Matter, The Connectivity Protocol, Will Make Smarthome Dreams Come True

Compatible devices appear that connect automatically and work with other Matter-connected devices on your home network

The material is designed to be more secure and private than other smart home systems

Pavel is dead | Posted on 12/15/22 12:31 AM

You'll be hearing a lot about Material in the coming months. It's actually a counting method (pardon the pun). The material is technical. Here's how it works.

Usually, when a new type of product enters the market, customers are forced to swear by the format. For example, you can buy a smart bulb that works with some hubs, but if you buy a smart bulb from a competing brand, it won't work with other hubs. Once you start investing in brands, you're deep into the ecosystem. The smart home segment is a classic example. The buyer will need to purchase a special smart light bulb, a special switch that works with the light bulb, and possibly a thermostat that works with a special switch.

The material is a "closure protocol" that can help. "Connection protocol" may sound very cheesy and not much more. But be patient and keep reading.

Users do not need to worry about the Material as it is a set of technical standards. New content-enabled devices automatically connect and work with other content-enabled devices on your home network. For example, if you use platforms like Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit or Google Home, they can all control your smart devices. Devices that activate the substance will have a logo indicating this.

All the big names in smart home technology are taking part. Tired of your Alexa powered speaker? Step up to Apple's HomePod Mini, and the smart bulb that used to work with Alexa now works with Siri.

Lexa now works with Siri. The material is designed to be more secure and private than other smart home systems. Sure, Material is like a universal language that defines core features, but brands will always work on advanced brand-specific features. As developers want to add functionality to their smart home products, they need to update the software for each platform. Not anymore. Once a change is made, it applies to all brands, reducing development costs. Some Material-based products are already commercially available. Take, for example, the Eve Energy Smart Plug, Wiz Light Bulb, Yale Smart Lock or Eve Door & Window Contact Sensor. There are Material controllers, including the Apple Home Hub and the Samsung SmartThings Hub, and now they have devices to control them.

And if you're worried about having to start over, don't be. All Philips Hue lights will work with Matter when the Hue Bridge it controls receives a software update. Likewise, other brands may insist on software updates to keep things working.