Philips Hue maker Signify announced during the IFA tech show that compatibility with the Matter smart home standard will rollout this month.
The significance of this update cannot be overstated. Smart home owners have long grappled with the compatibility issues that arise when their devices cannot communicate effectively with each other.
Matter, introduced in the autumn of 2022, was designed to address this challenge by offering seamless compatibility across major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
One of the standout features of this update is its backward compatibility. It means that even the earliest Philips Hue products, dating back to the original bulbs launched in 2012, will now seamlessly integrate with Matter.
This move will help to fulfil the promises of smart homes, making it easier for users to create cohesive and efficient smart ecosystems. However, the road to this announcement has not been without its bumps.
Originally slated for a Q1 2023 release, the Matter update faced delays—leaving users in suspense. Some enthusiasts even resorted to downloading beta updates through developer accounts, which often resulted in additional complications.
With the Philips Hue Bridge adopting Matter, users will enjoy several benefits.
Devices within the Hue ecosystem that communicate through Matter will operate locally, potentially leading to increased speed and responsiveness. Moreover, the update might enable users to connect multiple bridges to Amazon Alexa or Google Home, effectively allowing for the inclusion of more lights, transcending Hue’s previous limit of 50 lights per bridge.
Alongside this pivotal update, an inaugural line of smart security cameras within the Hue range and a selection of new lights were announced.
Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader for Philips Hue at Signify, said:
“After previously having introduced innovations like Philips Hue motion sensors and the Mimic presence automation, we’re now extending with a full suite of solutions for home security in day-to-day life.
By integrating our smart lighting system with cameras, contact sensors, and app features, we offer a unique security solution through light to help users secure their homes.
And it doesn’t end here, as we will continue to build and innovate to unlock the potential of lighting and security for our users.”
Additionally, a new generation of Philips Hue Festavia string lights in various sizes is set to hit the market—well ahead of the festive season.
As the smart home landscape continues to evolve, the inclusion of Matter support for Philips Hue marks a big step towards a more integrated and user-friendly experience.
(Image Credit: Philips Hue)
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