Matter – what it means for smart homes and lighting

The smart home has been on everyone's lips for years, but one major problem keeps recurring: devices from different manufacturers don't always work together. This has led to a situation where you might have separate apps and controllers for different brands at home. A new standard called Matter promises to solve this challenge.

What is Matter?

Matter is an international open standard backed by industry giants: Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung. Its purpose is to unite smart home devices so they work together regardless of manufacturer. In practice, this means that smart bulbs, LED strips, sockets and sensors can all be controlled from the same app.

What benefits does Matter bring to consumers?

• Compatibility: the same device works with Apple HomeKit, the Google Home app and Amazon Alexa.

• Ease of use: you can manage devices from different brands through a single app.

• Security: Matter uses strong encrypted connections that improve smart home data security.

• Longevity: when devices are based on a common standard, their lifespan extends and future compatibility improves.

How does Matter differ from Zigbee and other solutions?

Zigbee and Z-Wave have long been popular smart home protocols, but their problem has been a more closed ecosystem and the need for separate gateways (hubs). Matter works directly over Wi-Fi and Thread networks, for example, and is supported by new routers and smartphones. This makes use simpler.

Lighting and LED strips with Matter

With the Matter standard, you can now control LED strips, smart bulbs and other lights regardless of manufacturer. This makes building your home lighting easier: you're not tied to one brand, but can choose products according to your needs and control them all from the same app.

For example, you can install an LED strip from one manufacturer under your kitchen worktop and smart bulbs from another in the living room – they'll still work together when they're Matter-compatible.

Future outlook

Matter is still relatively new, but its development is rapid. More and more device manufacturers are adding Matter support to their products. This means consumers no longer need to wonder "will this work with my system" – devices are compatible straight out of the box.

Matter and Thread: control without a separate bridge

Matter works on top of Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Thread. Thread is a low-power mesh network where mains-powered devices relay messages to each other, so the network strengthens as the number of devices grows. Because commands travel within the home network rather than via cloud services, lights respond instantly when controlled by motion sensors, for example, and automations work even when the internet connection drops.

How do you add a Matter device to your home?

1. Scan the device's Matter QR code with your chosen smart home app (e.g. Apple Home or Google Home).
2. The phone and device establish a secure connection via Bluetooth.
3. The device permanently joins your home Wi-Fi or Thread network.

Thanks to Matter's Multi-Admin feature, the same light can be controlled simultaneously from multiple systems, for example from an iPhone and an Android phone.

Do existing Zigbee devices work with Matter?

Many manufacturers have brought Matter support to their own bridges via software updates, allowing previous Zigbee lights to be added to a Matter system through the bridge. When making new purchases, however, it's worth checking the product for Matter certification. Read more about Zigbee control: wireless Zigbee control for LED lights.

Frequently asked questions

What does Matter mean for lighting?

Matter means that lights and LED controllers work with different manufacturers' smart home systems without requiring separate apps. You can control lights from different brands using the same app, and control happens locally on your home network.

Can LED strips be controlled with Matter?

Yes. A Matter-compatible LED controller is installed between the LED strip and power supply, for example MiBoxer SM2, SM5 or ML5. After that, the strip can be dimmed and adjusted using a smart home app or voice control.

Does Matter require a hub?

Wi-Fi-based Matter devices don't require a separate bridge. Thread devices need a Thread border router, which is often already built into smart speakers or displays.

See also smart LED lighting at home – where to start. Our customer service team will be happy to help you choose the right controller.