What is Matter
Matter is an open source protocol that allows you to buy any device and use the voice assistant or platform of your preference to control it. Yes you heard it right. With Matter you will be able to use different voice assistants to talk to the same product. For example, if you have a Matter-supported smart bulb and set it up with Apple Homekit, you can use Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa give it command. You can use the software and hardware of two different platforms without. There is no need to worry about the compatibility of the devices and the voice assistant. Some devices are already there in the market which support multiple platforms (like Alexa or Google Assistant). Matter in future will expand that platform to support and to make setting up your new devices faster and easier.
Will Matter Work With Existing Devices?
According to Wired, “Some devices will work with Matter after a firmware update. Others won’t ever be compatible. There’s no simple answer here. Many devices that currently work with Thread, Z-Wave, or Zigbee should be able to work with Matter, but it’s not a given that they will get upgrades. It is best to check in with manufacturers about specific devices and future support.”
How it works
According to Bussiness Standard, “Matter’s underlying network technologies are Wi-Fi and Thread. Wi-Fi enables Matter devices to interact over a high-bandwidth local network and allows smart home devices to communicate with the cloud. Thread provides an energy efficient and highly reliable mesh network within the home. It secures data in an encrypted manner and is highly stable. If one of your smart home devices stops working, the network will adjust and carry on without it.”
