Can IKEA Become a Serious Smart-Home Player? An Analysis of Their Matter-Compatible Products

Matter is becoming the most significant smart home standard. But take a trip to IKEA, and things are a little different. Not only does the Swedish retailer have a wide selection of smart lamps and LEDs, it also has a hub. Can the Matter-compatible Dirigera hub and the rest of the Tradfri line turn IKEA into a player in the smart home?

The Best Matter-Compatible Buttons and Remotes

Instead of wading through potential distractions on your phone, or shouting to a voice assistant the next time you need to toggle the lights, consider a Matter-compatible button or remote. With just a click, Matter-compatible buttons and remotes can turn on the lights, close the blinds, or fire up a movie night scene with ease.

What is Matter Casting and Which Devices Support It?

You’ve probably used Chromecast or AirPlay, or any of the other wireless video casting systems. They’re useful for sharing media on your mobile device to a TV, whether video or photos. Smart home protocol Matter has its own casting technology, Matter Casting.

The Best Matter-Compatible Temperature and Humidity Sensors

Keeping an eye on your home's climate is crucial for ensuring the comfortability of everyone in your household. While smart thermostats are a great place to start, they only monitor the room in which they are installed. For expanded coverage, you may want to consider a Matter-compatible temperature and humidity sensor.

The Best Matter-Compatible Strip Lights

LED strip lights are truly a smart home staple - and for good reason. These flexible wonders of light can bring color and ambiance to pretty much anywhere. Whether you are looking for a strip light for underneath the cabinets, or you want to amp up your holiday displays, you've come to the right place.

Matter 1.3 is Coming Out Spring 2024. Here's What to Expect

Spring 2024 is the expected timeframe for the release of Matter 1.3. This revision to the standard is likely to build upon the previous version, adding further interoperability, support for new device categories, and security enhancements.

How to Add a Matter Device to the Google Home app

If you are going with Google for all your smart home needs, you'll spend the bulk of your time managing devices in the Google Home app either on Android or iOS. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about adding your device to Google's smart home platform.

How to Add a Matter Device to the Apple Home App

For iPhone users, Apple's Home app serves as a one-stop destination for controlling and managing your Matter devices. We'll show you how easy it is to add your Matter devices so you can be up and running with Siri voice and Apple Home app controls in minutes.

The Best Matter-Compatible Door and Window Sensors

If you want to enhance your home's security or add an extra touch of automation, consider installing a Matter-compatible door and window sensor. These versatile sensors offer much more than their name or appearance might suggest.

Does Matter Share my Wi-Fi Credentials With the Smart Home Device?

When you add a new Matter device to your smart home setup, it requires access to your network. But does Matter share the Wi-Fi credentials with the device? If so, is this secure?

The Best Matter-Compatible Motion Sensors

With the ability to detect motion, send timely notifications, and automate your home's lighting, motion sensors are essential to the modern smart home.

Will Matter Cause Wireless Network Congestion?

The answer is complicated, but there are ways to mitigate any potential issues.

How Do Matter Devices Receive Updates?

Matter-compatible devices occasionally receive updates, adding new functionality and features, and ensure the devices remain secure. New versions of Matter have so far been released periodically, but how do these updates reach your existing Matter compatible devices?

What is a Thread Border Router?

Bridge, controller, border router—what does it all mean!? In this explainer, we'll do a deep dive into the Thread Border Router (and why you might already have one).

The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Room Heaters: Taking Control of Your Comfort

With the convenience, control, and potential cost savings they offer, Matter-compatible smart room heaters are poised to become a popular choice for creating a personalized and efficient heating experience in your home.

The Best Matter-Compatible Smart Speakers: Ushering in a New Era of Smart Homes

Smart speakers are one, if not one of the main ones, to benefit from Matter integration. If you're looking to invest in a smart speaker that won't be obsolete tomorrow, Matter-compatible options are the way to go.

Why Four Brands Haven't Embraced Matter

The smart home industry is buzzing with the arrival of Matter, a standard aimed at simplifying the compatibility of devices and streamlining the user experience. While major players like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Samsung have pledged support, some notable brands remain absent.

What does Matter give you that you don’t already have?

The fragmented landscape of the smart home, with incompatible devices and frustrating proprietary protocols, is about to be transformed. Enter Matter, the industry-backed interoperability standard, promising to bridge the communication gap and ensure seamless connectivity.

What new Matter advances can we look forward to in the near future?

Matter's impact extends far beyond mere compatibility. It lays the groundwork for exciting advancements that will redefine the way we live and interact with our homes. Let's explore five key areas where Matter is poised to unlock a wave of innovation.

Will Matter Unlock the Future of Smart Home Locks?

In the past, compatibility issues have hindered many possible innovations in the smart home space. Could Matter now usher in more widespread adoption of smart locks?