Explainer
Why choose a local Matter hub over a cloud-based one?
A smart home doesn't have to live in the clouds.
A lifelong storyteller and gadget nerd, Bertel has spent his entire adult career immersed in consumer tech. He covered news for Android Police during the wild smartphone boom years of 2013-2016, helped readers make use of technology at none other than MakeUseOf from 2014-2025, and continues to write passionately about our digital tools and companions over at How-To Geek. Matter gave him the confidence to build a smart home of his own, and he's happy to share that enthusiam as part of the Matter Alpha team. When not writing about tech, you can find him playing board games with family and friends, binge reading graphic novels, or enjoying leisurely meditations out in the woods.
Articles
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Explainer
What is IP65 weather proofing and does your smart home need it?
More smart home products are exposed to the elements than you might think.
Review
IKEA Timmerflotte review: a fun sensor I'd buy even without Matter
This temperature and humidity sensor does everything I want it to, and nothing more.
Review
IKEA Bilresa smart remote with dual buttons review: a $6 miracle
Buy this smart remote. Buy more than one.
Explainer
IKEA is about to take over my smart home for these four reasons
Yes, IKEA, take my money.
Review
Lockly Secure Link Wi-Fi Hub review: not quite reliable, but better than nothing
This Matter bridge connects your Lockly lock to your smart home platform of choice, but having to rely on a separate component does come with its downsides.
Explainer
Small Matter devices need batteries, and the type matters more than you think
Features are important, but so is the type of battery that enables it all to happen.
Explainer
Matter improved my home in these 5 ways in 2025
I took a chance on many Matter products this year, and my home is better off for it.
Explainer
My 4 favorite Matter purchases of 2025
Not every Matter product I purchased this year was a winner, but these four have become cherished additions to my home.
Explainer
Your Matter smart home still needs buttons, and the options are getting better
Matter isn't only for apps and voice assistants.
Explainer
I just connected my first Matter-compatible smart locks—here's what it's like
Lockly Secure Link adapters add Matter compatibility to existing Wi-Fi smart locks, enabling unified control and automation within major smart home platforms, despite minor limitations.
Explainer
Things I've learned from upgrading all of the wall switches in my home
Matter smart switches keep regular function (low friction) but have glowing lights; main benefit is checking all lights at a glance for under $1,000 total cost.
Explainer
Smart home notifications are more curse than blessing
There are many reasons to want smart devices, but notifications may not be one of them after all.
Explainer
Integrating 50 lights with a smart home ecosystem
It's the smart features that really Matter.
Explainer
Issues I ran into while installing Matter smart switches
Installing Matter smart switches involves unexpected hurdles: complex 3/4-way wiring, crowded multi-gang boxes, tricky neutral wire bundles, and hidden costs like wall plates.
Explainer
Installing a smart switch is easier than I thought
Smart switch installation is manageable for homeowners: the process is simpler than expected, but identifying line/load wires and ensuring a neutral wire is essential for Matter switches.
Explainer
Why I chose Tapo lights
TP-Link Tapo smart switches, chosen for Matter compatibility, low cost, and hub-free Wi-Fi control, prove to be the best-reviewed, unbranded option for whole-home smart lighting.
Review
Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition Review: Open Source, for Better or Worse
As an open and community-backed project, Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition is impressive, but it isn't without its quirks—or its bugs.
How To
How to add a smart bulb to Home Assistant
Adding a Matter smart bulb with Home Assistant is a great way to kick off your smart home
How To
How to add a motion sensor to Samsung SmartThings
The smartest things don't need to wait for your commands.