6 Smart-Home Device Types That Would Not Benefit From Matter Integration
Smart home tech has been around for a while, but Matter is relatively new. The Matter specification aims to unify smart home development into a single standard. But while embracing Matter seems likely to move us closer to the smart home of our dreams, there are devices that don’t really need to be integrated with the smart home protocol – they work just as well without it.
Will Matter Make Smart Home Devices More Energy-Efficient and More Environmentally Friendly?
Energy management is being added to Matter, the smart home protocol supported by an increasing number of manufacturers. Matter 1.3 adds various smart home energy management features, but does this support for smart thermostats and smart radiator valves make the standard more energy efficient and environmentally friendly?
The Best Matter-Compatible Radiator Valves
Radiators are great for keeping costs down by heating just the rooms or areas around them. However, they are not so great when it comes to convenience and controls, as most require making a trip over to the unit to make a simple adjustment. To reduce the number of trips, consider installing a Matter-compatible radiator valve.
The Google TV Streamer 4K is Also a Matter Hub
Google’s long-awaited upgrade to the awkwardly named Chromecast with Google TV is the more straightforward Google TV Streamer 4K, a direct competitor to Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. Released to some fanfare, the device is more akin to those devices, rather than being a compact dongle that hands from your TV’s HDMI port. But most significantly, the Google TV Streamer 4K is also a Matter hub and Thread border router.
Can Matter be Used with Smart Ceiling Fans?
One of the ways a smart home can make life easier is to ensure the devices that make you feel good are interconnected. Take ceiling fans, for example, particularly important in warmer months and often found where air conditioning is unsuitable or impractical. As smart home technology becomes more popular, devices like smart ceiling fans become more enticing.
IKEA SOMRIG Shortcut Button Review: Affordable Automation With a Click
At just $9.99, IKEA's SOMRIG Shortcut Button is an incredibly enticing solution for adding physical controls to Matter devices. However, there are some requirements and limitations that you'll want to know about before making the trip to your local IKEA.
What is OpenTherm and How is it Important for Managing Heating in Smart Homes?
If you’re building a smart home or have already started, one area that you’ve either implemented or are considering is energy management and heating control. But you can’t simply go out and buy a smart thermostat and get instant results from your heating system. You need OpenTherm.
iOS 18 is Now Available. Here’s What’s New in the Apple Home App
iOS 18 is officially here and with it come some small, but significant changes to the Apple Home app. This year, Apple has introduced new ways for managing your smart home, expanded the capabilities of the Energy tab, and opened its doors to a whole new category of devices.
Nest Thermostat vs Nest Learning Thermostat
Even though Matter has been around for a while now, Nest is still the only game in town when it comes to thermostats that support the smart home standard. However, with two options to choose from, how do you know which is the best Matter-compatible thermostat for your home?
A Look at the New Matter Smart Home Products Announced at IFA Berlin 2024
IFA Berlin 2024 showcased a wealth of new tech, much of which you can expect to see in shops over the coming months. Along with the usual audio gear, mobile phones, and laptops, IFA Berlin 2024 was the launchpad for a collection of new smart home technology, much of which has been built with support for Matter.
New Aqara Smart Home Products with Matter Announced at IFA 2024
Smart home tech producer Aqara has made a collection of product reveals at IFA 2024, with a heavy element of Matter compatibility. These new products include new wall dimmers, bulbs, and a garage door controller. In addition, Aqara’s Thread support is extending, which should help to solidify its commitment to Matter as the smart home platform evolves.