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First came spec, then release, then CES 2023 – it’s been a busy few months for Matter, the smart home connectivity standard. You can’t quite fill your home with Matter-ready appliances just yet, but there are some intriguing options in development. Here’s a look at some of the most practical, quirky and viable gear coming soon (or soon).
Some parts of Matter are already there
If you’re looking to relaunch your smart home this year with a focus on matter-driven universal compatibility, you already have a few pieces of the puzzle ready for you. Let’s go little by little, starting with your phone.
Your phone, both iOS and Android, can scan the QR code or read the Bluetooth signal from a Matter-certified device. Most platforms support adding devices to a controller via an Android app, but only Apple’s HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings have support for iOS device enrollment. Amazon has said it plans to add iOS enrollment for Thread-based devices this spring, but already supports devices over Wi-Fi.
Your controller, the app, and the ecosystem that collects some or all of your Matter devices and lets you read or manipulate them are probably ready too. Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Nest and Home devices and apps, Apple’s HomeKit, Samsung’s SmartThings, and open source systems like Home Assistant already support Matter devices.
Matter devices can communicate via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Thread. If you’re looking at Thread devices, some of your existing gear may already be working as a Thread “boundary router” or range extender. These devices already have Thread baked in:
- Nest Hub, second generation and Max
- Nest Wifi and Wifi Pro routers
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and newer)
- Apple HomePod mini
- Panels Nanoleaf Shapes, Elements and Lines
- Eero mesh routers, Wi-Fi 6 and newer
Amazon plans to add Thread border router capabilities to its fourth-generation Echo devices in spring 2023.
Using Matter right now is very shaky
The brave among us can technically scan a few precious Matter devices and add them to a Matter-enabled controller with a Matter-enabled phone. Can, but probably shouldn’t: it’s not a very smooth process at the moment and you can easily lose devices or routines from existing setups.
Kevin Tofel, writing for the Stacey on IoT blog, attempted to add an Eve Energy Smart Plug and an Eve Motion Sensor to a Google Nest Hub in mid-December with an iPhone 12 and a Google Pixel 7 running their latest OS versions with using the Google Home app. He eventually reached a point where both devices – previously HomeKit-only – could be accessed through both Apple’s and Google’s smart home systems.
To get there, however, Tofel had to print or save a copy of a new Matter QR code for its Eve plug and sensor. He then tried to add the plug through the Eve and Apple Home apps, but they wouldn’t. The Google Home app added the Eve sensor and then Apple Home and Eve were able to add it as well. Tofel had to factory reset the plug before it could be added to all of its apps. And he had to re-add an automation he set up in the Eve app because it was no longer associated with a known device.
You’re better off waiting for devices built from the ground up with Matter in mind. That wait should only be a few months if manufacturers stick to their announcements.
