The Umbra Cono smart lamp shows the importance of Matter
Thanks to Matter, these unsupported lights are still a decent purchase.
Bertel King
Explainer
210 articles
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What is the Matter smart home standard?
Matter is an open, IP-based standard designed to unify smart home devices across platforms, with local-first control and strong security baked in. It eliminates vendor lock-in by ensuring interoperability between certified accessories, regardless of brand or ecosystem.
James Bruce
Matter and cloud services: The role of cloud platforms
Matter doesn't rely on the cloud, but many Matter-compatible devices and services do.
Bertel King
Ikea “patched” OpenThread Border Router API on Dirigera Hub
A new update to Ikea's Dirigera hub seems to have changed its Thread compatibility.
Ward Zhou
Why are manufacturers using Matter over Wi-Fi, and not Thread?
Despite Thread being a technically superior protocol for Matter devices, most manufacturers and consumers still prefer Wi-Fi due to confusing setup requirements, extra certification costs, and the need for additional hardware like Thread Border Routers.
James Bruce
Ultimate guide to shop native Matter sensors
We've listed all the sensors with native Matter support currently available on the market, so you can plan some awesome automations...
Ward Zhou
If I was building a smart home this week, here's what I'd buy on Prime Day
If your home needs upgrading with sensors, smart lighting, automated blinds, and other standard connected enhancements, these Matter smart home devices can get you started.
Christian Cawley
The best Matter-compatible water leak sensors right now
With home repair prices constantly on the rise, water leak sensors are a true smart home essential. In this guide, we'll show you the best Matter-compatible options on the market today.
Christopher Close
The best Matter-compatible shutoff valves you can get today
A small water or gas leak can become a major flood or health hazard within seconds. The best Matter-compatible shutoff valves can stop the flow—and damage—with just a tap.
Christopher Close
Ikea adds Matter Controller and Thread support, integrating third-party Matter devices
Ikea has shocked everyone with an update that turns the Dirigera bridge into a Matter hub and Thread Border Router!
Ward Zhou
These are the best Matter-compatible smart lighting kits I've seen
I live for smart lighting—and after testing hundreds of bulbs, strips, and panel, these are the ones that truly shine.
James Bruce
Matter bulbs, sensors, and hub: Everything we know about Ikea’s big plan
It looks like Ikea has plenty of Matter smart home treats in store.
Ward Zhou
Why your Matter smart home needs newer, mesh Wi-Fi
Traditional Wi-Fi routers are units that you stick in a single place in your home. Times have changed.
Bertel King
Why you need a Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaner
Thinking about buying a robot vacuum cleaner? Here is everything you need to know.
Christian Cawley
The 5 biggest smart home trends that Matter is enabling in 2025
If Matter is the future of the smart home, these are the trends you should be following.
Bertel King
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.
Christopher Close
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?
Bertel King
Installing a smart switch or outlet is easier than you think
Installing smart switches doesn't mean rewiring your house.
Bertel King
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.
Ward Zhou
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.
Christian Cawley