Matter Smart Home is meant to bring together the smart home realms.
Anyone looking to set up or develop a smart home has been plagued with bothersome queries. Which lighting, adaptor plugs, and sensors go together? How many apps and additional services will I require to run the devices? The new smart home standard Matter is designed to make everything easier. Any accessories that come with it can be easily mixed and operated using a single favorite app and without disclosing any private information to the cloud. At least that is the promise. Is this realistic? And which wishes might go unfulfilled?
What is Matter Smart Home?
Matter smart home differs from the several unsuccessful attempts to unify the smart home industry. It is neither another cloud-based networking service or new wireless technology. This protocol enables smart home equipment to interpret switching commands, states, and measured values across brand boundaries in a network. Matter is like a new language that everyone understands in addition to your native language. Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung have agreed on a worldwide language for smart home devices. Hundreds of larger and smaller firms have since followed suit, or intend to do so in the future. No bridge has ever had so much support. This gives me hope that no one will go out of line and continue preparing their own soup.
Is My Existing Smart Home Gear Too Old for Matter?
A similar emblem on the package indicates Matter-compatible accessories. The crucial question is: Do I have to buy everything new now? Don't panic! There is a significant probability that your present technology will become acquainted with Matter.
Here are the possibilities:
In many circumstances, simply updating the firmware is sufficient. The requirement is that the built-in electronics employ “Internet Protocol” (IP) as a transmission method. The established wireless IP technologies and the newcomer Thread are appropriate for this purpose. Thread's low energy consumption makes it particularly appealing for battery-powered devices.
Many smart home systems' LAN gateways include this feature. It is sufficient for the manufacturers to modernize only these control centers. As a result, components connected to it make their way into the Matter network, even if they continue to broadcast via DECT-ULE, ZigBee, or Z-Wave.
At Matter, wireless technology such as Bluetooth is secondary. This is just used for initial setup communication, not data transfer. Yale Bluetooth locks and Philips Hue and Tuya light bulbs are excluded from the new standard. Manufacturers must enhance their gear to play Matter. Smart home technology features WLAN and Thread radios, however the built-in chips are insufficient for the standard.
Matter Devices for Smart Homes
As we've moved into 2024, the smart home landscape has seen significant advancements with Matter, the universal connectivity standard. Initially launched in late 2022, Matter aimed to unify smart home devices under one protocol. Initially, it covered basics like lighting, HVAC systems, sensors, blinds, TVs, and gateways. Yet, not all equipment were immediately brought into the fold. Despite its ambitious goal for biannual updates, Matter's expansion into areas like vacuum robots and surveillance cameras only began in earnest this year.
Here Are All The New Device Classes:
Smart Home Matter Apps
You will continue to have a variety of apps from manufacturers and compatible smart home systems on your cell phone, and not simply because of inappropriate gadgets. The new standard solely governs setup and manual operation, not automatic systems with if-then rules or remote access beyond the home network.
Anyone who intelligently integrates a lot of smart home equipment at home requires these functions so that sensors or the presence and absence of users can turn devices on and off on their own. To control this, you'll need a smart home system that can integrate all of the necessary components and connect them logically.
It is not possible to build an automation in Apple's Home app and then change it in the Alexa app. Furthermore, if you wish to check whether a window is open remotely, you must use the app provider's cloud service.
Tested It Out: My Hands-On Experience with Matter
First Impressions: Subtly Revolutionary
My introduction to Matter came through notable events like IFA 2022 and hands-on experiences with the first wave of commercial Matter-compatible technology from industry leaders such as Philips Hue, Netatmo, Nuki, and Samsung. At a glance, you might wonder, “What's the big deal?” After all, interacting with your smart devices via phone taps or voice commands isn't new. But, the true innovation of Matter lies beneath the surface, in the seamless, behind-the-scenes orchestration of your smart home.
The Silent Efficacy of Matter
Connect Amazon, Google, Samsung and Apple to Matter
Matter is not another smart home ecosystem; instead, it allows existing platforms to communicate with one another. The standard thus establishes a uniform foundation for operating smart home devices. To accomplish this, Amazon, Google, Samsung, and Apple must include this into their smart home platforms. This is the state of things.
