What is Matter and How Does it Work?

Matter is a new communication protocol that allows smart home devices from different manufacturers to talk to each other seamlessly. This means you won't have to worry about compatibility issues when buying new smart home devices.

Imagine Matter as a universal language for your smart home devices. Just like everyone can understand each other when speaking the same language, Matter allows different devices to communicate and work together, regardless of the brand.

  • Who created Matter?

    Matter was created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), a group of over 400 tech companies, including big names like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung. This collaboration ensures that Matter is widely adopted and supported by a vast range of devices.

  • Benefits of Matter

    • Simplified setup: With Matter, you can easily add new devices to your smart home without worrying about compatibility issues.
    • Increased choice: You'll have a wider range of smart home devices to choose from, as more manufacturers will be able to create Matter-compatible products.
    • Improved control: You can control all your smart home devices from one app or voice assistant, regardless of the brand.
    • Enhanced security: Matter is built with security in mind, so you can be confident that your smart home is safe.
  • How does Matter work?

    Matter uses a combination of technologies to communicate between devices, including:

    • Thread: A low-power mesh networking technology that is reliable and secure.
    • Wi-Fi: A common networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet.
    • Ethernet: A wired networking technology that provides a fast and reliable connection.

Getting started with Matter

To use Matter devices, you'll need a HUB that supports both Matter and Thread. This hub acts as a central point for your smart home devices and allows them to communicate with each other.

Several smart home platforms offer hubs that support Matter and Thread, including Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.

Matter Controllers with Thread Border Router functionality

These devices act as both a Matter Controller and a Thread Border Router, allowing you to connect and control Matter devices and create a Thread network in your home.

smart blinds that works with google home through matter over thread
smart blinds that works with apple home through matter over thread
smart blinds that works with smartthings through matter over thread
smart blinds that works with alexa through matter over thread

required hubs

  • Apple home

    Apple:

    Apple TV 4K (3rd gen, 128 GB)

    Apple TV 4K (2nd gen)

    HomePod (2nd gen)

    HomePod mini

  • Google home

    Google:

    Nest Hub (2nd gen)

    Nest Hub Max

    Nest Wifi Pro

  • alexa

    Amazon:

    Echo Show 8 (3rd generation)

    Echo (4th generation)

  • smartthings

    Samsung:

    SmartThings Hub v3

    SmartThings Station