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.
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.
I don't particularly want AI running my house, but this is much closer to the futuristic smart home we were promised than another app-controlled light bulb.
This Matter-ready smart display could finally fix your chaotic household
IKEA’s new KAJPLATS smart bulbs secretly support Zigbee, letting them work with older hubs and “Threadless” smart homes.
Matter promised seamless smart homes, but many devices still hide key features behind proprietary apps — and consumers are noticing.
Can a £7 IKEA Matter sensor actually protect an old house from hidden water damage? I bought two KLIPPBOK leak sensors to find out before the next expensive leak strikes.
Matter and Aliro could finally turn smart locks from fragmented gadgets into mainstream home infrastructure.
Samsung SmartThings adds Matter 1.5 outdoor device support and KNX integration, expanding deeper into smart homes and commercial automation.
Interoperability may be making smart homes more capable, but it’s also making them more expensive.
Former Matter contributors are building mashNet, a smart home infrastructure platform designed for housebuilders and AI-ready homes.
From a shaky 1.0 start to a camera-powered powerhouse, here is our regularly updated guide to every version of the Matter smart home standard.
