Does it Matter? Not with new smart home compatibility standards (IoT network guide update 2024)

Does it Matter? Yes! Matter is the new name for Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP). The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance, backs the new standard. In short, Matter-certified devices should work with each other regardless of the brand or ecosystem.

Matter is an organisation of hundreds of companies creating, maintaining, and delivering open, global standards for the Internet of Things (IoT). It is not all about altruism but making a smart home easy. The current different standards – Google, Alex, Siri, Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and more make it hard to get a one-size-fits-all and hold smart home adoption back.

So far, Google Home, Works with Alexa, LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings and Apple HomeKit have more interoperability on their own platforms, but they still don’t talk to each other. Fortunately, they support Matter.

We believe all objects can work together to enhance our day-to-day experiences, and together we create the standards, tools, and platforms which make this possible.

Matter will also enhance IoT security, reduce energy use and implement (where possible) mesh between IoT to extend the smart home range beyond Wi-Fi or ZigBee.

For example, the complete Philips Hue range of smart lights, bridges and accessories will receive OTA Matter firmware updates. For example, an ambient light sensor could alter the light/hue levels to match outside light.

Signify is a leading smart lighting and a long-term leader in the Alliance. It is excited to be a driving force in the creation and adoption of Matter. We believe this multi-brand interoperability in the smart home will catalyse the benefit and value of smart lighting worldwide via both Philips Hue and other smart lights and accessories.”

George Yianni, Head of Technology Philips Hue, on behalf of Signify.

Does it matter?

Today – that is, during 2024, Matter is still a concept that needs work. I would look for Matter compatibility for any new smart home device. It is a reasonable bet that your investment will be safe if it works with the current major platforms and is from a Matter member.

But if the device is not Matter compliant and you prefer its features, then it is no big deal. In our opinion, Matter only matters when it’s an industry standard supported by everyone. That is a few years away.

Version 1.0 of Matter introduced support for lighting products (such as mains power plugs, electric lights and switches), door locks, thermostats and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controllers, blinds and shades, home security sensors (such as door, window and motion sensors), and televisions and streaming video players

Version 1.2 now includes refrigerators, room air conditioners, dishwashers, laundry washers, robotic vacuums, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, air quality sensors, air purifiers, and fans.

The easiest way to connect Matter devices is via Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa using a Matter-compatible hub or router/mesh.

CyberShack reviews for brands that support Matter

And many more that will use Matter-compatible chips from Intel, Qualcomm, MediaTek, ARM and the Matter OS based on Ubuntu.