Matter-Compatible Amazon Echo Devices
Amazon is updating the technology to be Matter-compatible. This means that the following 17 Echo devices are compatible:
Initially, Amazon only offered “Matter via WLAN,” and the configuration was only accessible through the Alexa app for Android devices and tablets. In May 2023, the business proposed “Matter Over Thread” and iOS support. Furthermore, the Echoes can only support three types of Matter devices: lamps, plugs, and switches. Other product categories will follow, including thermostats, roller shutters, and sensors. Finally, Matter will be supported by a total of 30 Amazon products, including the Eero routers.
Alexa devices that do not come directly from Amazon must have already undergone the “Works With Alexa” certification procedure. Anyone who passes it has instantly demonstrated their suitability for Matter, according to Amazon. The business hopes to collaborate closely with Samsung and its Smart Things platform on the multi-admin functionality, which allows Matter smart home products to be registered in one smart home system and then used in another.
Matter-Compatible Google Devices
The search engine giant says that all of the manufacturer's smart home gadgets would be compatible with Matter. The gadgets now include:
Google is also integrating the new smart home standard onto current Android handsets.
Matter-Compatible Apple Devices
October 2022 brought a game-changer for Apple enthusiasts—iOS 16.1 went live, bringing Matter compatibility to our beloved iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, and the ever-cool HomePod mini. What does this mean for you? Well, your Apple devices are now ready to play nice with all Matter-certified smart home gadgets. Imagine controlling your latest smart lights or security system with a simple “Hey Siri,” all streamlined through the Home app. Apple's tech ensures that joining this smart home party keeps your data safe and your experience smooth. So, gear up to make your home smarter and your life easier, all with the tech you trust. Read about Apple Home Kit here.
Matter-Compatible Samsung Devices
Samsung is at the forefront of the smart home revolution with its latest updates embracing the Matter standard, ensuring a seamless integration across its ecosystem. The company has equipped its latest smart home hubs and cutting-edge Samsung televisions with Matter, heralding a new era of connectivity. Samsung’s approach extends beyond mere compatibility. The third-generation Smart Hub and the newly unveiled SmartThings Station are engineered as sophisticated border routers utilizing thread technology, optimizing your home’s connectivity fabric.
This evolution means that whether you’re interacting with a Samsung SmartThings Hub, the latest MicroLED TV, or even a smart refrigerator, your devices are not just connected—they’re intelligently synchronized. Each product, from the premium NEO QLED TVs to the innovative Smart Monitor M80C, is crafted to offer you an enhanced, unified smart home experience. With Samsung’s commitment to innovation, users can expect a robust performance that blends technology with convenience, making everyday interactions smarter.
Matter allows you to connect other manufacturers' Thread devices as well.
Aqara, Bosch, Eve, Phillips Hue, Nuki, and Wiz: Already prepared to go Matter
Some manufacturers have already completed their homework: They have announced new hardware or software updates that make existing smart home devices compatible with Matter (the list is continuously updated).
The Chinese smart home expert is revamping its control centers to make its devices Matter-compatible. It begins with the Zigbee hub M2, followed by additional hubs and gadgets from the manufacturer, including the M1S hub (1st and 2nd generation), the E1 hub, and the G2H Pro and G3 camera hubs.
Heads up for all smart home builders! Starting in early 2024, Bosch is jumping on the Matter bandwagon in a big way. They're rolling out a software update that transforms your Bosch Smart Home Controller (yes, both the original and the sequel, Smart Home Controller II) into a Matter Bridge. This means your beloved Bosch items will soon play nice with other Matter-friendly ecosystems. Bosch is making sure you're all set for a more interconnected and seamless smart home experience.
Apple's HomeKit for its devices, but now sees an opportunity to win over Alexa and Google fans thanks to Matter. Now Eve is selling gadgets pre-loaded with Matter.
The gadgets now include:
All Eve products that use Thread, of which there are now many: thermostats, adaptor plugs, light switches, roller shutter motors, and sensors for room temperature, movement, and window openings are all well-suited for Matter. The upgrade is done freely using the Eve app on iPhone, but the company is also developing an Android app.
