Running a smart home should be easy. But have you ever been frustrated by smart home devices that don’t cooperate?
Matter could be the solution. Matter is an emerging technology that allows smart home devices from different brands to work together.
What is Matter?
Matter is a new technology that aims to create a seamless experience where smart home devices from different brands work together. Matter can make your various smart home devices speak the same language, regardless of their manufacturer.
This makes it easier to connect and control multiple devices in your home. For example, you could use a single app to control your lights, speakers, and security system. It also allows you to choose whether to use Amazon Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant to control it.
Why is Matter Important?
There are currently over 400 million smart homes worldwide, and that number is growing. In fact, according to PR Newswire, 500,000 Matter-compliant products circulated in the market in 2022, and a further 5 million will reach customers by 2025.
Although the adoption of smart home devices is growing, users today do face challenges in compatibility between products and brands. Matter addresses these issues with the following key benefits:
- Interoperability: Matter-certified devices are designed to work across ecosystems, meaning your Amazon Echo can control devices originally designed for Apple HomeKit or Google Home. This means users don’t need to lock into a single brand or replace incompatible devices.
- Simplicity: Setting up and managing smart devices becomes far easier with Matter. Users can expect quick onboarding and consistent functionality across platforms, reducing technical hiccups and frustration.
- Longevity: With backing from the biggest tech players, Matter ensures future compatibility. Devices adhering to this standard are more likely to remain functional as the smart home market evolves.
- Security: Matter integrates robust security protocols, giving users peace of mind that their data and devices are protected.
How Will Matter Make a Difference to My Smart Home?
Matter simplifies the way smart homes operate by creating a unified ecosystem. Here’s how it can transform your experience:
- Easier Setup: Setting up smart home devices often involves multiple apps, accounts, and ecosystem-specific processes. With Matter, onboarding becomes universal and streamlined, allowing devices to connect quickly to your preferred platform.
- Better Device Communication: Imagine a scenario where your smart lock, thermostat, and lighting all communicate effortlessly without you needing to intervene. Matter facilitates this harmony, so devices can talk to each other seamlessly.
- More Choice: With interoperability at its core, you’re free to mix and match devices from various brands without sacrificing functionality.
- Future-Proofing: As Matter becomes the gold standard, adopting it ensures your devices remain relevant and functional with future updates and technologies.
Which Smart Home Devices Are Already Matter Compatible?
The adoption of Matter has been swift, with numerous brands introducing compatible devices. Some notable examples include:
- Smart Speakers and Hubs: Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, and Apple HomePod Mini are among the Matter-compatible hubs, serving as central controllers for your smart home.
- Smart Lights: Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, and Eve have embraced Matter, ensuring your lighting solutions can be easily integrated.
- Smart Ceiling Fans: At Big Ass Fans, our Haiku fans are equipped with the latest smart home integration, meaning you can easily control them from your smart phone using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Thermostats: Popular models like the Google Nest Thermostat and Ecobee thermostats now support Matter for seamless environmental control.
- Smart Plugs and Switches: Companies like TP-Link and Leviton offer Matter-compatible plugs and switches, making it easy to integrate non-smart devices into your ecosystem.
The list of Matter-supported devices is growing rapidly, as manufacturers recognise the standard’s potential to dominate the smart home market.
How Do I Set Up a Matter-Compatible Smart Home?
Setting up a Matter-compatible smart home is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly design. Here’s how you can get started:
- Check Device Compatibility: Ensure that your existing devices or new purchases are Matter-certified. Look for the Matter logo on packaging or product descriptions.
- Update Your Hubs and Apps: Update the software on your smart home hubs, like Amazon Echo or Google Nest, to support Matter.
- Connect Devices to Your Preferred Ecosystem: Use your central app—whether it’s Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa—to add Matter-compatible devices. The process is standardised, making it quick and hassle-free.
- Leverage Multi-Admin Support: One standout feature of Matter is its multi-admin capability, which allows you to control devices from multiple ecosystems simultaneously. For instance, a light connected through Google Home can also be controlled via Apple HomeKit.
- Enjoy a Unified Smart Home: Once your devices are set up, they’ll communicate seamlessly, providing a smoother and more cohesive smart home experience.
How Will Matter Protect My Privacy and Security?
In a world where data breaches and privacy concerns dominate headlines, Matter is designed with robust security at its core:
- End-to-End Encryption: All communications between Matter devices are encrypted, ensuring that your data remains private and secure.
- Local Control: Matter emphasises local connectivity, meaning devices can operate within your home network without relying on external servers, reducing exposure to cyber threats.
- Regular Updates: Devices adhering to the Matter standard must comply with stringent security requirements, which are regularly updated to address emerging vulnerabilities.
- Trusted Ecosystem: By uniting industry leaders, Matter sets a high bar for trust and accountability in smart home security.
Final Thoughts
Matter is more than just a new standard; it’s a game-changer for smart home enthusiasts and newcomers alike. By simplifying setup, enhancing interoperability, and prioritising security, Matter removes many of the pain points that have plagued smart home technology for years.
As the standard gains momentum, embracing Matter-compatible devices will future-proof your smart home and unlock a truly seamless connected living experience. Whether you’re starting your smart home journey or looking to upgrade, Matter is a name you’ll want to keep an eye on.