The Matter Standard
Although Google, Apple, and Amazon are often fierce competitors, there are areas where collaboration between these tech giants can prove beneficial for all. When it comes to the use of Internet of Things devices in residential and commercial environments, adoption has been slow. An initiative formerly known as Project CHIP was recently renamed Matter, and its wide support is poised to provide benefits to tech giants and startups alike.
Why is Matter Necessary?
Internet of Things devices have traditionally relied on a wide set of standards, and operating between them would require a translation layer or, in many cases, custom coding. Furthermore, device manufacturers would sometimes have to consider the cost of royalties when deciding on a platform. Although custom interfaces can provide some benefits, particularly for industrial use, home and business adoption of IoT devices has been slow. With Matter, device manufacturers might be able to encourage adoption. The companies behind Matter aren’t using it as a replacement for their own integrated solutions, but they are aiming to make use between different ecosystems a straightforward experience.
A Sign of Détente?
Although using Google Assistant within Google’s ecosystem, for example, will likely always retain some advantages, it and other tech giants realize that device interoperability to some extent will be essential for letting the smart home come to fruition. Although Google, Amazon, and Apple may have to compromise on their dreams of a fully integrated smart home, it’s not a battle that makes financial sense for most companies, as too much fragmentation could potentially cause the entire concept of the smart home to flop. Instead of trying to force customers into their own ecosystems, these companies can instead focus on providing the best end-point experience. The decision to collaborate isn’t one these companies make lightly, but their research clearly shows it to be worthwhile for all involved.
What are the Goals of Matter?
The primary goal of Matter is to provide simplicity. IoT and other smart devices offer compelling features, but adoption will lag if the interface is cumbersome. However, the platform needs to be flexible as well; device manufacturers have varying needs, and Matter must be able to accommodate a broad set of use cases. Reliable connections are crucial, especially for devices used on garage doors, locks, and other essential parts of homes, as news stories of users being locked out of their homes can slow the growth of smart home technology. Finally, security has become a major selling point in recent years, and Matter aims to ensure connections are properly encrypted and security is easy to implement for device manufacturers.
How Do Devices Connect?
Although novel ways of connecting wired and wireless devices have come online in recent years, Matter is designed to primarily work over tried-and-tested Internet Protocol connections. Despite the age of IP technology, it’s still the infrastructure used for nearly all home and commercial communication, and adopting a different standard would come with limitations not present in IP. For developers, the use of IP will ease the burden of providing support for Matter. Furthermore, making the most of smart home technology will demand that users can control their devices when not connected to their home networks, and IP is the only practical technology for this role.
Other Connection Methods
An alternative method for connecting devices wirelessly, Thread, has gained the support of Apple and Google, among others. One of the benefits of Matter is its ability to support Thread-compatible devices, which should make connections easy. Furthermore, Matter provides standards for supporting Bluetooth Low Energy as well, allowing users to connect low-powered devices in a manner similar to what they’re accustomed to.
Why are Tech Giants Collaborating?
Although Google, Amazon, and Apple would all like to dominate the IoT market, none are in a position to do so. Furthermore, companies realize that homes are likely to use of mix of technology. Even if an individual is tied to a particular ecosystem, partners and families are likely to use various devices from different manufacturers. Furthermore, having an open and royalty-free standard lets smaller companies bring novel products to the market, which can help spur the rise of connected homes and businesses.
When is Matter Coming?
There’s no firm timeline for when the first Matter devices will come online, but some are likely to hit the market by late 2021. Most of these devices will focus on consumers in the home, with device developers planning to launch Matter-compatible televisions, light bulbs, thermostats, locks, and more. One of the goals of Matter is to let users easily know if devices they’re interested in can be used with their existing smart home infrastructure. The Matter branding will make purchases easier.
Who Else is Supporting Matter?
Although companies such as Apple and Google aim to bring a number of products to the market, they realize that they lack the capacity to cover all possible uses. Few tech companies, for example, are interested in door locks or electrical outlets. Support from companies across various industries is key to ensuring success. Notably, semiconductor manufacturers have already announced support, including Texas Instruments, Infineon Technologies, and Nordic Semiconductor. Comcast is planning to provide support as well, as is Nanoleaf, which focuses on LED lighting. These diverse companies typify the broad goals of Matter.
Yet Another Standard?
Standards are great for simplifying the process of developing software and bringing devices to market. However, tech is filled with standards that never saw much adoption and were replaced by new standards, which may have failed as well. The advantage of Matter, however, is in its support from the relevant major players in the smart home and IoT. Android and iOS remain the only two relevant operating systems for smartphones and tablets, and Amazon’s Alexa remains popular as a smart assistant. The potential to control Google devices from an Apple device, and vice versa, means Matter seems too compelling an option to fail if its implementation meets the needs of users.
Plenty of smart home devices are already on the market, and consumers have shown significant interest. However, the technology has yet to revolutionize the lives of people as much as some experts anticipated. Matter stands as the potential linchpin to finally put real smart home technology into a majority of houses. Its success remains to be seen, but cooperation among some of the largest tech companies certainly offers reason for optimism.