Explainer

Matter 1.5: Cameras lead the way as the standard grows into new parts of the home

Cameras, smart garden kits, and more advanced energy management is here with the latest Matter spec.

Ward Zhou Thursday, November 20, 2025

Installing a smart switch is easier than I thought

Smart switch installation is manageable for homeowners: the process is simpler than expected, but identifying line/load wires and ensuring a neutral wire is essential for Matter switches.

Bertel King Sunday, November 16, 2025

Why I chose Tapo lights

TP-Link Tapo smart switches, chosen for Matter compatibility, low cost, and hub-free Wi-Fi control, prove to be the best-reviewed, unbranded option for whole-home smart lighting.

Bertel King Saturday, November 15, 2025

The best Matter-compatible thermostats

The smart home environment is rapidly evolving, transforming our living spaces into places of convenience and efficiency. One key aspect is creating a comfortable and energy-saving environment, and Matter-compatible thermostats are poised to be game-changers in this arena.

Christopher Close Friday, November 14, 2025

Ikea’s new Matter lineup is here, but what’s still missing?

Hera are the IKEA Zigbee classics to be renewed with Matter.

Ward Zhou Monday, November 10, 2025

CSA members work to integrate Matter into OpenWrt

A big union of open-source projects.

Ward Zhou Wednesday, November 5, 2025

The best Matter-compatible temperature and humidity sensors

Keeping an eye on your home's climate is crucial for ensuring the comfortability of everyone in your household. While smart thermostats are a great place to start, they only monitor the room in which they are installed. For expanded coverage, you may want to consider a Matter-compatible temperature and humidity sensor.

Christopher Close Wednesday, October 29, 2025

First PLC Matter Bridge appears in CSA database

Matter keeps expanding with the new PCL Matter Bridge.

Ward Zhou Friday, October 17, 2025

Home Assistant Yellow is discontinued, here are the alternatives

Here are options to run Home Assistant with Matter.

Ward Zhou Thursday, October 16, 2025

Wi-Fi 8 is coming, and here are the benefits you’ll get for your Matter setup

The next-gen Wi-Fi technology is on the way, and your smart home is one of the destinations.

Ward Zhou Wednesday, October 15, 2025

How to set up a PoE Thread dongle in Home Assistant

A guide to use Thread dongles with Home Assistant.

Ward Zhou Friday, October 10, 2025

Top Matter-compatible smart home deals for Prime Day 2025

Upgrade your home with these cross-platform, Matter-ready smart devices — all with exclusive Prime Day discounts.

Christian Cawley Tuesday, October 7, 2025

CSA launches a new program to streamline Matter device development and certification

Matter is getting stronger from the base.

Ward Zhou Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Are Matter smart home locks secure?

Matter isn't your smart lock's weakest link.

Bertel King Monday, September 29, 2025

5 Ways my home has improved since I embraced Matter

Matter convinced me to build a smart home, and I'm glad it did.

Bertel King Friday, September 26, 2025

What is Aliro, and how does it fit in with Matter?

The future of smart locks is Matter-compatible, thanks to Aliro.

Bertel King Thursday, September 25, 2025

What is a Matter bridge?

Understanding the importance of a bridge to what matters.

Bertel King Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Here's how I decide which smart home devices are a safe investment

No one wants to regularly replace a light switch.

Bertel King Monday, September 22, 2025

Dreame recruits product managers, betting big on Matter

A key robot vacuum cleaner maker decides to go further with Matter.

Ward Zhou Tuesday, September 16, 2025

I hope Matter devices are the "dumb" products of the future

Let's start with Matter and build from there.

Bertel King Friday, August 29, 2025