As the British might say, the Eve Aqua "does what it says on the tin," even if it could stand refinements in some areas. When Apple launched iOS 11 last year, one of the key additions it made to HomeKit was support for sprinklers and faucets. People have been automating these products for years, especially in hydroponics, so it's only natural that Apple would join in.

The Eve Aqua is one of the first products made with this support in mind. Elgato describes it as a "smart water controller," and that's as good a description as any. It sits between an outdoor faucet and a self-supplied hose, turning water on and off on command.