Matter is the new name for Project Connected Home Over IP (CHIP), the smart home connectivity standard that promises to make your smart home devices play nice together.
When you see the Matter seal of approval on a smart home device, you'll know that it can work with your favorite smart assistant, whether that's Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa.
Matter Allows for Seamless Connectivity in Your Smart Home
A press release on Business Wire reveals the Connectivity Standards Alliance's (CSA) newest initiative: Matter. Matter will serve as an industry standard for smart home products, making it easy to mix and match devices in your smart home.
"Matter is the unified IP-based connectivity protocol built on proven technologies, helping connect and build reliable, secure IoT ecosystems," the CSA wrote. "This new technology and royalty-free connectivity standard enables communications among a wide range of smart devices."
The logo, which looks like three "T" shapes forming a triangle, will soon be plastered on devices that are compatible with the standard. This will make it even easier to identify smart home devices that are compatible with your existing devices.
Not only will the logo demonstrate that the device is compatible with other smart home products, but it's also a symbol that it's reliable and secure. Plus, when you add a Matter-approved device to your home, you can expect a simple setup—with a simple code, your device will be connected to your smart home ecosystem.
Matter will run on Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), as well as Thread, and will also be compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, and SmartThings out of the box.
According to Matter, the first devices that support the standard will be rolled out in late 2021. You can expect the Matter stamp to be on a wide range of devices like outlets, light bulbs, thermostats, locks, TVs, window shades, and more. Some companies that are already planning to make Matter-compatible devices include, Amazon, Google, Eve Systems, Huawei, SmartThings, Comcast, and Nanoleaf.
Look for the Matter Logo
Soon, the Matter logo will serve as a symbol of connectivity and ease of use. When you have a smart home that sports devices from several different brands, it can be difficult to keep things under control. If Matter's goals pan out, it will be easier than ever to seamlessly connect and manage a smart home.