Tag: Matter

  • Govee Launches High-Brightness Outdoor Pathway Lights

    Govee Launches High-Brightness Outdoor Pathway Lights

    Key Takeaway

    – Govee released Outdoor Cylinder Pathway Lights in the US (announced Jan 2026); IP67 rating for all-weather use.
    – RGBWIC LEDs with 16+ million colors; up to 425 lumens per tube; light emitted in all directions on a 1.15 ft pole with ground stakes.
    – Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth connectivity; controllable via Govee Home app or voice; supports Matter for cross‑brand compatibility.
    – The app offers 60+ preset scene modes, including music-synced options.
    – Pricing: 4-pack $99.99, 8-pack $169.99; Amazon US discounts up to $40; Europe release not confirmed.

    Govee has released the Outdoor Cylinder Pathway Lights in the US. Announced by the brand in January 2026, this smart lighting product is suitable for all weathers, with an IP67 water and dust resistance rating.

    Specs & Colors

    The Govee Outdoor Cylinder Pathway Lights have an RGBWIC LED light source, offering users a choice of over 16 million colors. Each tube-shaped light is said to deliver up to 425 lumens brightness, casting light in all directions. The lights sit on top of 1.15 ft (~35 cm) long poles with ground stakes to fix them in place.

    Connectivity & Control

    With both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, this smart light can be remotely controlled via the Govee Home app or with voice commands. Plus, support for the Matter standard should enable it to work with products from other smart home ecosystems. The app provides users with over 60 preset scene modes, including music-synced options.

    Pricing & Availability

    A 4-pack of the Govee Outdoor Cylinder Pathway Lights is available for $99.99, while an 8-pack is priced at $169.99. Discounts available with in-page coupons, providing savings of up to $40. Govee has not indicated whether or when this smart light could be released in Europe.


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  • IKEA Smart Home Hub Update Boosts Matter Compatibility

    IKEA Smart Home Hub Update Boosts Matter Compatibility

    Key Takeaways

    1. IKEA released software version 2.934.0 for the Dirigera Hub to improve smart home performance.
    2. The onboarding process for Matter-compatible devices has been made more stable.
    3. Previous issues with devices disconnecting unexpectedly have been addressed.
    4. A bug related to IKEA Bilresa remotes, affecting volume control on linked speakers, has been fixed.
    5. The update will be automatically sent to users via the IKEA Home smart app, with rollout timing still uncertain.

    IKEA has announced a new update for the Dirigera Hub. This latest software version, 2.934.0, comes about a month after the previous update for the smart hub. The last release was meant to improve the performance of the Thread Network in certain situations and fix a problem related to moving Matter-compatible devices across different rooms.

    Updates and Improvements

    The release notes for version 2.934.0 of the IKEA Dirigera Hub, which were posted on Reddit, mention two main changes to ensure that your smart home functions more smoothly. To start with, the company has worked on making the onboarding process for Matter devices even more stable. It’s worth mentioning that IKEA launched a variety of smart home products with Matter support in late 2025 and early 2026. Nevertheless, some users have reported problems where devices wouldn’t connect properly or would disconnect without warning.

    Bug Fixes in the System

    Another point in the change log involves the IKEA Bilresa remotes. A bug that was stopping users from changing the volume of music paused on a linked smart speaker has been fixed. The software version 2.934.0 for the IKEA Dirigera Hub will be automatically sent to users through the IKEA Home smart app. It remains uncertain when this update will be fully rolled out.

    u/xoblite via Reddit

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  • Govee Smart Ceiling Fan with Built-In Lights Coming Soon

    Govee Smart Ceiling Fan with Built-In Lights Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Govee is set to release a new Ceiling Fan with Lights, expanding its product range.
    2. The fan will feature colored lighting effects and assist with air circulation for cooling.
    3. It will support remote controls via the Govee app, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
    4. The fan will be compatible with various smart home systems due to Matter support.
    5. No official announcement, release date, or pricing details for the fan have been provided yet.

    A new ceiling fan with lights from Govee seems to be coming soon. This would be a brand new type of product for Govee, which already has various smart fans and ceiling lights, such as the Govee Ceiling Light (white version currently priced at $71.99 on Amazon).

    Exciting Features Ahead

    This upcoming smart home gadget was recently found in the database of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization that oversees protocols like Matter and Zigbee. As per the details on the CSA’s page, the Govee Ceiling Fan with Lights will provide colored lighting effects and assist with air circulation to keep spaces cool. It will have remote controls accessible through the Govee app, featuring both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, Matter support means it will work well with many different smart home systems.

    Similarities to Outdoor Version

    It’s possible that this new fan is related to the Govee Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Light, which was mentioned by Matter Alpha just recently. The website describes a similar set of features, indicating that the fan has two modes and is made for outdoor environments. There’s also an image of the product available (seen above), but the source of this image hasn’t been revealed by the blog.

    Govee has not yet made a formal announcement regarding the Ceiling Fan With Lights. It’s still unclear when this product will be released or how much it will cost.

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  • Zigbee 4.0 and Suzi: Competing with Matter or a Helpful Addition?

