What is Matter?
If you follow developments in the smart home industry to any degree, you’ve no doubt heard of Matter. In short, Matter is an open-source, universal language that allows products hailing from different manufacturers to communicate with each other locally in the same home. Here’s what you need to know to get started with Matter in your own home.
You Have the Tools
With the adoption of Matter by tech behemoths like Apple, Amazon, Google, and more, you can now own smart products from various brands that communicate in a smart and seamless way. And, best of all, you can keep many of the products you already own. According to an article from CNN Underscored, “17 Amazon Echos, all Apple HomePods, HomePod minis and Apple TV 4Ks, Google Nest speakers, and hubs, and Samsung’s Aeotec SmartThings Smart Home Hub and the SmartThings Hub v3 are all Matter controllers. Amazon’s eero 6 series of mesh routers are all slated for a spring update that will make them Matter controllers”. In short, a Matter controller is any device that acts as a hub for smart home device communication.
What Else Do I Need?
Okay, you have a controller. What else does it take to get Matter up and running with your devices? Three words: Thread border router. Thread is a wireless device protocol designed for smart home products. You may also already own a Thread border router. 2nd gen or newer AppleTV 4K’s, 2nd gen Homepods or Homepod mini’s, an Amazon 4th gen Echo product, an eero 6 series, Google Nest Wi-Fi or Hubs, are all Thread border routers.
What Devices Are Compatible with Matter?
Okay, you have a controller Your next question is, “what can I buy that will work with Matter?”. With Version 1.0 dropping last October, it “supports the following smart home product categories: bridges, controllers, door locks, HVAC controls, lighting and electrical, media devices, safety and security sensors, and window coverings and shades” (PC Mag Article). Support for other device categories are expected to come later this year.
To recap, three things are needed to consolidate with Matter: a controller, a device, and a Thread border router. The best way to find out whether or not your device is compatible with Matter yet is to look for communications from the device manufacturer and be on the lookout for product updates. For all of your smart home questions and needs, chat with our team at Ficrest today!