Tag

Matter

All articles tagged with #matter

Aqara W200 Thermostat Hub Brings HomeKit and Adaptive Energy Control to North America
technology2 days ago

Aqara W200 Thermostat Hub Brings HomeKit and Adaptive Energy Control to North America

Aqara today released the Thermostat Hub W200, its first North American thermostat, a Matter-enabled device that also acts as a presence sensor and hub for Thread/Zigbee devices. It supports Apple’s Adaptive Temperature and Clean Energy Guidance via HomeKit (with a Matter hub like a HomePod or Apple TV), and offers flexible control through the Aqara app and HomeKit. The W200 works with heat pumps, furnaces, and other systems and includes mmWave occupancy sensing, but it has a 20°F minimum compressor setting that can limit cold-climate use and some confusing HVAC wording in the app. Priced at $160 (with a $30 C-wire adapter sold separately), it’s a strong HomeKit alternative to Ecobee for Apple-centric energy-saving automation, though setup nuances and base-plate fit are considerations for DIY installs.

Govee's Outdoor Chromatic String Lights Let Each Bulb Glow in its Own Color
technology18 days ago

Govee's Outdoor Chromatic String Lights Let Each Bulb Glow in its Own Color

Govee launches Outdoor Chromatic String Lights that let you customize color per bulb with gradients and animated effects, available in 32‑foot (10 bulbs) for $169.99 and 65‑foot (20 bulbs) for $299.99. Each bulb includes 55 RGB LEDs plus 54 white LEDs, is IP67 weather-rated with a dual-layer shell, and can be controlled via the Govee Home app with 12 music-reactive modes. The strings are Matter-compatible and integrate with Amazon and Google smart-home setups.

Govee Unleashes Colorful, DIY-Friendly Outdoor String Lights
gadgets18 days ago

Govee Unleashes Colorful, DIY-Friendly Outdoor String Lights

Govee has launched Outdoor Chromatic String Lights for outdoor use, offering 10m sets at $170 or 20m sets at $300. Each bulb contains 55 RGB LEDs for individually colorable effects, with up to three layered cycling options and compatibility with Matter for smart-home integration. However, Matter won’t control individual bulbs or their LEDs—only all bulbs together (on/off and color/brightness). The lights are IP67-rated for weather resistance and are marketed to last more than 10 years, with availability on Govee’s site and Amazon.

Ikea's Doughnut-Shaped Varmblixt Delivers Cozy, Matter-Ready Ambience
technology20 days ago

Ikea's Doughnut-Shaped Varmblixt Delivers Cozy, Matter-Ready Ambience

An aesthetically striking, $100 doughnut-shaped lamp, Ikea's Varmblixt adds ambient lighting with color options and Matter support, pairing with Apple Home, Alexa, or Google through QR setup and automations; it can mount on a table or wall, uses replaceable bulbs, and while the app/automation controls shine, the included remote can be fussy and a hub may be needed for some setups.

Aqara's G350 Debuts as Matter's First Camera, But Full Power Is Still on the Way
technology25 days ago

Aqara's G350 Debuts as Matter's First Camera, But Full Power Is Still on the Way

The Aqara Camera Hub G350 is the first Matter‑compatible camera, but current Matter functionality is limited to livestreaming in Samsung SmartThings and requires firmware updates; full pan‑tilt control and video history aren’t available yet. It features 4K/2.5K dual lenses, 360° pan‑tilt with auto‑tracking, local microSD storage, RTSP, and HomeKit Secure Video, with Alexa/Google support via cloud. While it can serve as a Matter hub/bridge, broader cross‑platform Matter support is still in the works and not guaranteed for the near term.

Samsung Wallet unlocks your home with Digital Home Key powered by Aliro
technology1 month ago

Samsung Wallet unlocks your home with Digital Home Key powered by Aliro

Samsung Electronics has added Digital Home Key to Samsung Wallet, a feature built on the Aliro standard that lets Galaxy users unlock compatible smart door locks via their phone using NFC or UWB (and remotely through the app) after onboard­ing through SmartThings and Matter. Keys are stored securely with Knox and designed to meet high security certifications, with initial rollout in select regions beginning March 2026 and expanding as partner locks from Aqara, Nuki, Schlage and Xthings become available.

Ikea’s Matter devices stumble at setup with connectivity woes
tech2 months ago

Ikea’s Matter devices stumble at setup with connectivity woes

Ikea’s Matter-over-Thread smart home devices—including lights, a smart button, and sensors—are facing onboarding and connectivity problems for some users, with multiple devices failing to pair or stay connected across major platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Ikea says it’s aware of the issues and is investigating with ecosystem partners and the Connectivity Standards Alliance to fix the problems as Matter deployments continue.

IKEA Rolls Out 21 Affordable, Matter-Compatible Smart Sensors for Every Room
technology2 months ago

IKEA Rolls Out 21 Affordable, Matter-Compatible Smart Sensors for Every Room

IKEA has quietly launched 21 new smart-home products, including temperature, humidity, air-quality sensors, motion lighting, and remotes, all designed to work with the Matter standard so they can interoperate with existing ecosystems. The range focuses on budget-friendly, stylish devices—such as the ALPSTUGA indoor air quality monitor (around $29.99) and KLIPPBOK water-leak sensors (about $7.99)—that pair with IKEA lighting and other brands. It emphasizes accessibility and interoperability, though some reviewers note variability in connectivity and readings. This marks a notable move by a mainstream retailer to make smart-home tech more affordable and interoperable.

Ikea Brings Cozy, Matter-Ready Smart Home Gear to CES 2026
technology2 months ago

Ikea Brings Cozy, Matter-Ready Smart Home Gear to CES 2026

Ikea stole the CES spotlight with a Matter-compatible smart home lineup designed for affordability and local control, featuring updated Varmblixt lamps (donut and pendant) that work with the Ikea Home Smart app and Matter, plus a budget sensor family (Alpstuga air quality sensor, Timmerflotte temp/humidity, Myggspray IP67 outdoor motion, Klippbok water leak, Myggbett door/window) and new small plugs/bulbs (Grillplats, Kajplats, Tofsmygga) expected in April 2026. While many devices still lean on Ikea’s Dirigera hub for advanced features, some remotes function without a hub, and Samsung SmartThings interoperability is expanding. Ikea also showcased Bluetooth speakers (Solskydd, Kulglass, Kallsup) including a portable $10 Kallsup and a wall-mount friendly Solskydd, with the ability to link multiple speakers. Overall, Ikea emphasizes cozy design, affordability, and local control in a Matter-driven ecosystem, with CES 2026 as its first major foray into the show.

IKEA Enhances Smart Home Offerings with New Matter-Enabled Devices
technology3 months ago

IKEA Enhances Smart Home Offerings with New Matter-Enabled Devices

IKEA showcased its new affordable smart home products at CES 2026, supporting Matter and working well in real-world tests, but currently face compatibility issues with Google Home, especially with generic devices like buttons. The lineup includes smart lights, plugs, sensors, and new Bluetooth speakers like the KALLSUP, which is budget-friendly and easy to connect, though sound quality is modest. These products are available in the US, with some launching in April, promising to enhance smart home integration despite current ecosystem limitations.