Smart home IoT revolution, thorough understanding of Matter standards and device recommendation
- Tech
- 31 May, 2024
Introduction: Say goodbye to the complicated and annoying smart home!
“Smart light bulbs are turned on with the Philips Hue app, the robot vacuum cleaner is turned on with the Xiaomi Mi Home app, and the air conditioner is controlled with the Samsung SmartThings app...”
Anyone who has built a smart home at all will deeply empathize with how tiring this situation is. It was difficult to enjoy 'automation' in the true sense of the word as the ecosystem was fragmented by manufacturer, with a dedicated app having to be installed for each device and devices supporting Apple HomeKit not being available on Google Home.
However, in 2024, the smart home market entered a completely new phase with a huge wave called 'Matter'. Now, a true smart home era has begun where we can control all the devices in our home with one app, without having to worry about brands.
What on earth is Matter?
Matter is a smart home Internet of Things (IoT) linkage standard technology developed by the CSA (Connectivity Standards Alliance), led by global big tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung Electronics.
To put it simply, it is like the 'USB port' of the smart home industry. In the past, cell phone charger terminals were different for each manufacturer, which was inconvenient, but after they were unified into USB (Type-C), any device could be charged with a single cable.
3 core advantages of Matter
- Perfect Interoperability (Great Brand Integration): You no longer need to ask “Does this light bulb support Apple HomeKit?” If there is a 'Matter' logo on the product box, it works 100% on any platform the user wants, including Google Home, Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Amazon Alexa.
- Local control without cloud (fast and safe): When you press a switch, many existing IoT devices go through the router to the manufacturer's cloud server (external) before turning on the light. If the internet was cut off, it would stop working. On the other hand, Matter's response speed is much faster and there are fewer concerns about cloud server hacking because devices communicate directly within the home's local network (using Thread technology).
- Ultimately Easy Initial Setup: The process of connecting your devices has become extremely simple. Simply scan the QR code attached to the device with your smartphone and it will be registered on the network within seconds and can be used immediately.
Matter Essential concepts for building a smart home: Thread and Border Router
To use your Matter device smoothly, it is helpful to know two technical concepts.
- Thread: A low-power wireless mesh network protocol used by Matter devices to communicate with each other. It consumes very less power than existing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making it suitable for battery-operated sensors, and has the characteristic that the communication network becomes more dense and stable as the number of devices increases.
- Border Router: A key device that acts as an 'interpreter' and 'hub' that connects the Thread network (conversation between devices) and Wi-Fi network (Internet/smartphone). To control all your Matter over Thread devices externally (smartphone), at least one Border Router in your home is essential.
- Representative border router devices: Apple HomePod Mini, Apple TV 4K, Samsung SmartThings Hub (V3/Station), Google Nest Hub (2nd generation), etc.
Recommended entry-level Matter-enabled devices for 2024
As the Matter standard spreads in earnest, a variety of products are being released. These are essential devices by category recommended for smart home beginners.
1. Smart plug & smart switch (Tapo, Aqara)
This is the cheapest and most reliable product that allows you to experience a smart home. Just plug an old fan or stand light into a smart plug and you can turn it on and off using your smartphone or voice.
- Recommended products: TP-Link's Tapo smart plug (excellent cost-effectiveness, Wi-Fi-based Matter support), Aqara smart wall switch (neat finish that does not harm the interior)
2. Smart lighting (Nanoleaf, Philips Hue)
It is a key item that improves the quality of life by changing the atmosphere of the house and gradually becoming brighter according to the time you wake up in the morning.
- Recommended products: Nanoleaf Essentials lineup (most active support for Thread, very fast response speed and great color), Philips Hue (industry standard quality, full support for Matter through recent bridge update)
3. Various sensors (Aqara, SwitchBot)
The flower of automation is ‘sensor’. You can create conditions such as “When the open sensor attached to the door is opened -> the entrance light turns on”, “When the temperature sensor detects over 26 degrees -> the air conditioner turns on.”
- Recommended product: Aqara P2 door/window sensor (fast response based on Matter over Thread and long-lasting battery)
Conclusion: The beginning of a smart home with no reason to delay any longer
In the past, smart homes were considered the exclusive domain of early adopters and those with extensive IT knowledge. Complex settings and frequent linking errors were barriers to entry. However, the introduction of the Matter standard completely broke down these barriers.
If you have been hesitating to build a smart home due to compatibility issues or complexity of settings, now is the best time to start in 2024. Start small by connecting a Matter-enabled smart plug to a nightstand light in your living room. Once you taste the convenience, you'll never go back to your old analog life.
