Whether you attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last month or you simply swooned from afar, one thing is certain: Technology development is not slowing down.
Every year, tech fanatics and industry insiders attend this multi-day event and dream of the day this seemingly futuristic technology will become part of everyday life. From gaming and sports tech to cars and even cryptocurrency, nothing is off the table at CES. What’s the saying? “If you build it …”?
Indeed, smart home tech was front and center at this year’s CES, too. From indoor garden systems to smart cutting boards, the home—and kitchen in particular—is absolutely getting smarter, more eco-conscious, and user-friendly. But as home tech evolves and consumers incorporate more of these smart appliances into their spaces, the topic of connectivity comes to mind. That leads us to perhaps one of the most exciting announcements to come out of this year’s CES: Matter.
First, let’s establish a foundational understanding of what “smart” technology is. According to Williams College, “What makes a technology ‘smart’ is its ability to communicate and work with other networked technologies, and through this ability to allow automated or adaptive functionality as well as remote accessibility or operation from anywhere.”
And now the challenge: What happens if your stunning new smart oven only works with Google Home, but you are an Amazon Alexa devotee? Anyone who has ever gotten home with a new tech toy only to discover it doesn’t work with whatever operating system or home assistant platform they own knows the disappointment that ensues.
Therein lies the problem, and the solution is Matter.
Matter is described by PC Magazine as “a new global, open-source standard that aims to simplify the smart home ecosystem by allowing internet-connected devices from different manufacturers to simply and securely communicate.” In layman’s terms, that means it no longer matters if one type of device only works with Google Home when you’re an Alexa fan. It will still work within your home’s tech eco-system—for kitchen appliances and so much more.
Since its launch in October 2022, nearly 200 products have become Matter-certified with more on the way. This sort of buy-in by companies is a big win for consumers as it increases options 10-fold on everything from appliances and smart lightbulbs to doorbells, door locks, and beyond. And Matter is being incorporated not only into yet-to-be-released appliances but those that are already available as well. Keeping an appliance’s app up to date will ensure that when the product’s brand has become Matter-certified, you’ll know.
Learn more about Matter, including its history, future plans, and more, here.
As you work with clients on their home renovations, when it’s time to look for appliances, be sure to share this “Matter” with them. And when it’s time to buy, your sales representatives at Friedman’s will be happy to help.