Nuki users have few options for smart door locks that integrate with Matter. Only the industry leader, Nuki, has a gadget available: the Nuki Smart Lock (4th generation). “Old” Nuki door locks, notably the Nuki Smart Lock 3.0 Pro, do not get Matter updates, despite having built-in WiFi.
All bulbs and accessories connected to the bridge can be routed through the Matter home network. Exceptions are the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box and the Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch, which Matter does not cover.
In addition to Philips Hue, Signify is teaching its cheap brand Wiz the Matter standard. Wiz products do not require a bridge and interact directly with the WLAN, therefore updated software is available directly on lights and lamps. Dozens of WIZ products manufactured in 2021 or later satisfy the Matter specifications, and many devices have already gotten the necessary software upgrade.
Ikea recently redesigned the control center of its smart home system. The present Dirigera hub will shortly be called the Matter Bridge. It's unclear what the upgrade will be. But one thing is certain: the old Ikea Tradfri hub will be empty-handed.
Tuya's latest leap into Matter 1.2 is genuinely exciting for anyone keen on smart home technology. This update isn't just a small step; it's a giant leap, adding nine new types of devices to the Matter compatibility list. From refrigerators that know when you're out of milk, to air purifiers that kick in before you even notice the dust, Tuya is setting the stage for a smarter, more connected home.
As a smart home enthusiast, I'm particularly thrilled about the inclusion of smoke and CO alarms and air quality sensors — safety paired with smart technology is a win in my book. Tuya's expansion into these new categories promises a more integrated and intelligent living space, making the future of smart homes look brighter than ever.
Yale's introduction of the Matter Smart Lock is a game-changer for the smart home scene. It's not just a new Matter smart home product; it's a herald of the new universal standard for smart connectivity. For someone passionate about smart homes, this is big news.
Yale's commitment to Matter compatibility means we're looking at a future where smart home devices, regardless of the brand or ecosystem, communicate effortlessly.
Whether you're invested in Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Apple Home, or Amazon Alexa, Yale's Matter Smart Lock promises a level of integration and security that's been long-awaited. It's about starting with security at your front door and knowing the rest of your smart home devices will follow suit seamlessly. Yale is not just making our homes smarter; they're making them safer and more connected than ever.
How to Use Matter Smart Home
To harness the full potential of Matter Smart Home, begin by ensuring your devices are Matter-compatible, identifiable by the Matter logo or confirmation in their specifications. Install your devices following the manufacturer’s guidance, then connect them through a Matter-supported app or controller, which acts as a central hub for your smart ecosystem. This unified approach enables seamless interaction between diverse devices, allowing you to control, automate, and personalize your smart home setup with ease. By leveraging Matter, you simplify the management of your smart home, creating a cohesive, interoperable, and more efficient environment that enhances daily living.
A Leap with the First Matter-Supported Robot Vacuum
Making headlines, SwitchBot's K10 Plus emerged as the first robot vacuum to embrace Matter support, underscoring the standard's growing influence. This compact cleaner, one of the market's smallest, promised integration with Matter via the SwitchBot Hub 2 by January's end, marking a significant milestone in smart home interoperability.
This expansion signifies Matter's evolving ecosystem, promising a more efficient, integrated and streamlined smart home experience as we forge ahead into the future.
Smart Lock with Matter Compatibility
The smart lock industry witnessed a notable surge in Matter-compatible options, marking a significant milestone in smart home security. Aqara led the charge with the launch of its $189.99 Smart Lock U100 at CES, offering compatibility with Apple Home Key through HomeKit and introducing beta support for Matter via an Aqara hub. Following closely, SwitchBot updated its SwitchBot 2 Hub to welcome Matter support for its smart lock. Yale, not to be outdone, integrated a Matter module into its $229.99 Assure SL smart lock, further enriching the ecosystem.
Apple's announcement that Home Key will extend to Matter locks on its platform with iOS 17 was the icing on the cake. This update eliminated the need for HomeKit certification for lock functionality, streamlining the integration process and enhancing user experience. This trio of releases signifies a leap forward in smart lock technology, offering users more flexibility and interoperability within their smart home setups.
