Tag: Matter-over-Thread

  • Arduino Introduces Matter Discovery Bundle for Smart Home Development

    Arduino Introduces Matter Discovery Bundle for Smart Home Development

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Kit Launch: Arduino introduced the Arduino Matter Discovery Bundle, aimed at simplifying Matter-based smart home development.

    2. Components Included: The bundle features the Nano Matter board, a Qwiic-compatible Nano Connector Carrier, and various Modulino sensor and actuator nodes.

    3. Learning Resources: A seven-module curriculum is provided to guide users from setup to Matter certification, making it beginner-friendly.

    4. Software and Connectivity: The kit uses the Matter-over-Thread stack for communication with smart home hubs and includes specialized learning modules on the Arduino Cloud.

    5. Border Router Requirement: The kit is Thread-based and requires a Matter-over-Thread border router (like Apple TV 4K or HomePod) to enable smart functions.

    After the launch of the Arduino Nesso N1 IoT development kit and the Arduino UNO Q development platform, Arduino has revealed a new kit aimed at making Matter-based smart home development more accessible.

    Introducing the Arduino Matter Discovery Bundle

    This new kit is named the Arduino Matter Discovery Bundle. It centers on the Nano Matter board, along with a Nano Connector Carrier that supports Qwiic expansion. The bundle also includes various Modulino sensor and actuator nodes, such as the Latch Relay, Distance, and Thermo nodes, which help in creating and testing Matter-enabled projects.

    Comprehensive Learning Resources

    Moreover, Arduino has provided a detailed seven-module curriculum designed to assist users from the initial setup all the way to Matter certification. The Nano Matter can operate as an independent controller by default, but users have the option to use the included Qwiic-compatible carrier for development without soldering.

    Software and Connectivity

    On the software front, this development bundle utilizes the Matter-over-Thread stack, allowing communication with existing smart home hubs through the Arduino Matter library. Additionally, new specialized learning modules have been launched that run on the Arduino Cloud platform. The price of this kit is set at the Arduino Store, with availability starting today.

    It’s important to note that this kit is Thread-based. As a result, it needs a Matter-over-Thread border router, such as an Apple TV 4K, HomePod, or a specific hub, to connect to a smart home network. Users without a border router will find that the “smart” functions cannot be utilized straight out of the box.

    The Arduino Matter Discovery Bundle is listed on Arduino’s store for $61.04.

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  • IKEA Bilresa: New Matter-Compatible Smart Home Switch Unveiled

    IKEA Bilresa: New Matter-Compatible Smart Home Switch Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new IKEA smart switch, Bilresa Dual Button, features two independent buttons.
    2. Bilresa will support Matter over Thread, enabling compatibility with Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa.
    3. It is one of the first IKEA products to support Matter, following the Dirigera hub’s update.
    4. The product is currently in internal testing, with no confirmed release date or price yet.
    5. IKEA’s existing smart switches include the Rodret Wireless dimmer and the Somrig shortcut button.

    An image has surfaced showing a new IKEA smart switch called the Bilresa Dual Button. Currently, IKEA has two smart home switches available: the Rodret Wireless dimmer/power switch designed for smart lights and the Somrig shortcut button. The Somrig button is useful for activating smart home scenes that are saved in the IKEA Home smart app.

    Details of the Bilresa Switch

    The photo of the Bilresa was posted by Homewithapple on social media, revealing a switch mounted on a wall with two separate buttons. The source hints that each button can be operated independently. Furthermore, it was mentioned that this device will support Matter over Thread, which means it can work with various smart home systems like Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa.

    Future of IKEA’s Smart Products

    As it appears, the Bilresa is set to be among the first products from IKEA that supports Matter. The Dirigera hub, which connects the company’s smart home devices, received Matter support through a software update in September. Users can currently explore this feature in the Workshop section of the IKEA Home smart app.

    Price and Availability Uncertain

    At this moment, it’s not clear when the Bilresa Dual Button will be available for purchase or what its price tag will be. Homewithapple reports that this product is still undergoing internal testing. For comparison, the IKEA Rodret and IKEA Somrig are priced at £5.00/€6.99 and £7.00/€6.99, respectively.

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  • Eve Systems Android Support Limited to Eve Thermo Only

    Eve Systems Android Support Limited to Eve Thermo Only

    Eve Systems first talked about creating an Android app during IFA 2022. Recently, after waiting over two years and using makeshift solutions with Samsung SmartThings, the smart home brand finally released the Eve for Matter app on the Google Play Store. However, in a strange turn of events, Android users of Eve devices hoping for the new app to offer the same access to custom features as iOS will have to be patient a bit longer.

    Unlocking Features

    Eve is promoting its Android app as the way to fully utilize the Eve Thermo, which is the company’s smart radiator thermostat and the only device that the app currently supports. With the app, Android users can integrate this device into Google Home, allowing them to connect it to other smart home platforms. For the moment, no other Eve gadgets are available for use with the app.

    Limitations for Android Users

    This situation feels like a step back, given that Android users already have multi-device support through Eve’s connections with SmartThings and Alexa. Yet, those apps lack certain features like automated scheduling, which are not supported by Matter. Matter is essential to connect the Eve Thermo to Google Home using the Eve app, but the extra features can only be used through the Eve app. Meanwhile, iOS users benefit from a broader selection of custom features across various Eve smart home devices.

    New Device Options

    Current Eve Thermo users must upgrade their devices to be compatible with Matter, but the company has also introduced a new version of the Eve Thermo for €79.95 that comes with Matter-over-Thread support right out of the box. You can grab it at a 15% discount on Amazon right now.

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