Explainer

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.

Christopher Close Wednesday, April 24, 2024

News

Home Assistant Joins The Open Home Foundation

Home Assistant has announced that it is undergoing a significant shift in its management structure. It will now be overseen by a new non-profit organization, the Open Home Foundation. How will this shift affect Home Assistant's future?

Christian Cawley Monday, April 22, 2024

Explainer

Matter 1.3 is Coming Out Spring 2024. Here's What to Expect

Spring 2024 is the expected timeframe for the release of Matter 1.3. This revision to the standard is likely to build upon the previous version, adding further interoperability, support for new device categories, and security enhancements.

Christian Cawley Thursday, April 18, 2024

Explainer

How to Add a Matter Device to the Google Home app

If you are going with Google for all your smart home needs, you'll spend the bulk of your time managing devices in the Google Home app either on Android or iOS. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about adding your device to Google's smart home platform.

Christopher Close Thursday, April 18, 2024

Review

AiDot WELOV P200 Pro Air Purifier Review

It's the world's first Matter air purifier, but that doesn't mean much at the moment when the major players don't support the device type. Even so, it's a superb appliance that can operate completely autonomously until it's time to change the filter.

James Bruce Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Explainer

How to Add a Matter Device to the Apple Home App

For iPhone users, Apple's Home app serves as a one-stop destination for controlling and managing your Matter devices. We'll show you how easy it is to add your Matter devices so you can be up and running with Siri voice and Apple Home app controls in minutes.

Christopher Close Monday, April 15, 2024

Explainer

The best Matter-compatible door and window sensors

If you want to enhance your home's security or add an extra touch of automation, consider installing one of the best smart door sensors or window sensors with Matter.

Christopher Close Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Review

Govee Neon Rope Light 2 Review: Stunning Light Display, Limited Only by Your Imagination

It has never been easier to create your own incredible-looking custom neon-style wall lighting fixtures.

James Bruce Friday, April 5, 2024

Explainer

Does Matter Share my Wi-Fi Credentials With the Smart Home Device?

When you add a new Matter device to your smart home setup, it requires access to your network. But does Matter share the Wi-Fi credentials with the device? If so, is this secure?

Christian Cawley Thursday, April 4, 2024

Explainer

The Best Matter-Compatible Motion Sensors

With the ability to detect motion, send timely notifications, and automate your home's lighting, motion sensors are essential to the modern smart home.

Christopher Close Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Explainer

Will Matter Cause Wireless Network Congestion?

The answer is complicated, but there are ways to mitigate any potential issues.

James Bruce Friday, March 29, 2024

Explainer

How Do Matter Devices Receive Updates?

Matter-compatible devices occasionally receive updates, adding new functionality and features, and ensure the devices remain secure. New versions of Matter have so far been released periodically, but how do these updates reach your existing Matter compatible devices?

Christian Cawley Monday, March 25, 2024

Explainer

What is a Thread Border Router?

Bridge, controller, border router—what does it all mean!? In this explainer, we'll do a deep dive into the Thread Border Router (and why you might already have one).

James Bruce Thursday, March 21, 2024

News

The Hottest Matter Devices from CES 2024

Now we've had time to digest it all and wade through the sea of smart bulbs and plug sockets, here’s the tech that actually got us excited.

James Bruce Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Review

Aqara P2 Door and Window Sensor Review: Affordable and Reliable Matter over Thread Sensor

Priced at around $30, the Aqara P2 is a simple and cost-effective way to add door or window sensing to your smart home arsenal.

James Bruce Monday, March 11, 2024

Explainer

The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Heaters

With the convenience, control, and potential cost savings they offer, Matter-compatible smart heaters are poised to become a popular choice for creating a personalized and efficient heating experience in your home.

Christopher Close Friday, March 8, 2024

Explainer

The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Speakers

As much as we love controlling our IoT devices from our phones, nothing beats the hands-free convenience of a smart speaker. If you are ready to control your home with just a shout, then you need a smart speaker. These are our top picks.

Christopher Close Monday, February 26, 2024

Explainer

Why Four Brands Haven't Embraced Matter

The smart home industry is buzzing with the arrival of Matter, a standard aimed at simplifying the compatibility of devices and streamlining the user experience. While major players like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Samsung have pledged support, some notable brands remain absent.

Mark O'Neill Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Explainer

What does Matter give you that you don’t already have?

The fragmented landscape of the smart home, with incompatible devices and frustrating proprietary protocols, is about to be transformed. Enter Matter, the industry-backed interoperability standard, promising to bridge the communication gap and ensure seamless connectivity.

Mark O'Neill Monday, February 19, 2024

Explainer

What new Matter advances can we look forward to in the near future?

Matter's impact extends far beyond mere compatibility. It lays the groundwork for exciting advancements that will redefine the way we live and interact with our homes. Let's explore five key areas where Matter is poised to unlock a wave of innovation.

Mark O'Neill Thursday, February 15, 2024