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.
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.
The Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Pro uses AI to identify birds and track activity, but its lack of Matter support feels like a missed opportunity.
IKEA is quietly phasing out its B22 bayonet smart bulbs. For UK and Australian homeowners reliant on these classic fittings, here is what the shift means for you.
The IKEA DIRIGERA is more than a simple smart hub. With recent updates, this budget-friendly device has evolved into a full Matter controller and more.
If your IKEA DIRIGERA is stuck on old firmware, you’re missing out on vital Matter and Thread support. Don't press the reset button—try this instead.
With the Matter 1.4 spec now unlocking advanced room-specific cleaning, choosing the right robot vacuum is more critical than ever. Here are the best Matter-enabled cleaners for a truly automated home in 2026.
Eufy’s new FamiLock trio brings Matter to your door, but they launch without Aliro support. Is this a dealbreaker for the future of digital keys?
Billions of devices, one massive security bottleneck. Manufacturers are drowning in redundant red tape, but a new global standard is finally here to help.
Thinking about buying a robot vacuum cleaner? Here is everything you need to know.
With dual-joint robotic arms and a chassis that climbs 10cm obstacles, Dreame’s new X60 Pro Ultra Complete looks more like a Star Wars droid than a vac.
Firmware updates have quietly turned IKEA's DIRIGERA from a basic bridge into a capable Matter controller, Thread router, and more.
