GoKawiilE-ink technology is typically found in devices like the Amazon Kindle, and it is also a critical feature of the Qingping thermometer. I originally reviewed the Bluetooth version of this device a few years ago, but Qingping has since updated it with Thread support for Apple Home. I have been retesting it to see if it still holds up in 2026.
HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.
Why individual room sensors matter
In my ideal world, every house would have a variable HVAC system capable of heating and cooling rooms independently. Since a full system replacement is rarely in the budget, the next best thing is having granular data on what is actually happening in individual spaces. I recently forgot to set my upstairs Nest back to Eco mode, and the temperature difference in my son’s room was shocking. Relying on a single hallway thermostat simply does not work for an entire house. That is why I rely on localized temperature sensors to trigger smart plugs and fans.
Design and E-ink display
The Qingping thermometer is one of my favorite-looking HomeKit devices in my entire house. It breaks free from the traditional digital look most sensors use, opting for an E-ink display that blends in perfectly on a bookshelf. The display is incredibly clear from almost any viewing angle. Under the hood, it has a built-in Swiss-made sensor for accurate real-time measurements. You can also easily toggle the screen between Celsius and Fahrenheit by pressing a physical button on the back of the device.
You get a lot of flexibility with placement. It can stand on an end table, be mounted on the wall with the included magnetic wall sticker, or be attached directly to any iron surface. It is powered by a single coin battery. Thanks to the low-power E-ink screen, Qingping claims it lasts for eight months.
Adding to HomeKit via Thread
The biggest reason to revisit this sensor today is for its connectivity. The old non-Thread model was fine, but it often lagged when pulling data remotely. The new model supports Thread. As long as you have a HomePod mini or an Apple TV, the sensor connects instantly and reliably to Apple Home. Qingping says that the device sends updated temperature and humidity data to your hub every 10 minutes.
Once you scan the Apple Home QR code, you can monitor the climate from that room remotely. If you want to review the metrics, the companion Qingping+ app allows you to export 30 days of historical data. Just keep in mind that this specific model is heavily tailored toward Apple users.
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