A new label is appearing on many smart home devices. It’s called Matter. Matter allows your smart devices to communicate with each other. It’s the Internet of Things (IoT) communication standard created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, whose members include Amazon, Apple, Google, and Schneider Electric. Now with Matter, certified devices from different brands can talk to each other and work together seamlessly across Matter-compatible platforms using just one app.
Today’s electrical contractors and their clients are no strangers to smart home devices, but they often find them complicated to set up and difficult to integrate across platforms. However, with Matter-compliant devices, electrical contractors can make smart home capabilities more accessible for their clients without having to become smart home integrators themselves. Once clients have their first Matter devices in place, contractors can easily assist them with upgrades and additions to their smart home ecosystem.
Simplifying smart home setup with Matter
Today’s IoT-connected light switches, electrical outlets, sensors, and other devices give consumers the chance to control their home from anywhere. But getting them to work as promised can be frustrating, especially if more than one manufacturer is involved. Users often need special apps to use all the features and might need to connect them to platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home or Alexa. These extra steps can create roadblocks for contractors and consumers, leading to frustration and diminished enthusiasm for connected technologies.
The developers managing these platforms recognized this frustration and worked to simplify the commissioning process. The Matter protocol is the result. It makes commissioning as easy as scanning a QR code on a device or its packaging, opening the platform of choice and accepting that new product onto the home’s network. This simple click-to-add process is user-friendly, allowing your clients to handle setup themselves, so you don’t have to.
Matter creates a common language, meaning it works across multiple device platforms. Clients no longer have to stick with a single brand or platform—they can choose the products that best meet their needs without worrying about compatibility. As long as users choose Matter-compliant devices, they can confidently upgrade or add new ones, knowing the devices will work seamlessly together.
Thread: Matter’s partner in smart home connections
Matter works closely with another new standard called Thread, a communication system for Matter-enabled products that is similar to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It works alongside your Wi-Fi, while limiting the energy needed for network operations.
Thread needs a hub, called a border router, to connect the home to the internet. The good news is that your clients likely already have this capability in their home. It’s built into products like Amazon Echo speakers, Apple TV 4Ks and HomePod speakers, and Google Nest WiFi Pro. This means new products are easy for consumers to connect on their own, so you don’t have to spend time commissioning their new products for them.
Ensuring security and privacy with Matter
In addition to offering better and more reliable connectivity, Matter sets the standard for privacy with its advanced security features. All Matter-certified products must adhere to strict security requirements, ensuring they meet industry-leading standards for both security and privacy.
These products are tested carefully to meet the standards. With features such as end-to-end encryption, secure device authentication, and regular software updates, Matter creates a safer environment for IoT-connected devices. By educating your clients to look for the Matter label, you can help them protect their home’s controls and data and feel more secure in their installation.
Understanding these advantages and how to communicate their importance can help you build trust with potential clients who want to start with smart-home technology but aren’t sure where to begin.
Learn more about Matter
To learn more about how Matter devices can help your clients and your business, check out this Schneider Electric video on the topic. We’ve also created an informational brochure to help you get started.
Add a comment