It’s taken a little while, but we’re finally seeing the subject standard Deploy to various smart home devices. And this time, it’s coming to a Google Nest near you.
Eight devices in total will receive the update and all will double as central hubs for controlling other Matter devices. According to the announcement. (opens in a new tab) you have the original Google Home speaker, Home Mini, mini nest, audio nestNest Hub (first and second generation), Nest Hub Maxand the Nest Wifi Pro. Devices that support the materia can connect to any of the eight via Wi-Fi or Thread, a wireless standard that offers a “low energy connection.” In fact, the 2nd generation Nest Hub, Hub Max, and WiFi Pro are also getting an update that allows them to serve as thread edge routers to control other Thread devices. Additionally, Fast Pair on Android is being updated so 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 or higher, as well as version 22.48.14 of Google Play Services to work with the new standard. However, Nest owners don’t have to do anything. The firmware update that adds Matter support is installed automatically.
future promises
Since Matter is still in its early stages, there aren’t many devices that support it, but that will soon change starting in 2023 when Google has expansion plans (opens in a new tab) the standard. Google confirmed to TechRadar two such updates: the nest thermostat Y Nest WiFi. The tech giant also claims that it currently works with several “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 to see the fruits of their labor early next year.
Samsung is also currently working on updating Matter’s Multi-Admin tool for an easier onboarding experience. In 2023, the Google Home app will have the ability to recognize “Matter devices that were set up through the SmartThing app” on Android. That way, users won’t have to connect smart home devices one by one. Everything can be done in one go. And speaking of Google Home, the iOS version will also get Matter support next year.
Building a smart home
The winnings may be slim, but you do have a few options. Eve, which we mentioned earlier, recently released a firmware update (opens in a new tab) adding Matter support for various products like its Energy smart plug and a couple of motion sensors. back in early novemberSignify launched a set 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 recent update. List of the best home security cameras for 2023.