Samsung Electronics has announced the availability of Matter functionality across its SmartThings products. SmartThings hubs will receive an over-the-air update, while the SmartThings Android app will be updated to provide capability to control all Matter-compatible devices, including those not in the SmartThings ecosystem.
“We are now shifting from basic connectivity to building incredible experiences,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Corporate Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Matter is the future, giving consumers extensive choice and smart device compatibility at scale. Today marks the most significant milestone yet toward mass smart home adoption.”
Matter Controller Support to Arrive with Second and Third Gen Hubs
With the reveal of TVs and Family Hub refrigerators that were selected to be updated to support Matter Controller functionality occurring earlier this year, Samsung is aiming to simplify the control experience between SmartThings and other third-party devices. Additionally, the company’s Partner Early Access Program, gave select participants a head start in testing the Matter-supporting SmartThings hub and mobile software.
A product of this, is the recently announced Samsung and Google multi-admin support partnership, which will allow both ecosystems to control and manage one another seamlessly.
SmartThings’ Matter Controller support will begin with the second and third generations of the SmartThings Hub, as well as the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. All hubs will continue to support Zigbee, Z-Wave and Local Area Network devices, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and will be upgraded over-the-network to enable support for Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Thread-based Matter devices.
“We are committed to maintaining support for existing protocols while also helping the industry transition to a future built on Matter,” said Mark Tekippe, Vice President of Product at SmartThings and Connectivity Standards Alliance Board Member.
“SmartThings has always provided customers with the most flexible connectivity options including Zigbee and Z-Wave. Adding support for Matter and Thread ensures SmartThings remains the most versatile ecosystem for consumers looking to build or expand their smart homes.”