In November 2022, after years of anticipation and teasers, Matter was officially released. This new smart home standard is now complete and ready for use, enabling seamless connectivity among various gadgets in your home, irrespective of their ecosystem or manufacturer. Today, Google announced its support for Matter, confirming that nearly all Android phones and the majority of its smart home devices now include Matter compatibility.

Google has been rolling out updates for numerous Android handsets and smart home gadgets over the past few weeks, and the company confirmed that these updates are now complete. This marks a significant step forward in the integration and functionality of smart home devices.

One of the most notable features of this upgrade is the inclusion of Fast Pair compatibility for Android devices. This functionality allows users to easily connect new Matter-supported smart home gadgets with a simple tap, similar to how they connect the latest headphones and other accessories.

A crucial aspect of managing all Matter-supported devices is having a comprehensive hub, which is facilitated by the Google Home app for Android. However, Google Home on iOS will not receive Matter support until 2023, meaning users on that platform will have to wait a bit longer.

Google’s integration of Matter now extends to a range of its smart home devices, including:

– The original Google Home speaker
– Google Home Mini
– Nest Mini
– Nest Audio
– Nest Hub (1st and 2nd gen)
– Nest Hub Max
– Nest Wi-Fi Pro

These devices can act as Thread border routers, which are essential for creating a cohesive and efficient smart home network. Matter leverages multiple wireless protocols, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. Thread, a low-power network, operates in tandem with existing Wi-Fi systems and is particularly suitable for energy-efficient devices like smart locks.

While some Google devices are not yet on the list, the company has assured users that additional Nest devices will receive updates throughout 2023. This includes the 2020 Nest Thermostat and the original Nest Wi-Fi.

Looking ahead to 2023, Google plans to enhance Matter’s Multi-Admin feature, which will simplify the process of linking connected home gadgets to both Google Home and Samsung SmartThings. This collaboration aims to provide a seamless experience for households that use a variety of devices and services.

The rollout of Matter has been gradual since its major announcement in November, but with Google’s endorsement, the adoption rate could accelerate significantly. Google is working with notable brands such as Eve, Meross, Nanoleaf, Philips Hue, and Tuya to promote Matter, signaling a potential surge in Matter-compatible smart home devices.

With these developments, Google aims to create a more unified and user-friendly smart home ecosystem, enhancing the functionality and interoperability of various devices while simplifying the user experience.