The Future of Smart Home Technology: A Recap of Matter Announcements at CES 2024
Introduction
For years, the Connectivity Standards Alliance has been pushing the Matter smart home networking protocol as a more robust and user-friendly alternative to existing standards. Despite some setbacks, the backers of Matter remain optimistic about its potential. At CES 2024, several companies made exciting announcements regarding Matter-compatible devices and features. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights from the event.
LG TVs
LG announced that its TVs will soon act as Matter controllers, allowing users to manage all their Matter-compatible devices from one place. This integration will provide a seamless experience for users who own both LG and Google Home devices. With this update, LG is positioning itself as a key player in the Matter ecosystem.
Nanoleaf Lights
Nanoleaf introduced its first dedicated outdoor lights that are part of the Matter Essentials line. These lights can be controlled using voice assistants and Matter-compatible apps, offering users a wide range of customization options. Additionally, Nanoleaf announced the upcoming release of the Smart Modular Ceiling Light and Smart Multicolor Lightstrip, both of which will support Matter.
Lockly Visage
Lockly showcased the Visage smart lock at CES, featuring face scanning technology for secure access. While Matter certification is pending, the Visage is expected to work seamlessly with Apple’s Home app and other smart home platforms. Lockly also announced the upcoming release of the Matter Link Hub, enhancing compatibility with older Lockly devices.
Aqara Hub M3
Aqara unveiled the Hub M3, a Matter-compatible hub with advanced features like an IR blaster and local automation capabilities. The M3 is set to launch in Q2 2024, offering users a versatile and reliable smart home solution. Aqara also introduced the Smart Lock U300, expanding its range of Matter-compatible devices.
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
Roborock entered the Matter ecosystem with the launch of the S8 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum cleaner. Packed with innovative features like AI-powered obstacle avoidance and voice assistant integration, the S8 MaxV Ultra promises a superior cleaning experience. While support for robot vacuums through Matter is still pending, the S8 MaxV Ultra is a promising addition to the smart home market.
Mui Board Gen 2
The Mui Board 2, a smart home device touch controller with Matter support, launched its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. With its sleek design and intuitive controls, the Mui Board 2 offers users a stylish and functional way to interact with their smart home devices. As a Matter-compatible device, the Mui Board 2 can seamlessly integrate with other Matter-enabled hardware.
Amazon Matter Casting
Amazon introduced Matter Casting, a feature that allows users to beam video and audio content to supported devices. This industry-first implementation of Matter Casting on Amazon smart displays and TVs opens up new possibilities for seamless content sharing. With support for popular streaming services, Amazon is enhancing the entertainment experience for smart home users.
Conclusion
The announcements made at CES 2024 highlight the growing momentum behind the Matter smart home standard. With a diverse range of Matter-compatible devices and features on the horizon, the future of smart home technology looks promising. As more companies embrace Matter and expand its capabilities, users can expect a more seamless and integrated smart home experience.