Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. News

Matter smart home standard is officially available

Jon Bitner
By

After running into a few roadblocks, Matter is officially here. Announced by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the Matter certification program is now live, allowing manufacturers to bring the tech to their products and release them on an expedited timeline.

Matter is big news in the smart home community, as it will serve as a universal framework that allows different ecosystems to interact with each other. For example, your Alexa-enabled devices will be able to use Matter to communicate with your Apple HomeKit products. Its goal is to streamline the setup process for smart home devices and build an ecosystem that’s easy to use while bringing together products and software from Samsung, Google, Apple, and over 280 other collaborators.

The official Manner banner released by the CSA with a multicolored background and Matter logo.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are a lot of fancy innovations powering Matter, but at its core, Matter relies on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread to create a local connection between all your smart home products. It then allows these gadgets to communicate with each other, resulting in streamlined setup and operation. There’s also no need for an internet connection to operate products using Matter, adding an extra layer of security and privacy.

Related

Matter has only just gone live, but many manufacturers have been dabbling with an early access version of the technology — and we could see the first commercial products using Matter go live within the next few months. The CSA is holding a big event on November 3, which should provide more details about Matter and possibly show off the first real products that incorporate the tech.

Recommended Videos

Right now, Matter will be limited to use in smart bulbs, smart plugs, smart switches, smart sensors, and a few other product lines. Eventually, the CSA will roll out support for more common devices, such as smart locks and cameras.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
Leviton’s new outdoor smart plug is the first with Matter support
The Leviton Outdoor Smart Plug plugged into an outlet in front of red siding.

The Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Switch is the latest product to offer Matter support. In fact, it’s also the first and only Matter-enabled outdoor smart plug on the market. It's a bit expensive at $55, but seeing as it’s the only member of its class right now, it might be worth the price tag.

Aside from Matter support, Leviton packed the Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Switch with premium features. This includes extreme weather protection, an IP65 rating for waterproofing, a built-in light sensor that can automatically turn the unit on or off, and support for the Leviton smartphone app.

Read more
What is Apple HomeKit?
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

Apple HomeKit, often called Apple Home, is a smart home platform that lets you control all your smart home gadgets in one place. Its main competitors are Amazon Alexa and Google Home -- both of which offer similar functionality and support for a wide range of products.

There’s a lot of nuance to Apple Home, and it has seen continued growth over the past few years, making it a compelling choice to power your smart home.

Read more
This $4,000 smart door comes packing a Ring video doorbell and Yale smart lock
The Masonite Smart Door installed on a home.

Smart home gadgets span a wide range of categories. From video doorbells and robot vacuums to outdoor cameras and smart speakers, smart gadgets can be found in all corners of the modern home. Now, thanks to Home Depot, you can now snag the first residential smart door -- and it features a built-in Yale smart lock and Ring video doorbell.

Before you rush out to your local Home Depot, it’s worth noting that this futuristic smart door comes with a hefty price tag of $4,000. Multiple styles are available, including two different sizes and additional sidelites, and depending on your configuration, its price can balloon to an eye-watering $7,000.

Read more