Ultimate guide to pick up IKEA lamps and Matter smart bulbs
This guide saves you from countless options.
Ward Zhou
Explainer
210 articles
Page 1 of 11
What is the difference between Matter and Thread?
Matter and Thread. What are they in their simplest terms? How do they differ from one another? Do you need Thread to use Matter?
Christian Cawley
Here’s what I learned about building a Matter smart home in the UK
From navigating "no-neutral" light switches to optimizing OpenTherm heating against some of the highest energy tariffs in the world, building a smart home in the UK requires a bit of regional research to ensure your Matter gear actually fits your walls.
Christian Cawley
Are there any downsides of using Matter?
Matter promises a unified smart home where everything "just works," but the reality is still a bit of a mixed bag...
Christian Cawley
Can a monitor be the center of your smart home? Matter on a smart monitor
A monitor can be a smart way to set up a dashboard for your smart home.
Bertel King
Matter and XR: A look at SmartThings on the Galaxy XR headset
There isn't yet a compelling reason to control your smart home in extended reality, but the technology is already here.
Bertel King
Matter’s missing pieces: The major tech brands resisting the smart home standard
Matter promised a unified smart home, but giants like Ring and Lutron are still resisting. Why are these industry leaders staying "Matter-free"?
Christian Cawley
How does Aliro work with Samsung Wallet?
Aliro is now available with Aqara U400 and Samsung Galaxy phones.
Ward Zhou
The best Matter-compatible mmWave presence sensors
Eliminate automation misfires and nuisance alerts for good with ultra-precise mmWave radar technology.
Christopher Close
What new Matter advances can we look forward to in the near future?
Matter’s steady rollout is just the start. From AI-driven routines to energy-saving tech, here’s what the next decade of Matter looks like for your smart home.
Christian Cawley
The best Matter-compatible air quality sensors
Gain valuable insights into your home's environment with the best Matter-compatible air quality sensors.
Christopher Close
What is Thread, and how does it fit into Matter?
Thread is a low-power, IPv6-based mesh networking protocol built for modern smart homes. Learn how Thread works, where it came from, how Border Routers fit in, and why it’s central to the Matter standard.
James Bruce
Who is behind the Matter smart home standard?
Behind Matter is the CSA, a 700-member alliance where rivals like Apple and Google collaborate to build a unified, open-source future for the smart home.
Christian Cawley
The best Matter-compatible smart door locks
Boost your home's security while adding a touch of convenience with the best Matter-compatible smart door locks.
Christopher Close
How to set up a smart home device with Matter
Matter is making the smart home more accessible, but getting started requires the right hub. Here’s how to set up controllers, QR codes, and automations easily.
Christian Cawley
The best Matter-compatible smart outdoor dimmer plugs
Give your outdoor lighting a smart makeover with Matter and a dimmable plug.
Christopher Close
AI won't fix your smart home anytime soon—and it might just break it
As is often the case, the hype doesn't always match reality.
Bertel King
When it comes to an IKEA smart home, you can't have too many AAA batteries
For IKEA's line of Matter devices, what's on the sticker isn't the full price.
Bertel King
Matter's lighting controls are rather basic—will you still need a companion app?
Matter-compatible lights can do so much, but not always via Matter.
Bertel King
Texas Instruments to acquire Silicon Labs: What does this mean?
A business merger that may bring cheaper Matter devices to the market.
Ward Zhou