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First the specs, then the release, then CES 2023. It’s been a busy few months for Matter, the standard for smart home connectivity. While we can’t completely fill your home with Matter-enabled devices just yet, there are some interesting options in development. Here’s a look at some of the most practical, quirky and workable gear.
part of the matter is already here
If you want to kick off your smart home this year with a focus on universal compatibility powered by Matter, there are a few pieces of the puzzle in store. Start with your smartphone and take it step by step.
Your phone can scan QR codes and read Bluetooth signals from Matter Certified devices, whether iOS or Android. Most platforms support adding devices to the controller via the Android app, but only Apple’s HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings do. iOS device enrollment supportAmazon says it plans to add iOS enrollment to Thread-based devices this spring, but it already supports devices over Wi-Fi.
An ecosystem that collects controllers, apps, and any or all Matter devices that can be read and manipulated may also be ready. Open source systems like Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Nest and Home devices and apps, Apple’s HomeKit, Samsung’s SmartThings, and Home Assistant already support Matter devices.
Matter devices can communicate via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Thread. If you’re considering a Thread device, chances are that some of your existing equipment already acts as a Thread “border router” or range extender. These devices already have threads burned into them:
- Google Nest Hub, 2nd Gen, Max
- Nest Wifi and Wifi Pro routers
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later)
- apple homepod mini
- Nanoleaf Shapes, Elements and Line Panels
- Eero mesh router, Wi-Fi 6 or higher
Amazon plans to add Thread border router functionality to its fourth-generation Echo devices in spring 2023.
Actually using Matter now is very unstable
The daring among us can, technically, scan for some precious Matter devices and add them to Matter-enabled controllers on Matter-enabled phones. You can, but probably shouldn’t: It’s not a very smooth process at the moment, and you can easily lose devices and routines from your existing setup.
Kevin Tofel, a contributor to the Stacey on IoT blog, announced in mid-December that a Google Nest Hub with an iPhone 12 and a Google Pixel 7 running the latest OS version with Google had an Eve Energy Smart Plug. and Eve Motion Sensor. home app. He is finally able to access both devices (previously only his HomeKit) from both Apple and Google smart home his systems.
To get there, though, I had to print or save a copy of the new Matter QR code for the Eve plug and sensor. I then tried adding the plug through the Eve app and the Apple Home app with no success. The Google Home app added an Eve sensor, and then Apple Home and Eve were able to add it too. Tofel had to factory reset the plug before adding it to all apps. I also had to re-add the automations I had set up in the Eve app. This is because it is no longer connected to known devices.
Better to wait for a device built with Matter in mind from its very design. That wait is just a few months if the manufacturer sticks to the announcement.
