Amazon's Matter move: Simplifying Alexa certification

Amazon has confirmed that it has joined Google and Apple in accepting interoperability test results from the Connectivity Standards Alliance’s testing facility for “Works with Alexa” certification. This means that third party equipment manufacturers can gain a streamlined certification, making it easier for them to achieve Matter certification.

The aim of this is to encourage more Matter hardware to be produced, without compromising on security and build quality.

What is the testing?

From this week (March 17^th, 2025), Amazon has accepted interoperability test results from the CSA’s Interoperability Test Facility. The integration of “Works with Alexa” certification with the Matter certification is a game-changer, particularly for lighting devices that connect over Matter.

This means that CSA members simply bundle the testing together, then submit for certification. It reduces friction for manufacturers, avoids repetitive testing of already established standards, and makes the time-to-market shorter.

But it isn’t just good news for manufacturers and the CSA – it’s good news for me and you, too.

Voice tests

Amazon has also revealed that voice testing, a crucial aspect of integration with Alexa, is now part of the CSA’s testing. We’ve looked previously at how collaboration is important to CSA’s development of Matter, and this is further evidence of that.

Amazon's press release highlights their collaboration with the CSA, noting that voice interactions, a crucial aspect of Alexa integration on devices from smartphones to the Echo Show 21, are now part of the CSA's testing process. This shows a level of coordination that's essential for the success of Matter.

While this is focused initially on lighting devices (bulbs, ceiling lights, strips, and lamps), it is expected to expand to plugs and switches later this year. The phased approach should not come as any surprise, as this has been a key aspect of the CSA’s rollout of Matter.

Evolution matters

Amazon’s announcement feels like a significant step in the evolution of the Matter smart home standard. This isn’t just a practical demonstration of how the CSA’s major players are collaborating to simplify the platform and make Matter more viable. Amazon is the primary outlet for Matter hardware across the EU and North America, making it vital to the ecosystem’s distribution as a smart home standard. With a more efficient certification process, Amazon is incentivizing manufacturers to adopt Matter and get their devices to market.

This is positive news, but it will be interesting to see how it turns out in a few months’ time.