So, what is the Matter? Matter is an open source, royalty free smart home standard developed with a goal of increasing interoperability and compatibility between different IoT devices in smart home ecosystem. This means that when you get new smart home device, you do not have to worry weather it works with Apple Home, Google Home or Amazon Alexa, if it is Matter certified, it will work with all of them. It is not surprising then that this standard was developed through a common initiative of big tech players including Amazon, Apple and Google, but also Samsung, Schneider and even IKEA all in cooperation with Zig-Bee Alliance. Original name of the project was Project Connected Home over IP (Project Chip). As the name suggests, standard is based on Internet Protocol and it works through one or more compatible border routers, skipping proprietary hubs.
Matter Standard Versions
Matter standard is updated bi-annually. First version came out in October, 2022.
Version 1.0 added support for several different devices:
- lighting products (main power plugs, electric lights and switches)
- door locks
- thermostats and heating
- ventilation and air conditioning controllers
- blinds and shades
- home security sensors (such as door, window and motion sensors)
- televisions and streaming video players
Version 1.1 did not add any new devices, it focused on bug fixes.
Version 1.2 added more new devices including:
- refrigerators
- portable air conditioners
- dishwashers
- laundry washers
- robotic vacuum cleaners
- smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- air quality sensors
- air purifiers
- fans
Note that while Matter provides support for these devices, this does not always mean that device manufacturers have added support for Matter. For example, to the best of our knowledge, there are not any TV sets, vacuum cleaners or dishwashers that provide support Matter yet.
Matter vs. Thread
In vast areas of internet many confusing definitions of the two and their relationship exist. We will try to help clarify it. In simplest terms, Thread is a connection type between devices, similar to what Wi-Fi is. On the other hand, Matter is the language these devices speak to each other. It is important to note that Matter can exist without Thread and rely on Wi-Fi or Ethernet only. Similarly Thread can work without Matter too. Note that Thread border router is needed to communicate with Thread devices.
How Do I Start Using Matter?
For onboarding and control of a Matter device several steps are needed. Matter Commissioner helps establish the connection between Matter Controller and Matter Device. Mobile device with Matter Commisioner enables smooth pairing process. Matter Controller is a hub for controlling Matter devices. It supports multiple controllers from different manufacturers. Any smart home device with Matter stamp can support connection to compatible Controller. In the rest of this article we will delve into all three categories, starting with Matter Devices, going through Matter Controllers and finally Matter Commissioners.
Matter Devices
Matter compatible devices are equipped with Matter logo. Note that some manufacturers may add Matter compatibility at later stage though firmware updates. In this case, Matter logo will not be present on the device. Comprehensive list of devices supporting Matter is maintained by Connectivity Standards Alliance.
Bridges
Some smart home devices require proprietary bridge, for example Philips Hue smart bulbs. If these bridges support Matter, it is possible to integrate them into Matter ecosystem and control through Matter platform. Following bridges are supported:
Smart Lights and Switches
Lights, switches and plugs - a lot of lighting devices are certified for Matter. This makes it easy to control their basic features such as turning them on or off, light dimming and colour control through any platform you may already have. However, some advanced features unique to specific product may require manufacturers application to function.
Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulbs
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart LED Lightstrip
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart LED Color-Changing Light Bulb
OREiN Matter Smart Light Bulbs
Smart Plugs
Similarly to the smart switches, in case of smart plugs Matter standard provides support for basic functionality such as turning On and Off, but for special features such as Energy monitoring, third-party app is needed.
Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
Sensors
Various types of sensors support Matter standard:
Eve Door and Window Monitoring Sensor
SwitchBot Door Alarm Contact Sensor
Smart Thermostats
SwitchBot Smart WiFi Door Lock
Smart Blinds/Shades/Shutter
SwitchBot Automatic Curtain Opener
SmartWings Motorized Roller Shades
SmartWings Motorized Roman Shades
Matter Controllers
As mentioned above, Matter Controller is needed in order to, well, control your Matter devices, handle communication and automation. The controller must be always on, powered, and connected to your home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Different smart home platforms, like Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa, require specific controllers such as Apple HomePod, Google Nest Hub, or Amazon devices. While some controllers can handle multiple ecosystems, most currently support only their own.
Major smart home platforms have updated their hubs and smart speakers to serve as Matter controllers. Some controllers also act as Thread border routers, necessary if you add Thread devices to your home.
Some of the commonly used controllers from each major platform are listed below:
Google Nest Hub 2nd Generation
Samsung SmartThings Hub Dongle
Matter Commissioners
As we explained before, Matter Commissioners or applications help establish connection between the hub and the device. Major platforms but also major smart home devices manufacturers have their own applications. Some of them are:
Apple Home
Samsung SmartThings
Google Home
Amazon Alexa
Home Assistant
Eve
Aqara
SwitchBot
TP-Link Tapo
etc.
Keep in mind that Matter standard is still rather new and it is evolving as we speak with more and more devices adding support for it. Have fun connecting your devices!