We recently saw the launch (finally!)
ofMatter, an industry-unifying open standard for smart homes.
If youre building IoT devices, this (excuse the pun)matters.
Lets dive into what its all about and especially what it means for European businesses.
What is Matter?
Traditionally, smart home devices exist across several ecosystems with limited interoperability.
On top of this, more often than not, theres a lack of clarity about cybersecurity too.
Matter is developed through collaboration within theConnectivity Standards Alliance(CSA), previously known as the Zigbee Alliance.
The organization consists of over 300 companies working to create, maintain, and deliver open globalIoTstandards.
40% off TNW Conference!
Imagine, for example, an Amazon unit that integrates with Google Home or Apple Home Kit.
But so far, the Matter 1.0 standard only supports a limited variety of smart home products.
These are of the more conventional variety:
Theres a lot of technology out there that still isnt supported.
Whileover 3000 devicesare already Matter certified, a wider roll out will happen from next year.
This raises the question of whether the standard is an opportunity or a challenge.
If you adopt the standard, theres also a lot more due diligence regarding cybersecurity.
For example, Matter certification requires gadget data encryption.
They also must be capable of accepting over-the-air software updates.
In the long-term, this will be good for everyone.
The dream of Matter is to develop once, and deploy everywhere.
In other words, Matter is still a work in progress.
And if a company is making devices outside of the more conventionalsmart homeproducts mentioned earlier?
Something like an EV charger?
Theyll be waiting for support for a while.
This is an opportunity to build relationships and get people excited.
Be transparent about the process and share your timelines.
Explain how it works in plain language.
This is a huge opportunity to grow and strengthen your community.
And consumers will have an easier life than ever before.
Thats pretty damn exciting.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
