Matter Support for Smart Home Devices: Why It Matters

The Rise of Matter and the Future of Smart Home Connectivity

As the 2022 CES tech show unfolds in Las Vegas, a significant portion of the attention is focused on Matter, a new open-source connectivity standard. This standard is founded on the principle that smart home devices should integrate effortlessly with various systems while maintaining robust security and reliability.

Current statistics from Deloitte indicate that approximately 66% of households now utilize smart home devices. Furthermore, most consumers don’t limit themselves to a single brand, often purchasing products from at least six different manufacturers. Consequently, support for Matter will be a considerable advantage for any company introducing a smart home device this year.

Addressing Fragmentation in the Smart Home Ecosystem

Developed collaboratively by major technology companies – including Apple, Amazon, and Google – alongside smart home device manufacturers, Matter aims to resolve the longstanding issue of fragmented smart home systems. The goal is to enable simple setup and centralized control of all your connected devices.

Essentially, Matter functions as the underlying infrastructure, providing the communication pipeline and language for devices to interact. It defines a specific set of IP-based networking technologies for device certification, allowing manufacturers to create products compatible with voice assistants like Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. The initial Matter protocol will operate on Wi-Fi and Thread network layers, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy for initial device commissioning.

Key Players and Demonstrations at CES 2022

The Connectivity Standards Alliance, previously known as the Zigbee Alliance, is overseeing the testing process for the first Matter-certified devices. At CES this year, they identified over two dozen companies exhibiting or demonstrating Matter support in their booths, meeting rooms, or virtual presentations.

These companies include prominent names such as NXP, Qualcomm, Samsung SmartThings, Telink, Texas Instruments, and Universal Electronics, signaling widespread industry adoption.

Google and Amazon’s Commitment to Matter

Google announced in May its plans to integrate Matter into Android and Nest. They have now revealed that, within a few months, users will be able to leverage the Android “Fast Pair” feature to quickly connect new Matter-enabled smart home devices to their network, Google Home, and other applications with minimal effort.

Amazon has also unveiled its “frustration-free setup” documentation for device manufacturers and is collaborating with numerous companies on both setup experiences and Alexa integration. This includes the ability to designate a device as a secondary administrator for Matter devices, ensuring continued control even during internet outages.

Furthermore, Amazon is partnering with silicon vendors to develop a Matter System-on-a-Chip, streamlining the frustration-free setup process. These developments follow last year’s announcement that most Echo devices would support Matter, with 4th-gen Echo and eero devices functioning as Matter Thread border routers.

Additional Companies Announcing Matter Support

Several other companies used CES to announce new devices and services compatible with Matter:

• Comcast highlighted its new xFi Advanced Gateway Router, equipped with features like “IoT for Smart Homes of the Future,” offering compatibility with both Zigbee and Matter to serve as a central hub for IoT and home automation devices.
• Eve Systems introduced Eve MotionBlinds, emphasizing its status as “the first connected blinds and shades motors in the market to support Thread.”
• Arlo Technologies unveiled its Arlo Security System, a suite of sensors with eight distinct functions, paired with a security hub and integrated keypad, targeting small businesses and consumers seeking DIY security solutions. The company reaffirmed its commitment to Matter to enhance compatibility within the smart home landscape.
• Veea debuted its Smart-home-as-a-Service offering, incorporating support for Matter, Thread, and Wi-Fi 6, alongside the Veea SmartHub mesh router for homes, known as STAX.
• Belkin announced several Matter-enabled products, including the Wemo video doorbell (compatible with Apple’s HomeKit), and the Wemo Smart Plug, Smart Light Switch, and Smart Dimmer, all designed to work with Matter over Thread.
• Mui Lab showcased its Matter-ready “muiPlatform,” aiming to transform smart devices into “calmer ones” through a board that presents Amazon’s Alexa with a more visual interface.

Michelle Mindala-Freeman, Vice President of Marketing for the Connectivity Standards Alliance, highlighted Schlage’s announcement of its new smart Wi-Fi deadbolt as a particularly noteworthy development. This deadbolt will be among the first to support Apple’s latest HomeKit enhancements, including home key functionality.

Looking Ahead: 2022 as a Pivotal Year for Matter

Mindala-Freeman predicts that 2022 will be a landmark year for Matter. With hundreds of companies involved in both the CSA and Matter initiatives, and over 50 companies having already tested 134 unique products, a substantial number of devices are expected to be available at launch.

The CSA anticipates releasing the certification, specifications, testing tools, and SDK by mid-year. This will accelerate the time-to-market for new hardware and innovations, expanding the reach to a wider consumer base.

“At a fundamental level, our job at CSA is to eliminate fragmentation and help companies to grow and do it in a way that is highly valuable to consumers,” Mindala-Freeman stated. “Standards like Matter do that, and we believe it is a rising tide that raises all boats.”