It took a while, but we’re finally seeing Material standard deploy in various smart home devices. And this time it’s coming to a Google Nest near you.
A total of eight devices will receive the update, and all will double as central hubs to control other Matter gadgets. according to the ad. (opens in new tab) You have the original Google home page speaker, Home Mini, Nest Mini, Nest AudioNest Hub (first and second generation), Nest Hub Max, and Nest Wifi Pro. Matter-enabled devices can connect to any of the eight via Wi-Fi or Thread, a wireless standard that offers a “low-power connection.” In fact, the second generation Nest Hub, Hub Max and WiFi Pro are also getting an update that allows them to serve as Thread Border routers to manage other Thread devices. In addition, Fast Pair on Android is being updated so that mobile devices can quickly connect to Matter.
However, there are some prerequisites for Android phones. A company representative told us that mobile devices must be running Android 8.1 and above, as well as Google Play Services version 22.48.14, to work with the new standard. However, nest owners do not have to do anything. The firmware update adding Matter support installs automatically.
Future promises
Since Matter is still in its early stages, there aren’t many devices that can support it, but that will soon change starting in 2023 when Google has plans to expand (opens in new tab) the standard. Google confirmed to TechRadar two such updates: Nest thermostat and Nest Wifi. The tech giant also says it is currently working with various “partners from across the industry [like Eve, Nanoleaf, and Philips Hue] to make sure more smart home devices work with Matter.” And we’ll start seeing the fruits of their labor early next year.
Samsung is also currently working on updating Matter’s multi-admin tool for an easier login experience. In 2023, the Google Home app will gain the ability to recognize “Matter devices that have been set up via the SmartThing app” on Android. In this way, users will not have to connect smart home devices one by one. Everything can be done in one fell swoop. And speaking of Google Home, the iOS version will also get Matter support next year.
Building a smart home
The selection may be small, but you have some options. Eva, who we mentioned earlier, recently released a firmware update (opens in new tab) adding Matter support for several products such as the Energy smart plug and several motion sensors. Already at the beginning of NovemberSignify has launched a range of Christmas lights under the Philips Hue brand for the new standard.
If you’re looking to build a smart home system but don’t know where to start, be sure to check out TechRadar’s recently updated version list of best home security cameras 2023.
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