The lava lamp makes a digital comeback: Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x JBL Speaker reviewed

A bold fusion of RGB lighting and Bluetooth audio, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro with JBL speaker is a show-stopping centrepiece that syncs light to music.

by James Bruce in #Extended Color Light #Review

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Eve Light Switch and Dimmer Switch US to receive new firmware

Will this update to Eve's Matter compatible light switch and dimmer improve your automation scenes?

by Ward Zhou in #On/Off Light #Dimmable Light #News

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The best Matter-compatible garage door openers

Can't recall if you closed the garage door? That common homeownership dread can be solved! A Matter-compatible garage door opener is a smart home essential.

by Christopher Close in #Gateway #Explainer

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Home Assistant adds initial Matter binding features in beta

Home Assistant is updating its Matter server with a Matter binding user interface in the latest beta version this week -- here's how to use it.

by Ward Zhou in #News #How To

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Switchbot Motion Sensor review: an affordable automation building block

Compared to some of the alternative Matter-compatible motion sensors, SwitchBot's is rather basic. But does this mean you should't buy it?

by Bertel King in #Occupancy Sensor #On/Off Light #Gateway #Review

Monday, June 23, 2025

ESPHome 2025.6 adds OpenThread support

A significant move for open-source embracers.

by Ward Zhou in #Hub #News #Industry News

Monday, June 23, 2025

Too many Matter devices still require you download another app first

Matter promises a smart home that you can set up and manage entirely offline - but are we there yet?

by Bertel King in #Thermostat #Extended Color Light #Gateway #Explainer

Friday, June 20, 2025

New Eve Energy Outlet surfaces on FCC database

The upcoming Eve Energy Outlet will have Matter 1.3 and Thread support.

by Ward Zhou in #On/Off Plug-in Unit #Temperature Sensor #News

Friday, June 20, 2025

Habi launches Matter over Thread thermostat kit with Screwfix

Smart home startup habi has launched the Matter Wireless Room Thermostat Kit through UK home improvement retailer Screwfix.

by Ward Zhou in #Thermostat #News

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Installing a smart switch or outlet is easier than you think

Installing smart switches doesn't mean rewiring your house.

by Bertel King in #On/Off Light #Explainer

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Govee launches Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL with Matter support

Govee launches Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL ($179.99), a Matter-compatible RGBICWW lamp with 360-degree lighting, sound-sync, and portable audio for home ambiance.

by Dave Drager in #Extended Color Light #News

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

SwitchBot files for Hong Kong IPO to power next-gen smart home innovation

SwitchBot files for IPO on HKEX, eyeing R&D, market expansion, and AI/robotics, including a VLA household robot by late 2025, buoyed by 3.1M users.

by Ward Zhou in #Gateway #Industry News

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Aqara releases smart lock U200 Lite for European households

Aqara launches the Smart Lock U200 Lite (£127.99) in Europe, a Matter-over-Thread retrofit lock with multiple unlocking options and future Aliro support.

by Ward Zhou in #Door Lock #News

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Aqara introduced local control via app: Does it matter?

Aqara introduces App Localized Control for hubs, enabling local management of Matter and Zigbee devices even during server outages, boosting reliability... eventually.

by Ward Zhou in #Extended Color Light #Hub #News #Explainer

Monday, June 16, 2025

How to add Matter devices and scenes to Apple CarPlay

Take your smart home along for the ride on your next road trip with Apple CarPlay Widgets.

by Christopher Close in #How To

Friday, June 13, 2025

What is Apple homeOS, and what does it mean for Matter?

Apple's rumored homeOS, a unified smart home OS, could transform its Matter experience. Though not at WWDC 2025, signs point to its continued development.

by Christian Cawley in #Hub #Explainer

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Eight highlights from Matter Open Day and GILE

Matter Open Day unveiled Thread network sharing, new garage door tech, hub-free Vivo control, Infineon's Wi-Fi lock, and diverse sensors/hubs from Tuya & Heiman.

by Dave Drager in #Gateway #Basic Video Player #Water Leak Detector #Industry News

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Google Home expands Matter door lock support and other feature previews

Google Home expands Matter support with new door lock functionalities like access control and guest profiles. Favorites, Home summary widget, and web console also enhanced.

by Ward Zhou in #Hub #News

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

iOS 26: What's new for the Apple Home app and Matter?

The first iOS 26 betas are here, and with it are some small, but significant, improvements to Apple's Home app. Here's what we've found so far.

by Christopher Close in #Dimmer Switch #Hub #Explainer

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

SwitchBot Meter Plus review: A smart way to monitor comfort

SwitchBot Meter Plus offers simple temperature/humidity readings and Matter compatibility via a SwitchBot hub. But does this make it the reliable, affordable smart home addition you're looking for?

by Bertel King in #Review

Tuesday, June 10, 2025