Matter Advantages
Beyond the Surface: Matter's Unseen Impact
While Matter's contributions might not grab headlines with flashy features, its impact on the smart home landscape is profound. We're witnessing a pivotal moment where the dream of a truly interconnected smart home ecosystem is becoming a reality. Matter's role in this transition cannot be overstated; it's not just facilitating compatibility, it's fostering a new era of inclusivity and flexibility in smart home technology.
From my perspective, Matter represents a monumental leap forward. It's dismantling the longstanding barriers that have fragmented the smart home market, offering a glimpse into a future where technology serves us better, together. For anyone invested in the smart home journey, Matter isn't just an update; it's a revolution, quietly redefining the boundaries of what our devices can do and how they interact. The real magic of Matter isn't just in the devices it connects; it's in the experiences it enables, promising a more cohesive, responsive, and unified smart home.
Conclusion
As someone deeply invested in the landscape of smart home technology, I've been closely following the progress of the Matter standard. The anticipation surrounding Matter's promise to streamline smart home ecosystems by ensuring devices from various manufacturers work together effortlessly was palpable. The vision was bold: a future where setting up and managing a smart home matter system was as simple as plugging in a lamp.
The path to seamless integration has been more complicated than many of us expected. Matter's integration into Amazon, Google, Apple, and Samsung's smart home systems is a major advance. However, standardizing user experience across platforms remains difficult. The goal of a smart home where every item interacts smoothly under the Matter protocol is slowing down, illustrating the difficulty of standardizing various technologies.
Matter uptake across all device types has been uneven. Eve, Aqara, and Philips Hue have promoted the Matter standard, showing what this new smart home hub can do, but many industry leaders are skeptical. This cautious attitude by hardware manufacturers shows the hurdles Matter must overcome to transform the smart home market.
At its core, Matter delivers on its promise when it comes to control commands issued from a home app, sidestepping the cloud and ensuring privacy and security. However, when venturing into the realms of voice control, automation, and advanced functionalities, the reliance on manufacturer-specific apps and internet services becomes apparent. It's clear that the path to a fully integrated smart home ecosystem, free from “language barriers,” is still under construction.
In conclusion, while Matter represents a significant leap towards the ideal of smart home matter compatibility and integration, the journey is far from over. The vision of a unified smart home standard is compelling, and the progress made thus far is commendable. Yet, as we navigate the intricacies of bringing this vision to life, it's evident that patience and continued innovation will be key. The promise of Matter as the “super standard” for the smart home is a beacon for the future, but reaching that destination will require time, collaboration, and a shared commitment to overcoming the hurdles that currently stand in the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Matter Smart Home is a new, unified connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). It's designed to ensure interoperability and secure communication between a wide range of smart home devices from various manufacturers, making it easier for consumers to build and manage their smart home ecosystems.
For comprehensive information, resources, and updates on Matter Smart Home, visit the official website hosted by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) at www.matter.smart. This platform serves as a central hub for all things related to Matter, including technical documentation, participating manufacturers, and product announcements.
To use Matter Smart Home, start by ensuring your smart home devices are Matter-compatible. Set up each device according to the manufacturer's instructions, then use a Matter-enabled app or controller to seamlessly connect and manage your devices. This unified approach simplifies the control of various smart home devices, allowing for a more integrated user experience.
Smart Home Matter Devices refer to smart home products that support the Matter standard, enabling them to work together regardless of the manufacturer. These devices range from lighting and HVAC controls to security systems and smart locks, all designed for easy integration within the Matter ecosystem.
Matter Smart Home Products include a variety of devices such as smart bulbs, thermostats, locks, cameras, and more. Notable examples are the Aqara Smart Lock U100, Yale Assure SL smart lock with Matter module, and lighting solutions from Philips Hue that have adopted the Matter standard for enhanced compatibility and interoperability.
Matters Smart Home initiative is crucial for consumers because it simplifies the process of selecting, setting up, and managing smart home devices. By ensuring that devices from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly, Matter eliminates the complexity and compatibility issues that have previously hindered smart home adoption, making smart homes more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.