Christian has been writing about technology since the mid 2000s, and has been published in numerous publications, online and in print. These include Android Magazine, Linux User & Developer, Linux Format, Tech Radar, Tom's Hardware, and Computer Active. From 2014-2024, he was a section editor and later deputy editor at MakeUseOf, before joining the Matter Alpha team. Christian enjoys old video games (mainly C64, Amiga, and MS-DOS), classic TV, and telling everyone who will listen that they should have a robot cleaner. When he's not shaping articles, Christian is a dad to three dancers, collects Lego, and is an avid home chef.
Thread isn't just another smart home protocol. These seven devices show how its low power consumption and mesh networking can make a difference.
Shelly’s first mmWave presence sensor can track up to 10 people across 10 zones, with Matter support, local control, and camera-free automation.
SwitchBot is cutting up to 59% off smart locks, robot vacuums and Matter gear during its Fall Sale and Prime Big Deal Days.
SwitchBot’s new RGB light bars bring native Matter over Wi-Fi, multi-zone color effects, and smart home control without requiring a hub.
You might already own a Thread Border Router without knowing it. These five devices have Thread connectivity hiding in plain sight.
Roborock has expanded its automated cleaning lineup at IFA 2026 with the high-clearance Saros 20 Flow Complete and slimline Saros 20 Neo robotic vacuums, alongside new outdoor robotic pool cleaners and LiDAR lawn mowers.
TCL Home Security has launched the D2 Pro Matter, an upgraded smart lock that adds Matter-over-Thread and local control modes to its contactless palm vein recognition system for $199.99.
Athom has launched two dedicated apps for Homey, bringing official integration, control, and Flow automation to Zigbee and Matter-based LEDVANCE SMART+ and OSRAM SMART+ lighting and plugs.
Govee’s new Strip Light 2 combines RGBWWIC 5-in-1 LEDs, LuminBlend+ color management, and Matter compatibility across four customizable lengths starting at $49.99.
While Matter has become a mandatory checklist item for smart plugs, lighting, locks, and thermostats, there are still a few tech categories where skipping the protocol makes sense.
Buying affordable Matter-compatible gear should be easy, but navigating IKEA's messy smart home aisles is a frustrating ordeal.
Smart plugs do more than switch appliances on and off. With energy monitoring, they can trigger automations, send alerts and reveal energy use.
Channel Master’s new Pro Floodlight uses rugged coaxial cable to bring reliable power and fast Apple Home control to the furthest reaches of your yard.
As smart home tech moves from the living room to the garden, robot lawn mowers remain a glaring omission. With outdoor automation scaling up, it’s time for the Connectivity Standards Alliance to bring grass cutters into the Matter fold.
The days of flicking light switches in rhythmic patterns to pair devices are finally over. Matter 1.4 has quietly revolutionized smart home commissioning, making setup faster, more reliable, and—most importantly—less frustrating.
SwitchBot has launched its new Outdoor Pan/Tilt Cam 3K, featuring AI-powered tracking and local NAS support, though it notably skips native Matter.
SwitchBot’s latest ceiling light features native Matter-over-Wi-Fi for seamless local control without a hub. Starting at $49.99, it is available today.
If your smart home still relies solely on plugs and bulbs, you’re missing out. Here are five Matter-enabled device categories to level up your automation.
Level Home is offering its deepest discounts of 2026 this Prime Day. Save up to 25% on these discreet, Matter-ready smart locks for your front door.
Prime Day is here, and Yeedi is slashing prices on its robot vacuum lineup by up to 67%. Here are the best deals to automate your home floors.
