Finally, smart home tech is smart

It’s been the perennial problem with smart home tech: Nothing talks to each other. Your Ring doorbell, Nest thermostat and Wyze light bulbs are all great, but opening three different apps is annoying. Tech companies aren’t really known for cooperating.

That’s why this news is such a huge deal. Something called “Matter” is a new smart home standard that lets all your devices communicate without the cloud. You need to know about it so you don’t waste money.

What’s the Matter?

First of all, the big dogs are behind putting Matter together. Apple, Amazon, Google and Samsung worked together to make Matter the standard for smart thermostats, sensors, lighting, plugs, switches and even TVs. 

I don’t know about you, but being able to control all the smart stuff in my house using Alexa OR Siri OR Google OR Bixby (well, said no one) sounds pretty sweet.

It also means you can do things like share the smart lock info with someone using a Samsung, even if your whole family uses Apple and you have an Apple hub at home. This is really about making tech easier to use, no matter what brand you buy.

You matter to me

Here are three Matter-compatible goodies to check out. 

• Aqara’s $189.99 Smart Lock U100 can be unlocked by simply tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch, even when the iPhone or Apple Watch is out of power. Soon, it’s getting an update to work with Matter.
• The SwitchBot 2 Hub Smart WiFi lets you control appliances like TVs and air conditioners using your voice (e.g. Alexa) or even using the app or Apple Watch. It’s getting an update later this month to add Matter support for smart locks.
• Yale’s Assure SL smart lock has a BHMA Grade 2 certified deadbolt that’s fully motorized, super quiet and works with Matter, too.

Odds are, most of what you already own in the smart home category won’t work with Matter since this is a new standard. Bummer. That said, when you’re out shopping for something new, look for the Matter logo.

🔌 You can connect any of those Matter-compatible gadgets to Apple Home, Google Home or Samsung SmartThings. Amazon Alexa is a little late to the party, but its support is coming soon.

Now, don’t you feel smart! Share this news with your friends and family so they don’t buy non-Matter goods and throw money away.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.