Various Internet of Things (IoT) standards have attempted to become the go-to for smart homes but have suffered from some companies putting their weight behind one over another, or pushing their own proprietary standard. For consumers, this has resulted in some homes having multiple hubs for their smart devices and not all working together seamlessly (if at all).

Matter

Matter is a new smart home IoT standard and certification program.

Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) comments: 

“What started as a mission to unravel the complexities of connectivity has resulted in Matter, a single, global IP-based protocol that will fundamentally change the IoT.”

“This release is the first step on a journey our community and the industry are taking to make the IoT more simple, secure, and valuable no matter who you are or where you live. With global support from companies large and small, today’s Matter 1.0 release is more than a milestone for our organisation and our members; it is a celebration of what is possible.”

CSA members include Apple, Google, Amazon, Huawei, Samsung, IKEA, Schneider Electric, Signify, Bosch, Verizon, Logitech, and many hundred others.

Smart Homes

The backing of Matter from almost all major tech companies will go a long way to finally unlocking the full potential of smart homes.

Apple, for its part, announced that it would be launching iOS support for Matter. With the official launch of Matter this week, Apple is expected to enable support in the upcoming iOS 16.1 update.

Matter launches alongside test cases and tools for CSA members. Matter uses Thread, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Low Energy.

“Matter and Thread resolve interoperability and connectivity issues in smart homes so manufacturers can focus on other value-adding innovations,” explained Thread Group president Vividh Siddha.

“Thread creates a self-healing mesh network which grows more responsive and reliable with each added device, and its ultra-lower power architecture extends battery life. Combined, Thread with Matter is a powerful choice for product companies and a great value for consumers.”

The initial release supports common smart home products including lighting and electrical, HVAC controls, window coverings and shades, safety and security sensors, door locks, media devices including TVs, controllers as both devices and applications, and bridges.

“Matter leverages Wi-Fi’s sophisticated network efficiency, global pervasiveness of more than 18 billion devices in use today, and robust standards-based foundation to help deliver the IoT vision,” said Edgar Figueroa, President and CEO of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Richard Wheeler Associates works with technology-led companies in CleanTech. 

Contact us to find out more or browse our latest jobs.