Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and the smart home has become a reality for many. However, the lack of compatibility between devices from different brands has been a real headache for years. This is where smart home technology comes into play. Matter, a new standard that promises to be a game-changer. If you've ever struggled to get a light bulb to work with your voice assistant or connect a thermostat to your home automation system, this article is for you.
In the next lines we are going to explain to you What Matter is, how it works, what devices support it, and why it's so important in the world of home automation. We'll tell you everything you need to know, without technical complications, but with the greatest level of detail, so you can understand why this standard is revolutionizing connected homes.
What exactly is Matter?
Matter is a universal communication protocol designed for smart devices.Its main goal is to ensure that any compatible device can work regardless of the ecosystem or brand it belongs to. That is, no more wondering if a light bulb will work with Alexa or if a sensor is compatible with Google Home. If it has the Matter seal, it will work.
This protocol is driven by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance, and is backed by giants such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, IKEA, Philips or Huawei, among others. Currently, there are more than 180 companies involved in its development and expansion.
The standard was officially presented in October 2022, after several delays, under the version Matter 1.0Since then, it has gained market visibility, and more and more manufacturers are adding their devices to this initiative.
A new language for home devices
It is important to understand that Matter is not a new wireless networking technology, but rather a set of common commands that devices can use to communicate. It operates on local IP networks, using existing technologies such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Thread. Also uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for initial device setup.
Wi-Fi y Ethernet They serve as a link for those devices that require greater bandwidth, such as televisions or cameras, while Thread It is a low-latency, low-power protocol ideal for battery-powered devices such as motion sensors or smart locks.
A key feature is that Matter works at the local levelThis means you don't rely exclusively on cloud connectivity to perform tasks like turning on a light or adjusting the temperature. In addition to increasing response speed, it also improves privacy by not having to send everything to external servers.
Interoperability as a strong point
One of the biggest challenges in the home automation world has always been fragmentation. Samsung has SmartThings, Amazon uses Alexa, Apple uses HomeKit, and Google offers Google Home. Until now, if you wanted to build a smart home ecosystem, you had to make sure all your devices were compatible with a single system.
With Matter, This limitation disappearsAll of these major companies have agreed to use the same standard, so certified devices work regardless of the ecosystem. You can have a Google speaker and control an Apple light or an Amazon plug, as long as they all support Matter.
This advance eliminates barriers between manufacturers and allows for a much smoother and simpler user experience.
Technical and user advantages of Matter
In addition to interoperability, Matter offers several technical advantages that distinguish it from other standards:
- Based on IP: It uses standard protocols such as IPv6, making it easy to integrate into home networks.
- Local connectivity: It works independently of the cloud, improving speed and security.
- Advanced encryption: Uses protocols such as AES and zero trust models to protect data.
- Easy setup: Thanks to Android's Fast Pair system or the Apple Home app, connecting a new device is a matter of seconds.
Furthermore, the user experience is significantly simplifiedYou won't have to use a different app for each product, or worry about whether it works with your voice assistant. Everything will be centralized and work under the same commands.
How is a Matter network structured?
A Matter-based network consists of several key elements:
- Matter Concentrator: It's the brain of the network. It allows you to link devices, coordinate actions, and manage the internet connection. Some, like the Homey Pro, also serve as a bridge with other protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, or infrared.
- Border router: It's a bridge between Thread networks and LANs (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). It allows devices on different networks to communicate.
- Matter Devices: They can be sensors, switches, lights, thermostats, etc. They connect to the network and obey Matter commands.
- Thread Extenders: Devices that operate connected to the power supply and help expand the Thread network as signal routers.
- Endpoint Devices: Typically battery-powered, such as sensors or doorbells, they only transmit or receive data but do not forward it.
Thread networks, in particular, use a mesh architecture, allowing the signal to extend further as more devices are added. This results in a more stable and resilient network.
Which brands and devices are already compatible with Matter?
Since the release of version 1.0, Many brands have started to integrate Matter into their products. Some of the most prominent are:
- Google: Nest and Android 13 devices integrate Fast Pair to automatically detect Matter products.
- Amazon: Echo speakers and displays now support Matter.
- Apple: iOS 16.1 brought native support for Matter to devices like iPhone and iPad, integrating through HomePod or Apple TV as hubs.
- Philips Hue: Although the bulbs still use Zigbee, the Hue Bridge makes them compatible with Matter.
- IKEA: Some of their products can be integrated with Matter using compatible hubs.
For now, Matter certification has been limited to certain types of devices, such as:
- Smart bulbs and switches
- Plugs and sockets
- Electronic locks
- Thermostats and climate controllers
- Blinds, shades and curtains
- Security sensors (motion, smoke, carbon monoxide)
- garage controls
- Streaming players and Smart TVs
As the ecosystem grows, Matter is expected to incorporate more categories, such as security cameras, automatic vacuum cleaners, and audio systems.
How do I know if a product is compatible with Matter?
Identifying a Matter device is very simple. You just need Check if the Matter logo appears on the box or product information sheet.This logo indicates that the device is certified and can be seamlessly integrated into any compatible ecosystem.
Also, if you already have smart devices at home, many of them may be can be updated via firmware to be compatible with MatterMajor brands like Google and Amazon have already announced these types of updates for several of their existing products.
What current limitations does Matter have?
Despite its many promises, Matter is still not perfect. Some of its current limitations include:
- Few certified devices: Although the number is growing rapidly, there is still a limited supply.
- Lack of advanced features: The first version of Matter only covers basic features. Advanced features remain ecosystem-dependent.
- Price: Many Matter devices are somewhat more expensive due to the more modern chips required.
- Partial compatibility: Some brands still use proprietary hubs (like Zigbee) even if the end device integrates with Matter.
However, many of these barriers are being overcome over time. Manufacturer adoption is booming, and Matter is expected to become the backbone of any smart home in the next two years.
Thanks to the emergence of Matter, controlling all your devices from a single app or via voice commands will be much easier, without having to worry about whether one brand is compatible with another, or if you need to buy yet another hub. If you're thinking about starting to set up your smart home or improving your existing one, now's the perfect time to invest in products compatible with this revolutionary standard which is already redefining how we relate to technology at home.