    Zigbee 4.0 and Suzi: Competing with Matter or a Helpful Addition?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zigbee 4.0 introduces significant upgrades, including Zigbee Direct for direct device configuration via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and batch commissioning for adding multiple devices simultaneously.

    2. The new Suzi branding utilizes lower frequencies (around 800MHz in Europe and 900MHz in North America) for better range and penetration through walls, offering a viable alternative to 2.4GHz technologies.

    3. Enhanced security features are prioritized in Zigbee 4.0 while ensuring compatibility with Zigbee 3.0 and Smart Energy devices.

    4. Certification for Zigbee 4.0 and Suzi is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, indicating a delay before products are available on the market.

    5. Zigbee 4.0 and Matter are designed to work together in the smart home ecosystem, with Zigbee remaining a power-efficient option that can integrate into the Matter framework through bridges.

    The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) is widely recognized for its smart home protocol known as Matter. However, the older wireless standard Zigbee is also set to receive a significant upgrade. Along with Zigbee 4.0, the CSA debuted Suzi, a new label for the sub-GHz version that offers extended range.

    Enhancements in Zigbee 4.0

    The transition to version 4.0 includes substantial modifications to the mesh network’s core framework, featuring the addition of Zigbee Direct. This new function enables users to configure Zigbee devices directly using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), eliminating the need for a dedicated hub. Furthermore, there is a new capability that allows users to add multiple devices at once, referred to as batch commissioning.

    Additionally, this updated standard prioritizes enhanced security features while maintaining full compatibility with Zigbee 3.0 and Smart Energy. The CSA aims to make sure that various generations of devices can operate collaboratively.

    Introduction of Suzi Branding

    In conjunction with Zigbee 4.0, the CSA revealed the new Suzi branding. While Zigbee continues to work within the familiar 2.4GHz frequency band, Suzi utilizes lower frequencies, around 800MHz in Europe and 900MHz in North America. These lower frequencies are more effective at penetrating walls and ceilings compared to higher frequencies, resulting in an extended range.

    Moreover, since technologies like WiFi already utilize the 2.4GHz band, it becomes susceptible to interference, especially in urban settings. Thus, Suzi could serve as a viable alternative to other long-range technologies like LoRaWAN and Z-Wave Long Range.

    Certification and Market Readiness

    It remains uncertain whether this wireless standard will be an essential component of Zigbee 4.0 or if it will require an independent certification. The CSA has stated that certifications are anticipated to begin in the first half of 2026, indicating that it will take some time before the initial products become available.

    With all this in mind, one might wonder if Zigbee 4.0 is even necessary with Matter in existence. Matter was created to unify various smart home protocols and is being regularly updated, as shown by the latest 1.4.2 update. Conversely, Zigbee is likely to remain a power-efficient option that can be incorporated into the Matter ecosystem through bridges. Hence, the two technologies do not truly compete but rather collaborate to provide a strong foundation for communication between devices in smart home environments.

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  • Tink Launches Affordable Motion Sensor in Europe

    Tink Launches Affordable Motion Sensor in Europe

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tink has launched the Basics Motion Sensor (Matter) in Germany, expanding its smart home product line.
    2. The Motion Sensor detects human movement within a 90° angle and a range of 3-7 meters, enhancing home security and automation.
    3. Users receive real-time push notifications via the tink app or other smart home applications, like Google Home.
    4. The sensor is easy to install with an adjustable angle base and operates on two AAA batteries in temperatures from -10 to 50°C.
    5. The motion sensor is priced at €29.95 in Germany, with no current availability in other countries like the Netherlands and Belgium.

    The tink Basics Motion Sensor (Matter) has made its debut in Germany. Tink, a company focused on smart home technology, offers devices from various brands and features its own products in the tink Basics line, such as the Smart Plug, which is currently priced at €16.99 on Amazon DE.

    Motion Detection for Security

    The new Motion Sensor by Tink is meant for detecting human movement within your living space. This can be used as a security measure while you’re away from home, or to activate other connected smart home devices like lighting. It boasts a detection angle of 90° and can sense motion from a range of 3-7 meters (about 9.8 to 23.0 feet). As a Matter-over-Thread device, it can work with various smart home ecosystems, but it must be connected to a Thread border router.

    Real-Time Notifications

    With the tink Motion Sensor, users can get instant push notifications through the company’s app or other smart home applications such as Google Home. The sensor features an adjustable angle base, making it simple to install on either walls or ceilings. This white gadget runs on two AAA batteries and functions efficiently in temperatures ranging from -10 to 50°C (approximately 14 to 122°F). Its dimensions are 12.3 x 4.5 x 2.4 cm (roughly 4.8 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches).

    Pricing and Availability

    You can currently purchase the tink Basics Motion Sensor (Matter) from the brand’s online shop in Germany for €29.95. This price is quite reasonable, especially considering the features it offers. However, it remains uncertain when tink will make this product available on its websites in other countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium.

    Tink, Smart Home Assistant.

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    Tink Launches Affordable Motion Sensor in Europe

     

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