it sits on my patio and automatically turns on the fans when it detects motion between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Eve Motion sensor is also thread enabled, and I've never had connectivity issues, even though it's battery-powered.
Logitech Circle View Cameras: A Reliable Choice
I have a couple of Logitech Circle View cameras in my backyard and on the side of my house. They've been rock solid through all kinds of weather, even hurricanes here in Florida. The cameras have a great range of view and are convenient to use. They're also HomeKit secure video cameras, so I don't have to pay an additional subscription for video recordings.
Eve Outdoor Camera: Floodlight, Motion Sensor, and Camera in One
The Eve Outdoor Camera is another amazing product. It's a floodlight, motion sensor, and camera all in one. The camera is HomeKit secure video, and I can adjust the floodlight settings in the Eve app. My only wish is for a model that can hang upside down, allowing me to replace some of my other floodlights.
Sonos Speakers for Outdoor Entertainment
When it comes to outdoor entertainment, I love the Sonos Move and Sonos One SLs for my patio. The Sonos Move is battery-powered and perfect for poolside listening, while the stereo One SLs on the patio are great for ambiance. They're AirPlay 2 compatible, and I love the convenience they bring to my backyard.
HomeKit-Enabled Weather Devices
Finally, I have two weather devices in my backyard: the Eve Weather and the Netatmo Weather Station. The Eve Weather is a standalone device that provides temperature and humidity readings, while the Netatmo Weather Station offers more comprehensive data, including indoor air quality and hyper-local temperature and humidity. The Netatmo Weather Station even connects to the Carrot Weather app for iPhone, giving me precise readings right outside my house.
From controlling my garden hose to managing my patio fans and monitoring the weather, HomeKit has truly transformed my backyard experience.
