Matter

Hunter Douglas first said it would bring Matter to its smart shades back in 2022, and is finally following through. However, the upgrade is only coming to the gen 3 shades connected to a PowerView Gateway or Gateway Pro.

The hub is already a Matter bridge, allowing its lights, blinds, and sensors to be used on other Matter platforms (Apple Home, Alexa, etc.). With a Matter controller, Ikea can become a Matter platform in its own right.

Updated July 3, added comment from Ikea.

He added that certification has been a lengthy and expensive process; to certify a controller, you have to test every device type it’s compatible with. And, unlike Apple, Amazon, and Google, Home Assistant supports most Matter devices.

The updated HomeKit, which Apple rolled out in 2023, is required if you want to use Matter devices. If you’re not sure how to upgrade, check out our handy guide for doing so.

I’ve experienced network issues setting up Matter devices and keeping them online, and I’m not alone. If Matter can fix Wi-Fi routers, all will be forgiven.

As well as allowing setup of a Thread device when you don’t have a Thread border router, the Thread radio in the iPhone lets you control devices when the power is out:

Matter compatibility means the shades, which come in roller, zebra, and woven styles, will work with Apple Home, Google Home, SmartThings, Alexa, and other smart home platforms.

The function keys are programmable buttons. Just press to activate a scene or control smart devices like lights through Apple Home, SmartThings, or Home Assistant. Mechanical keyboard / smart home nerds rejoice!

Apparently, you’ll be able to automate the climate, lighting, and even the engine of your yacht or, you know, cargo ship.

The Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint Matter, which debuted at CES last year, will go on sale on January 7th for $199.

This means that, as promised, the “invisible” smart lock, which goes inside your existing hardware, now works with more smart home platforms without needing Level’s bridge.

The Level Lock Plus recently got a Matter upgrade, too, but the Lock and Lock Touch are still waiting.

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Matter support in FlicScript — a JavaScript-based scripting API — will let you “subscribe and send commands to and from any Matter device” (up to 1.2) and create custom solutions for your smart home.

Flic launched the first independent Matter Controller earlier this year.

The new Level Lock Plus (Matter) costs $329, and existing Level Plus owners can upgrade to Matter for free through January 14, 2025. But while they could support Thread, the Level Bolt, Lock, and Lock Touch aren’t eligible for this upgrade.

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