CES: Google Expands Matter Support, Boosts Thread

Google has announced an expansion of its efforts to support Matter. This covers new Home APIs for Android and iOS for developers to create new smart home experiences, and teaming up with MediaTek to develop a new SoC (System-on-Chip) with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and Thread Border Router capability.

Google Embracing Thread

The biggest aspect of this news is Google’s collaboration with MediaTek. The new Trinity chip (MT7903) has been designed to solve a key issue with connectivity on Matter smart homes.

Because devices with Thread networking usually require a Thread Border Router, they’re not usually able to work as intended (if at all). Not many homes currently have a Thread Border Router, even if they have a Matter hub. The introduction of a chip with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and Thread Border Router seems a bit late, but it will help to keep costs down for OEMs working on Matter devices.

Google Expanding Matter Support

LG TVs, Google TV systems on Android 14, Chromecasts, and Google Nest devices are all been given the Google Home runtime. Turning these devices into Google Home hubs, Google is expanding the reach of Matter across its ecosystem with a single upgrade.

This doesn’t just make Matter accessible to more users, however. With the Google Home runtime, local control of Matter devices is enabled, which means it remains online even if you lose external internet connectivity.

For developers, Google has announced the public beta launch of the Home APIs, at first for Android, then iOS later. The APIs have already been proven to work, thanks to work from Eve, Nanoleaf, LG, ADT, and Tuya Smart in developing new apps for Google Home. Some of these manufacturers are showcasing automation experiences at CES 2025.

Meanwhile, it has already been confirmed that Google is joining Apple and Samsung SmartThings in simplifying Matter certification, which is another boost to Matter OEMs

More Google Matters

It is fair to say that Google’s smart home strategy has wavered considerably over the past decade. However, thanks to its involvement with Matter, it seems to have steadied its course. Boosting Matter support with an expansion of the Google Home runtime is an excellent step, and the benefits of including Thread Border Router on the MediaTek Trinity SoC will no doubt become apparent later this year.

A Google help document will help you identify if your Google device is compatible with Google Home Runtime.