Be it vacuum robots that vacuum the floor, WiFi sockets that regulate power consumption or light bulbs that automatically switch on the light, a smart home should actually make everyday life easier. But too often we find ourselves in the jungle of many different devices and a sea of smart home apps.
This is where Matter comes into play, an innovative solution that promises to break down these barriers. With the aim of creating a uniform platform that connects devices from different manufacturers. Matter could therefore be the long-awaited link in the smart home world. In this article, we take a closer look at Matter and look at how it simplifies interaction with our smart devices and could permanently change our everyday lives.
What's behind Matter?
Matter is a cross-manufacturer connection standard that aims to simplify and improve communication and interaction between different smart home devices. This standard allows devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly with each other as long as they comply with the Matter protocol.
Matter supports a variety of networking technologies, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Thread, allowing a wide range of devices to be integrated into the smart home ecosystem. Matter does not replace existing smart home systems, but rather acts as a connecting layer that creates a uniform communication basis for devices from different manufacturers.
How does Matter work in the smart home?
Matter is an open connection standard. The openness makes it possible for different manufacturers of smart home devices to communicate seamlessly with each other. As a wireless standard, Matter differs from traditional wired connections by leveraging wireless communication over networks such as Wi-Fi and Thread. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate a variety of devices without the need for physical cabling.
At the heart of Matter is the idea of connecting devices from different manufacturers - from lamps and sockets to thermostats and sensors - via common networks. These devices can interact with each other via Wi-Fi for comprehensive coverage and via Thread for secure and energy-efficient communication.
A bridge with Matter Bridges
Matter-enabled devices eliminate the need for bridges to control devices while on the go. But the so-called Matter Bridges still play a central role in the Matter ecosystem. These are crucial for integrating devices that were not originally designed for Matter. They translate different signals, allowing a variety of devices and technologies to be integrated into the Matter system.
In this way, Matter creates a uniform platform that combines various providers and technologies under one roof and guarantees a harmonious smart home experience.
Four benefits of Matter for your home
Matter brings a variety of benefits to the smart home that make life easier and more connected. We'll show you the four most important advantages that Matter brings with it.
One central app for all devices
Imagine controlling all smart home devices with just one app. This is exactly what Matter makes possible.Away from the confusion of different apps for every lamp, heater or camera. Matter brings everything together in a clear interface. This means you no longer have to switch back and forth between ten apps, but have everything in one place.
No binding to a manufacturer
Matter also offers the advantage of manufacturer independence in the smart home sector. Being independent of manufacturers has the advantage of seamlessly connecting devices from different brands. This means users have flexibility like never before, with an extensive selection of devices at their disposal. Users can freely put together their smart home equipment without having to worry about compatibility.
Easy installation with QR code
Setting up smart home devices is significantly simplified with Matter. Similar to the easy-to-use setup process found in the Apple Home Kit, Matter requires nothing more than scanning a QR code to set up Matter devices.
This simplification of the installation process saves time and makes the technology accessible to less tech-savvy people. The simple installation also makes it easier to expand existing smart home systems with new components.
Security and Compatibility
Matter places a strong focus on security by ensuring encrypted and authenticated communication between devices and relying on decentralized data storage. This high security standard makes Matter a safe and trustworthy solution in the smart home sector.
Challenges and criticism of Matter
Where there is light, there is also shadow - and so the innovative Matter standard brings with it some challenges in addition to its advantages. Below we highlight the two main criticisms that speak against Matter:
Use of 2.4 GHz WiFi
Many home networks offer both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz WiFi network, with Matter using the 2.4 GHz band. Although this is the most common, it can be overloaded at times due to use by many household appliances. Matter may therefore be less beneficial for people who already have many WiFi-based devices. The additional load could cause Matter to push the network to its performance limits.
Added value of the range of functions
Matter does not expand the functionality of smart home devices. Although it enables the use of all manufacturer-specific functions within a uniform platform, it does not offer any additional features that go beyond the existing functions of the devices.
Which manufacturers support Matter?
Matter is already supported by a variety of smart home devices from various well-known manufacturers. Here is an overview of the most famous brands:
- Amazon Alexa: Integrates Matter for improved networking and control of compatible devices.
- Google Home: Uses Matter to support a broader range of smart home products.
- Samsung SmartThings: Relies on Matter to promote compatibility and interoperability between different devices.
- Apple HomeKit: Announced Matter support to expand functionality and usability.
- Eve: Offers a range of Matter compatible devices to enhance the smart home experience.
Matter undoubtedly has great potential for the future. This is mainly due to its open standard. This enables more and more brands to include Matter as a standard in their devices and support it. With the increasing integration of various manufacturers into the Matter network, networking and use in the smart home sector is significantly simplified and improved. This paves the way for a seamless and user-friendly smart home experience.
Conclusion: Matter and the future of the smart home
Matter could represent a revolution in the field of smart home technologies. By creating a unified platform that enables seamless communication between devices from a wide range of manufacturers, Matter effectively addresses the pervasive challenges of incompatibility and the overwhelming variety of control apps. With features such as easy setup through QR codes and an emphasis on high security, Matter provides a solid foundation for an integrated smart home experience.
Advantages:
- Unification: One central app for all devices, manufacturer-independent use.
- Easy installation: QR code scan instead of complicated configuration.
- Security: Encrypted communication and decentralized storage.
Challenges:
- 2.4 GHz WLAN: Can lead to bottlenecks when using many devices in the network.
- Added value: Functional extensions compared to existing systems questionable.
Despite some concerns, particularly with regard to the use of the overloaded 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band and questions about additional added value, Matter's potential cannot be underestimated. The broad support from leading manufacturers such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit suggests that Matter could establish itself as an important standard in the smart home sector.
Personal words
Looking into the future, Matter undoubtedly has the potential to assert itself as an essential component in the ecosystem of smart home technologies. The ability to bridge the many currently isolated devices and systems could significantly simplify and enrich the use of smart home technologies. It remains to be seen how Matter will develop and whether it can gain a foothold in the long term.
