Matter is making even bigger inroads with Amazon and its popular smart home ecosystem. We will run down all of the improvements.

Amazon Adds Matter Setup for iOS Devices

Amazon Echo
Image Credit: Amazon

In late 2022, Amazon first added Matter support to 17 Echo devices and allowed Android users of the Alexa app to add Matter devices to their home.

Now, as announced in an Amazon blog post, iOS users can set up their Matter devices with the Alexa app. And the second-generation Echo, Echo Plus, and Echo Dot devices are to be updated as Matter controllers. More than 100 million Echo devices across 20 models can now be used as Matter controllers.

There is also a big additional plus for anyone with the fourth-generation Echo. That smart speaker can now be used as a Thread border router. A part of the Matter protocol, Thread is a low-power communication option that is self-healing and offers a number of other great features compared to Bluetooth.

Matter has been developed by big names in technology including Apple, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and others. It allows any Matter smart home device to be controlled with a compatible controller. That has the promise to make using smart home technology easier.

Frustration-Free Setup Makes It Easy to Add a Matter Device

eve energy iphone
Image Credit: Amazon

Amazon also unveiled a unique Frustration-Free Setup option for Matter devices.

You’ll choose to opt-in Frustration-Free Setup when purchasing the device on Amazon. With the feature, the purchased device will connect to your network and be ready to use right after being powered on.

Eve is the first company to bring the feature for its devices. Starting later in May 2023, Eve Energy, Eve Motion, and Even Door & Window will offer the feature.

A number of other smart home device manufacturers, including Aqara, Cync, Leedarson, Nanoleaf, TP-Link, Sengled, and Yeelight are planning to bring the same setup option for devices.

Continuing Hope for Matter in the Smart Home

Amazon is by far the largest smart home ecosystem available. And with the continued rollout of Matter features, the slow and steady march toward the future continues to look bright for smart home users.