Everything around us today is intelligent. The television, the mobile, the vacuum cleaner, the blender or the air conditioning. As the options with the IoT or the Internet of Things grow, the technologies that seek to improve it grow. And for this reason Matter was created, an open source standard for smart homes that has been promoted by large companies such as Google, Apple or Amazon.
Currently there are already systems or standards that you use if you have smart bulbs or thermostats, such as Zigbee or Z-Wave. Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol that uses low-energy radio waves for different devices to communicate with each other. Instead, Z-Wave is a closed protocol. Its operation is the same and it also works as a mesh network. But it is a closed system that allows manufacturers to adapt it if necessary or that there is only compatibility in the devices that “they” choose. Now Matter seeks to be a unifying standard for all devices or users.
What is
Matter is a standard announced in May 2021 with the intention of replacing previous systems and unifying. An initiative that arises with the creative of Project Connected Home over IP or CHIP but that has finally changed its name to Matter. It works in a similar way to other protocols that we mentioned in previous paragraphs, but with greater compatibility, greater security.
It describes itself on its website as a “unifying industry standard” but also as “a promise of reliable and secure connectivity”. Matter’s main mission is that we have full compatibility between smart devices without worrying about whether they work with one standard or another. Increases compatibility and simplifies development for manufacturers.
An open source standard and initiative developed by hundreds of companies. Almost 200 companies that are part of the Zigbee Alliance (currently called the Connectivity Standards Alliance) and that we can consult from their official website. Some of the most important that are part of this “club” are: Amazon, Apple, Google, Huawei, Ikea, Samsung, Somfy…
Advantages and features
Matter is an open source system, as we have explained in previous paragraphs. This will allow it to be compatible with the big brands no matter which one we choose. Matter is IP-based and works on top of current connectivity standards. On standards such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Thread or Bluetooth low energy. In addition, it is characterized by being very simple at all levels: a very easy installation but also simplicity in its use so that it is global and suitable for any type of consumer, without complications and with the intention of being for everyone and everything.
Compatibility and devices
There are many devices compatible with Matter, of all types and from many brands. We simply have to look for its icon or logo on the box when we go to buy a home automation or smart home product. Although the complete list of devices that will work or be compatible is not yet known, it is known that some companies are already betting on it, such as Philips Hue. More than two years ago, Philips announced, through a statement, that it would integrate Matter into its light bulbs and lamps. “ To take Philips Hue Smart home integration to the next level, the Hue Bridge software will automatically update with Matter. Through this update, users will benefit from a simplified connected experience by integrating with other smart home devices.
In addition to light bulbs , it will also be in thermostats or air conditioning, in locks or access doors or in security systems. Or in other brands that have already confirmed that they will be compatible, as is the case with WiZ. Although little by little more will be incorporated and we will see the logo on a regular basis.