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.
Smart home exterior specialists Rachio are releasing a landscape lighting controller, which will bring Matter-controlled lighting to your garden. The Rachio Smart Lighting Controller will support three lighting zones, and complement Rachio’s other smart outdoors hardware.
Schlage unveiled cutting-edge smart locks at CES 2025. The Sense Pro with Matter-over-Thread boasts hands-free unlocking using Ultra Wideband. The Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt offers easy keypad entry and direct home Wi-Fi connection. Both integrate seamlessly with the updated Schlage Home app.
Streamlining Matter device adoption, Apple, Google, and Samsung will now accept certification results from the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Interop Lab for their respective "Works With" programs, simplifying the go-to-market process for manufacturers.
A collection of significant Matter devices are expected to be unveiled at CES 2025, so here's a look at the smart home devices we're particularly interested in seeing.
THIRDREALITY plans to announce a Matter-compatible Water Leak Sensor KM1 at CES 2025, adding to its growing range of Matter smart home devices.
Was 2024 the "Year of Matter?" Not quite, but it certainly made some headway, becoming more important to smart home manufacturers. Its anonymity continues to be a problem as we move into 2025, however.
LG has unveiled a new microwave ahead of CES 2025, adding a new way to get Matter into your smart home kitchen.
Silicon Labs backs Matter, encouraging more companies to join the smart home revolution.
Get a sneak peek at Aqara's upcoming Matter smart home devices, including a new camera with advanced features and an innovative in-wall display.
A new Matter-certified Home Energy Management System is coming in 2025. The SeeZero thermostat and display are the result of a collaboration between microcontroller producer NXP and geo.
NEC Platforms has joined the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), but what can it offer the Matter-driven smart home?
Wouldn’t it be great if your lights automatically adjusted their intensity and temperature depending on the weather or time of day? Well, a new update to the IKEA Home app has added that very feature.
One of the key aspects of the Matter smart home platform is its energy monitoring features, extended in Matter 1.4. With careful management and configuration, there is the potential for a smart home to not only save you some physical energy, but to also reduce on domestic energy use. So do Matter devices contribute to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability?
One of the most popular television brands, Samsung, has stealithy been adding Matter into households for the past few years. Via the SmartThings smart home panel on Samsung TVs, you can add and remove Matter-compatible and other smart home gear. Better still, Samsung SmartThings is easy to set up on your TV, too.
The smart home is gradually moving out of the house and into other parts of your property. Exterior lighting was the first step, then gardens. But what about your garage? Can Matter work with your garage door?
The promise of a slick, functional smart home is tantalizingly within reach, and failure is frustrating. But just sometimes, it’s a good idea to sit back, take a more holistic view of the situation, and let yourself have a bit of a chuckle. After all, we managed okay before the smart home came along. With this in mind, here are five funny smart home videos guaranteed to lighten the mood.
Aqara has been spoiling smart home users with its increasingly common inclusion of Matter compatibility over the past few months. Two new products, previously announced but unavailable until now, underline the company’s commitment to Matter.
The CEOs of the Connectivity Standards Alliance and the Wi-Fi Alliance recently put their heads together to discuss the impact of both bodies on the development of the smart home. It’s an interesting chat, but what are the takeaways that Matter from this discussion?
Matter is expanding its reach across the smart home space, but we've spotted a few common household items that could really do with some improved smart integration.
The Matter smart home standard promises interoperability, compatibility, and an easier experience with your smart tech. But one area where there is still work to be done is with doorbells, particularly Amazon’s smart Ring doorbell. Does Matter work with Ring? If not, why doesn’t it? And will you ever be able to use a Ring doorbell on your Matter smart home?
