Matter Articles by Christopher Close
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Oct 21, 2024
The 5 Best Matter-Compatible Plugs
Today, we're going to look at Matter-compatible smart plugs, showcasing the top 5 picks that stand out for their ease of use, feature set, and compatibility with multiple smart home platforms.
Oct 21, 2024 -
Oct 16, 2024
Eve Energy Outlet Review: Automation You Can't See
As much as we love the original Eve Energy smart plug, it certainly isn't the prettiest of devices. Thankfully, Eve has a smart solution for this design/functionality dilemma: the Eve Energy Outlet. We go in-depth with this clever in-wall solution.
Oct 16, 2024 -
Oct 14, 2024
Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Review: A Solid Switch That Won't Break the Bank
For just under $25 MSRP—and often much lower on sale—the Tapo S505 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch is without a doubt one of the most attractive Matter devices on the market. But with such a low price tag, there are bound to be a few dealbreakers that hold it back from being one of the best Matter-compatible light switches, right?
Oct 14, 2024 -
Oct 9, 2024
The Best Matter-Compatible Under Cabinet Lights
We've previously discussed how Matter-compatible strip lights with their flexibility and easy installation are an excellent fit for kitchen lighting—especially for cabinets. However, they aren't the best choice for those with existing under cabinet lighting or for those that want a clean integrated look. For these situations, consider a Matter-compatible under cabinet light.
Oct 9, 2024 -
Oct 1, 2024
The Best Matter-Compatible Air Purifiers
Whether it is VOCs, allergens, or smoke, there are a lot of things in the air that can make an impact on your health. To make managing your home's air a breeze, consider a Matter-compatible air purifier.
Oct 1, 2024 -
Sep 27, 2024
The Best Matter-Compatible Radiator Valves
Radiators are great for keeping costs down by heating just the rooms or areas around them. However, they are not so great when it comes to convenience and controls, as most require making a trip over to the unit to make a simple adjustment. To reduce the number of trips, consider installing a Matter-compatible radiator valve.
Sep 27, 2024 -
Sep 25, 2024
IKEA SOMRIG Shortcut Button Review: Affordable Automation With a Click
At just $9.99, IKEA's SOMRIG Shortcut Button is an incredibly enticing solution for adding physical controls to Matter devices. However, there are some requirements and limitations that you'll want to know about before making the trip to your local IKEA.
Sep 25, 2024 -
Sep 24, 2024
The Best Matter-Compatible In-Wall Smart Outlets
Even though the best smart plugs have decreased in size over the years, they can still be an eyesore. If you are tired of seeing unsightly boxes hanging from your walls, consider installing a Matter-compatible in-wall smart outlet.
Sep 24, 2024 -
Sep 16, 2024
iOS 18 is Now Available. Here’s What’s New in the Apple Home App
iOS 18 is officially here and with it come some small, but significant changes to the Apple Home app. This year, Apple has introduced new ways for managing your smart home, expanded the capabilities of the Energy tab, and opened its doors to a whole new category of devices.
Sep 16, 2024 -
Sep 16, 2024
Nest Thermostat vs Nest Learning Thermostat
Even though Matter has been around for a while now, Nest is still the only game in town when it comes to thermostats that support the smart home standard. However, with two options to choose from, how do you know which is the best Matter-compatible thermostat for your home?
Sep 16, 2024 -
Sep 5, 2024
Tapo TL135E Smart Wi-Fi Light Bulb Review: Cheap, Colorful, and Consistent
The lack of color and ambiance in my household has always been on my mind so I recently branched out a bit by deploying a pair of Tapo Tl135E Smart Wi-Fi Light Bulbs in a few bedside lamps. At just under $15 each and with full multicolor capabilities, the price was simply too hard to pass up. After spending a few weeks with Tapo's bulb, am I regretting my decision?
Sep 5, 2024 -
Sep 2, 2024
IKEA DIRIGERA Hub Update Brings Matter to Smart Plugs, Blinds and More
After rolling out a limited beta for lighting earlier this year, IKEA has finally expanded its Workshop program to include Matter support for even more device types. Starting today, users can download a new firmware update (version 2.615.8) for the DIRIGERA smart hub that brings Matter support to seven devices.
Sep 2, 2024 -
Aug 29, 2024
How to Use Apple Home Adaptive Lighting With Your Matter Lights
While the transition to Matter for Apple HomeKit users was pretty seamless, the omission of one major feature—Adaptive Lighting—left some smart home fans in the dark. Thankfully, that changes with the release of iOS 18. Apple is finally bringing Adaptive Lighting to Matter devices with its latest operating system, so users both new and old can put their home's lighting on auto-pilot.
Aug 29, 2024 -
Aug 12, 2024
The Best Matter-Compatible Recessed Lights
Ready to give your home a smart lighting upgrade? These Matter-compatible recessed lights may be just what you're looking for.
Aug 12, 2024 -
Aug 7, 2024
The Best Matter-Compatible Ceiling Lights
Whether you need to replace an old non-working fixture, or looking to modernize your home, there's a Matter-compatible ceiling light that can meet almost any need. With a Matter ceiling light, your home will not only benefit from an updated look, but it will also gain convenient smart controls and maybe even a few extras like colorful scenes.
Aug 7, 2024 -
Aug 5, 2024
How to Use Matter Multi-Admin to Share Your Devices Across Ecosystems
While Matter brings enhanced security, reliability, and a streamlined pairing process to the smart home world, the real star of the show is interoperability through its Multi-Admin feature. But how exactly do you use Multi-Admin with your devices? We'll walk you step-by-step through the process.
Aug 5, 2024 -
Jul 30, 2024
Tapo P125 Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug Review: Mini plug, mini price
Is Tapo's $20 Matter-enabled smart plug too good to be true? We put one of the most affordable plugs around to the test.
Jul 30, 2024 -
Jul 23, 2024
The Best Matter-Compatible Relay Switches
Are you tired of waiting on Matter software and product releases? Then it's time to go DIY with one of the best Matter-compatible relay switches.
Jul 23, 2024 -
Jul 22, 2024
Eve Door and Window Review: Constant Contact
At $39.95, the Eve Door and Window is one of the most expensive Matter contact sensors around. But how does it actually perform especially when considering the abundance of low-cost alternatives? Let's take an in-depth look.
Jul 22, 2024 -
Jul 17, 2024
Tapo P400M Matter Outdoor Smart Plug Review: Matter Goes to the Great Outdoors
By now, you've most likely heard about all the many ways that Matter can simplify your smart home. But up until recently, Matter was limited to inside our homes, leaving key areas out in the cold—quite literally. That changes with the Tapo P400M Outdoor Smart Plug.
Jul 17, 2024