The smart home industry has long been plagued by fragmentation. Different brands use different communication protocols, forcing consumers to juggle multiple apps, hubs, and ecosystems just to control their devices.
Enter Matter, a new universal smart home standard designed to unify the market. Backed by tech giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung, Matter promises seamless interoperability between devices, regardless of manufacturer.
But while this is a future-proof solution for new buyers, it also means that many existing smart devices may soon become obsolete.
What is Matter?
Matter is an open-source connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance.
It is built on existing technologies like Wi-Fi, Thread, and Ethernet to ensure reliable communication between smart home products.
Unlike proprietary ecosystems (such as Apple HomeKit or Google Home), Matter is designed to be vendor-agnostic, meaning a smart bulb from one brand can seamlessly work with a thermostat from another without requiring additional hubs or software.
The key features of Matter include: - Cross-platform compatibility – Works with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. - Local control – Reduces reliance on cloud services, improving speed and privacy. - Simplified setup – Devices can be added via QR codes or NFC, eliminating complex pairing processes. - Future-proofing – Regular updates ensure long-term support.
Why Your Current Smart Devices May Become Obsolete
While Matter is a leap forward, it also signals the impending obsolescence of many existing smart devices. Here’s why:
1. Lack of Hardware Support Matter requires specific hardware components, particularly for Thread-enabled devices. Many older smart home gadgets rely solely on Zigbee or Z-Wave, which are not natively compatible with Matter. While some hubs may offer backward compatibility via software updates, standalone devices without the necessary chipsets will be left behind.
2. No Firmware Updates from Manufacturers Some companies may choose to update older devices to support Matter, but many will prioritize pushing new, Matter-certified products instead. Budget brands, in particular, are unlikely to invest in legacy device support, leaving consumers with non-upgradeable gadgets.
3. Ecosystem Lock-in Becomes Irrelevant Previously, brands like Philips Hue or Nest encouraged loyalty by keeping their devices exclusive to their ecosystems. With Matter, consumers can mix and match brands freely, reducing the incentive for manufacturers to support older, proprietary models.
4. Performance Limitations Matter optimizes device communication for efficiency and responsiveness. Older devices that rely on slower protocols or cloud-based processing may struggle to keep up, making them less reliable in a Matter-dominated smart home.
The Transition: What Should Consumers Do?
1. Check for Matter Compatibility Some newer devices already support Matter or will receive firmware updates. Manufacturers like Eve, Nanoleaf, and Philips Hue have announced upgrades for select products.
2. Invest in a Matter-Compatible Hub Hubs like the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), Apple HomePod Mini, and Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) double as Thread border routers, extending Matter support to older devices connected via bridges.
3. Gradually Replace Non-Compatible Devices If a device won’t receive a Matter update, consider replacing it with a certified alternative over time. Look for the Matter logo when purchasing new smart home tech.
4. Avoid Buying Non-Matter Devices Until Matter becomes ubiquitous, purchasing non-compatible devices risks early obsolescence. Stick to brands committed to the standard.
The Future of Smart Homes
Matter is more than just a convenience—it’s a fundamental shift in smart home technology. By eliminating compatibility headaches, it encourages wider adoption and innovation. However, this progress comes at a cost: the gradual phasing out of older devices that can’t keep up.
For consumers, the best strategy is to prioritize Matter-certified products and plan upgrades accordingly. While the transition may be inconvenient, the long-term benefits—seamless integration, improved security, and greater flexibility—make it a necessary evolution. The smart home of the future is here, and it runs on Matter.
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