Matter Alpha

Articles

What is the Connectivity Standards Alliance?

2 days ago | matteralpha.com | Christian Cawley

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) plays a leading role in the development of Matter and Zigbee. But that's just the beginning... Please note: This page may contain affiliate links. Read our ethics policy Christian Cawley in #Explainer on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM Hidden with little fanfare within every Matter smart home update and news about new devices is mention of the CSA, or the Connectivity Standards Alliance to afford it its full title.
Which smart home platform is best on a Google Pixel?

4 days ago | matteralpha.com | Bertel King

Pixel users have multiple Matter smart home hub options: Google Home, SmartThings (Samsung hub needed), Home Assistant (privacy-focused), Amazon Alexa, or TP-Link Deco routers. Please note: This page may contain affiliate links. Read our ethics policy Bertel King in #On/Off Light #Gateway #Hub #Explainer on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM Have a Google Pixel phone? Unless you're transitioning from an iPhone and have a Homekit-based smart home, all options are available to you.
Govee to release Galaxy Light Projector 2 Pro

5 days ago | matteralpha.com | Ward Zhou

Notable Matter smart home lighting manufacturer Govee is expected to release an updated version of its galaxy light projector, the 2 Pro, according to a recent Matter certification. These projectors are unique devices featuring various presets, casting aurora and starry sky scenes onto your wall or ceiling.
What smart home impovements can you expect in Matter 1.5 -- and when is it coming?

5 days ago | matteralpha.com | Ward Zhou

Development of the Matter smart home has shifted from releasing two major versions per year to delivering multiple minor updates in between. The recent launch of Matter 1.4.1 suggests delays for Matter 1.5, which is expected to include several major new features currently in development. So, what can you expect in the next significant update? Here’s everything we know so far. *Information in this article is mainly sourced from GitHub and supported by secondary references.
Nanoleaf introduces Matter Smart Multicolor Rope Light

1 week ago | matteralpha.com | Ward Zhou

Smart lighting brand Nanoleaf has introduced a new decorative light strip – the Matter Smart Multicolor Rope Light – offering full customization for light gradients and shape flexibility. The launch marks Nanoleaf’s return to Matter smart home-compatible products, following a string of Wi-Fi-only releases like the Pegboard Desk Dock and PC Screen Mirror Lightstrip, which lacked support for Matter and Thread.
The SwitchBot Hub 3 review: A universal remote with an identity crisis

1 week ago | matteralpha.com | James Bruce

The SwitchBot Hub 3 is many things. It’s a remote control for infrared devices, allowing you to integrate your TV and other legacy appliances with SwitchBot scenes. It’s a humidity and temperature sensor, with an LED display to check vital data at a glance. It’s a motion sensor, and a bridge for any nearby SwitchBot Bluetooth devices, like motorised curtains. It’s a scene controller, with quick-assignable shortcuts from the home screen.
Eve Motionblinds Matter 1.3 update brings performance improvements, bug fixes, and more

1 week ago | matteralpha.com | Christopher Close

Eve Systems has released a new update that brings performance improvements and implements Matter 1.3 specifications for its line of Motionblind products. Eve's Motionblind family includes Matter-compatible window blinds from Eve's made-to-order Custom Blinds Collection as well as its DIY Upgrade Kit for existing roller shades. What's new for Eve Motionblinds? As we just mentioned, the latest update—version 3.5.1—bumps Eve's Motionblinds up to Matter 1.3 which was released back in November 2024.
Sonoff to release Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle-M

1 week ago | matteralpha.com | Ward Zhou

Sonoff has submitted a new adapter, the Dongle-M (also called Dongle Max), for approval with the US Federal Communications Commission. The unit supports Zigbee and Thread radios in a single dongle-like device and adds Power over Ethernet (PoE) support alongside Wi-Fi connectivity. What’s for? The Dongle-M is designed for developers and hobbyists who build open-source smart home gateways and Thread border routers.
SwitchBot launches Matter-compatible WiFi Smart Garage Door Opener

1 week ago | matteralpha.com | Christopher Close

Following last week's launches of the Smart Lock Ultra Vision Combo and Hub 3, SwitchBot is back again with the release of the all-new Matter-compatible SwitchBot WiFi Smart Garage Door Opener. The latest from SwitchBot aims to simplify garage door monitoring with timely alerts, activity logging, and, of course, remote out of home controls.
New Xiaomi Matter lightbulb is available in Germany

1 week ago | matteralpha.com | Ward Zhou

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has officially released its first Matter smart home device – a color smart bulb – in Germany. The smart bulb was initially announced in late February, when Xiaomi listed the product on its global website. This release marks another step in the company’s commitment to the Matter standard, following the rollout of Matter support on its Hub 2S. A basic Matter lightbulb The Xiaomi Smart LED Bulb features a standard, rounded shape with an E27 screw base.