The New Smart Home Standard

Why the Smart Home Standard Matters Now More Than Ever

The smart home industry has been plagued by fragmentation—different brands, platforms, and protocols that don’t always work together. However, the new Smart Home Standard (Matter) is changing that by:
✅ Enforcing universal compatibility (works with Google, Apple, Amazon, and more)
✅ Reducing setup complexity (simpler onboarding via QR codes)
✅ Enhancing security (end-to-end encryption)
✅ Lowering power consumption (better for battery-powered sensors)

Real-world impact: Over 280 companies, including Samsung, Google, and Amazon, now support Matter.

What MATTER(s) Now – The New Smart Home Standard

What is Matter?

Matter, an industry unifying IoT wireless network standard that is yet to be released. It aims to be a dependable, frictionless, and secure communication basis for linked objects. The project was started and announced in 2019. Using a specific collection of IP-based networking technologies, starting with Thread, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, Matter, a platform built on IP (Internet Protocol), enables communication between smart home devices and ecosystems. Matter is streamlining development for manufacturers and enhancing compatibility and ease of use for consumers. It is built on market-proven technologies donated by businesses throughout the industry and developed in a collaborative and open-source manner with an implementation-first approach.

Matter attempts to establish interoperability across smart home devices and Internet of things (IoT) platforms from various suppliers and lessen fragmentation among various vendors. Amazon, Apple, Google, Comcast, and the Zigbee Alliance, now known as the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), created and introduced the project group. Schneider, Huawei, NXP, Silicon Labs, and IKEA are later members. Matter-compatible items and software upgrades for already-available products are anticipated for fall 2022. The Matter standard is licensed by CSA, although the Matter code repository is open source under the Apache license.

How Matter Affects the Industry

Matter uses Wi-Fi or Thread for radio communication, with Bluetooth® still present for device setup functions. Before Matter, there were Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Lora that work with smart home appliances. However, Matter builds a bridge among all of them. In fact, Ikea recently announced the creation of its own bridge that would link the Matter devices with its current Tradfri line of products.

A few of the largest names in the market collaborated to introduce Matter. There are more than 170 firms engaged, with the most well-known names including Apple, Samsung, Amazon, Google, and the Zigbee Alliance.

5 Key Benefits of the Smart Home Standard

1. True Cross-Platform Interoperability

• Unlike older siloed ecosystems, Matter ensures devices from different brands integrate seamlessly.
• For example, a Matter-certified smart bulb works with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa without extra hubs.
• Moreover, Thread networking reduces reliance on Wi-Fi congestion.

Case Study: Smart lock users report 40% fewer connectivity issues after switching to Matter.

2. Simplified Setup & Control

• Instead of complex pairing, Matter devices use QR codes or NFC for instant setup.
• Additionally, a single app (like Google Home or Apple Home) controls all Matter devices.
• Even better, firmware updates happen automatically.

User Benefit: Grandparents can now install smart plugs without tech support!

3. Military-Grade Security

• Unlike older protocols, Matter mandates end-to-end encryption.
• Furthermore, each device must pass rigorous certification for vulnerabilities.
• As a result, hackers can’t exploit weak links in your smart home.

Security Fact: Matter uses 256-bit encryption—the same level as banks.

4. Energy Efficiency & Local Control

• Because Matter supports Thread (low-power mesh networking), battery-powered sensors last years.
• Even if the internet goes down, local automation (e.g., motion-triggered lights) keeps working.
• Smart thermostats using Matter reduce HVAC energy waste by up to 20%.

Eco Impact: A Matter-enabled smart home can cut 1.5 tons of CO₂/year.

5. Future-Proof AI Integration

• With standardized data models, AI assistants (like Alexa and Siri) understand devices better.
• Predictive automation (e.g., adjusting lights based on habits) becomes effortless.
• Soon, Matter will support ambient computing (devices that anticipate needs).

Coming in 2025: Matter 2.0 adds unified energy management for solar-powered homes.

Matter vs. Older Smart Home Protocols

How to Upgrade to a Matter Smart Home

Step 1: Check Your Current Devices

• Look for the Matter logo on packaging (or check manufacturer websites).
• If unsure, use a Matter controller (e.g., Apple TV 4K, Amazon Echo 4th Gen).

Step 2: Add Your First Matter Device

1. Scan the QR code with your smartphone.
2. Confirm in your smart home app (Google Home, Apple Home, etc.).
3. Control instantly—no extra hubs or bridges needed!

Step 3: Expand & Automate

• Group devices (e.g., "Living Room Lights") for one-tap control.
• Set up routines (e.g., "Good Morning" turns on lights & coffee maker).
• Enable voice control via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.