- How Does Matter Work?
- Who is Behind Matter?
- What are the Benefits?
- How Does Matter Integrate Existing Devices?
- When Will Matter Launch?
- How Do You Set Up Matter Devices?
- How Does Matter Impact Security and Privacy?
- What Are Thread and Border Routers?
- What is the Future of Matter?
- Examples of Matter Integrations
- Key Matter Takeaways
Matter is an emerging connectivity standard that promises to unify fragmented smart home ecosystems. Created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), Matter makes devices interact seamlessly across platforms. This guide explains Matter for consumers in a readable, easily digestible way.
How Does Matter Work?
Matter is a new interoperability protocol that allows smart home devices to work together across ecosystems. The CSA, comprised of over 500 smart home companies, developed Matter to fix common issues:
- Compatibility – Consumers must now verify devices work with platforms like Alexa or HomeKit. Matter enables cross-compatibility.
- Complexity – Managing separate apps and ecosystems is difficult. Matter simplifies the smart home.
- Reliability – Cloud-reliant devices have slow response times. Matter works locally or in the cloud.
Technically, Matter supports multiple connectivity protocols:
- WiFi – For high-bandwidth devices like appliances and cameras.
- Thread – A mesh network protocol ideal for low-power devices like sensors.
- Bluetooth LE – For setup only.
- Ethernet – For wired devices.
This optimized protocol approach allows WiFi cameras, Thread sensors, etc. Matter uses 128-bit encryption for secure communications between devices. Over-the-air firmware updates also enable new capabilities.
Who is Behind Matter?
The organizations behind Matter include:
- Apple
- Amazon
- Samsung SmartThings
- Zigbee Alliance
- Over 170 other companies
Matter incorporates existing protocols:
- Thread – Low-power mesh network for connecting Matter devices.
- Zigbee – Evolving to integrate with Matter.
- Z-Wave – Developing Matter solutions.
- WiFi – Provides IP control.
These protocols will continue playing roles as Matter advances.
What are the Benefits?
Matter offers several advantages:
- Interoperability – Devices work across ecosystems, not just one brand.
- Simplified setup – Onboarding uses QR codes and mobile apps.
- Reliable connectivity – Thread offers low-latency mesh networking.
- Future-proof – Certified devices will work robustly.
- Flexibility – Use Matter with Alexa, Google, Siri, or any platform.
- Enhanced security – End-to-end encryption and over-the-air updates.
In summary, Matter enables seamless smart home functionality regardless of brand and ecosystem.
How Does Matter Integrate Existing Devices?
For current smart home devices, Matter compatibility varies:
- WiFi devices – Select products will receive software updates enabling Matter.
- Thread devices – Most existing Thread devices will need upgrading.
- Zigbee/Z-Wave – Hubs may bridge these devices to Matter.
- Bluetooth – Incompatible with Matter, so replacement needed.
Gradually, new Matter devices will be released and updates rolled out. Legacy devices not upgraded will still work as-is within their native environment.
When Will Matter Launch?
The initial Matter 1.0 specification launched in 2022. However, Matter devices are still limited. Broad availability is expected in 2023 and beyond as the ecosystem expands.
Matter controllers already exist, including:
- Google Nest smart speakers and displays
- Amazon Echo smart speakers
- Apple HomePod Mini, HomePod, and Apple TV
- Samsung SmartThings hub
With controllers available, Matter interoperability will grow as more compatible devices launch.
How Do You Set Up Matter Devices?
Setting up Matter devices will use QR code scanning and mobile apps. You’ll need:
- Matter controller – A smart speaker, hub or other receiver supporting Matter control.
- Thread border router – A Thread-enabled device connecting Matter devices to your home WiFi.
- Mobile app – For QR code scanning and device control.
With these three components, adding Matter-certified devices from any brand will be straightforward.
How Does Matter Impact Security and Privacy?
Matter implements robust security:
- End-to-end 128-bit encryption.
- Device authentication preventing unauthorized access.
- Secure over-the-air firmware updates.
- No remote access without permission.
- Rigorous device certification procedures.
Matter won’t change existing platform permissions. For example, your Alexa voice history won’t be available in Google Home unless you explicitly permit it.
What Are Thread and Border Routers?
Thread is an important wireless protocol used by Matter. It enables reliable, low-latency, secure local connections between devices.
Key features include:
- Mesh networking – Self-healing connectivity, so devices route dynamically around failures.
- Low power – Optimized for battery-powered devices like sensors.
- Secure – Strong encryption to prevent eavesdropping.
- Low latency – For speedy real-time control.
However, Thread alone doesn’t enable Matter interoperability. A Thread border router is needed to connect Thread devices to WiFi and Matter controllers.
Options for border routing include Nest smart speakers, Apple TV boxes, dedicated routers, and more.
What is the Future of Matter?
While Matter is just getting started, we’ll likely see rapid evolution:
- Mainstream adoption – As more devices launch, Matter will reach critical mass.
- Expanded capabilities – Matter will add support for new device types and features.
- Cloud integration – Cloud connectivity will enable advanced AI-driven functionality.
- Cutting-edge technology – Innovations like WiFi 7 and spatial awareness may be incorporated.
- Easy setup – Onboarding may become fully automated leveraging spatial sensing.
- Custom integrations – Open APIs will allow advanced integrations by developers and enthusiasts.
Put simply, Matter intends to provide the connectivity fabric enabling the seamless smart home experience consumers have long awaited.
Examples of Matter Integrations
Unifying Smart Lighting
Your home currently has a mix of Hue bulbs (Zigbee), Nanoleaf Essentials lights (Thread), and WiFi bulbs.
The Hue bridge will integrate Zigbee bulbs into Matter. Your Apple TV can border route Nanoleaf Thread bulbs. With Matter, all these lights now work together, controlled by any ecosystem.
Coordinating HVAC Systems
Your home has a Nest thermostat (WiFi) and new Sensi thermostat (Thread).
The Sensi links via Thread to your border routing Apple TV. Now Nest and Sensi work together, controlled from Nest, Alexa, or HomeKit for whole home climate automation.
Key Matter Takeaways
In summary, key Matter points:
- Seamless smart home interoperability regardless of brand or ecosystem.
- Multiple protocols like Thread and WiFi provide robust connectivity.
- Gradual integration of legacy devices through updates.
- Initial launch underway, with full maturation taking time.
- Strong end-to-end encryption and device authentication.
- Eventual simple, unified smart home setup and control.
With Matter, we move one step closer to the true smart home potential – a securely connected home where devices work in harmony to enhance our lives.
