Every Device That Works with Matter (August 2024)

The Growing Popularity of Matter in Smart Homes

Two years after its launch, Matter, the smart home standard developed by industry giants such as Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung, is finally gaining traction. This protocol aims to simplify the experience of buying, setting up, and utilizing connected gadgets. With Matter, consumers can expect interoperability among smart devices, allowing seamless communication across various platforms.

Understanding Matter: The Essentials

If you're not yet familiar with Matter, it's essential to grasp the basics. Matter serves as an open connectivity standard that enhances secure and reliable communication between Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Essentially, if a smart device is Matter-compatible, it can be integrated within any smart home ecosystem—whether that’s Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, or Google Home. The goal is to offer a unified interface across different devices, no matter the manufacturer.

How Matter Operates

What sets Matter apart is its local connectivity. It works over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Thread—a low-power wireless networking protocol aimed specifically at smart home devices. Because it doesn’t rely on cloud connections, users can enjoy quicker responses from their devices, similar to flipping a traditional light switch. Furthermore, security is built into the standard, making it a more reliable choice for smart home enthusiasts.

The Current Standing of Matter

As of August 2024, while the Matter specification has expanded to support most device types people want in their homes, the implementation of these standards is still in progress. The latest spec release indicates that Matter now supports energy management—a crucial feature for those looking to save both energy and costs.

Device Types Supported by Matter

Here’s a rundown of the device categories currently compatible with Matter:

Implemented: Air purifiers, smart door locks, thermostats, smart plugs, light bulbs, and more.
Announced: Dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and other appliances are part of the spec but are not yet available for purchase.

Smart Home Platforms Compatible with Matter

Several popular smart home platforms support Matter, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home, although none cover all device types. This fragmented support structure means that if you want to take advantage of Matter's features, you'll still need to be mindful about which devices and platforms play well together.

Getting Started with Matter-Compatible Devices

To utilize devices that support Matter, you will need:

A Matter controller, such as the Apple HomePod, Google Nest Hub, or Amazon devices.
Compatible smart home applications to manage and control Matter devices, like the Apple Home app or the SmartThings app.

The Promise of Future Enhancements

The development of Matter continues to evolve, with plans for additional features and broader device compatibility. For instance, smart cameras and home security systems are on the roadmap for future updates, which will further enhance the appeal of Matter.

Conclusion

While Matter is not yet the definitive solution for connecting all smart home devices, it presents an exciting step forward in the quest for a unified platform. By facilitating easier communication among devices, Matter paves the way for innovative smart home solutions that can be controlled across multiple platforms, improving user experience and device interoperability.