Matter vs Z-Wave: What's the Difference?
Arguably the biggest problem with smart homes is the lack of compatibility between devices and hubs. Even where compatibility is used as a selling point, problems can occur down the line. Two possible solutions are the Matter protocol and the Z-Wave mesh networking system. But both are slightly different.
The Best Matter-Compatible Lamps To Light Up Your Life
No smart home is complete without proper lighting that you can control from the couch or from across the world. And while you may think to look for a smart bulb, plug, or switch when building the connected home of your dreams, you may benefit more from an all-in-one solution like a Matter-compatible lamp.
What Is Zigbee? Is Matter Better?
Smart homes cannot work if the smart devices cannot communicate. Having Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support isn’t enough – devices need a way to message each other, a shared language, or protocol. Two prominent protocols are Zigbee and Matter. Current smart home devices and hubs support both protocols, but eventually one of them will be dropped. So which one will it be?
How to Add a Matter Device to the Amazon Alexa app
Matter, the smart home standard that aims to unify the connected home is here, and with it comes significant changes—especially for Amazon Alexa users. Now, instead of trying to figure out whether a device integrates directly with Alexa or through a Skill, you'll only need to scan a QR code to set up compatible hardware.
See Who's There, From Anywhere: The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Home Video Doorbells
The plain humdrum doorbell has undergone a high-tech transformation. Smart video doorbells combine the familiar chime with a built-in camera, letting you see who's at your door – even when you're not home. Now Matter has jumped into the ding-dong industry.
Matter 1.3 Levels Up Your Smart Home with EVs, Water Management, and More
Matter 1.3 was released by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) on May 8, 2024. It adds new device type support for kitchen appliances, EV chargers, and more. It also introduces enhanced features for existing hardware. However, there is one expected device type for which support has not yet been introduced.
Can IKEA Become a Serious Smart-Home Player? An Analysis of Their Matter-Compatible Products
Matter is becoming the most significant smart home standard. But take a trip to IKEA, and things are a little different. Not only does the Swedish retailer have a wide selection of smart lamps and LEDs, it also has a hub. Can the Matter-compatible Dirigera hub and the rest of the Tradfri line turn IKEA into a player in the smart home?
The Best Matter-Compatible Buttons and Remotes
Instead of wading through potential distractions on your phone, or shouting to a voice assistant the next time you need to toggle the lights, consider a Matter-compatible button or remote. With just a click, Matter-compatible buttons and remotes can turn on the lights, close the blinds, or fire up a movie night scene with ease.
What is Matter Casting and Which Devices Support It?
You’ve probably used Chromecast or AirPlay, or any of the other wireless video casting systems. They’re useful for sharing media on your mobile device to a TV, whether video or photos. Smart home protocol Matter has its own casting technology, Matter Casting.
The Best Matter-Compatible Temperature and Humidity Sensors
Keeping an eye on your home's climate is crucial for ensuring the comfortability of everyone in your household. While smart thermostats are a great place to start, they only monitor the room in which they are installed. For expanded coverage, you may want to consider a Matter-compatible temperature and humidity sensor.
The Best Matter-Compatible Strip Lights
LED strip lights are truly a smart home staple - and for good reason. These flexible wonders of light can bring color and ambiance to pretty much anywhere. Whether you are looking for a strip light for underneath the cabinets, or you want to amp up your holiday displays, you've come to the right place.
