Google plans to use its Thread comms technology as a portal for integration of Matter devices with Nest solutions, including Nest Hub, Nest Wi-Fi and Nest Mini.
According to Michele Turner, senior director for Google Smart Home, Thread helps smart home devices work faster and more securely, and will work in conjunction with Matter, formerly Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP).
Devices with Thread built-in, like Nest Wifi, Nest Hub Max and the second-generation Nest Hub will become connection points for Matter devices, creating even stronger, faster connections across the home, Turner said.
“All Nest displays and speakers, like the Nest Hub and Nest Mini, will be automatically updated to control Matter devices, giving users faster and more reliable experiences whether they use Wi-Fi, Thread or ethernet,” she explains. “Plus, we’ll update the newest Nest Thermostat to support Matter – meaning for the first time it can be controlled on other platforms that have certified with Matter.”
According to Turner, the company has also unveiled a new smart home directory for all Google Assistant-compatible devices, along with educational videos. And the company has added support for WebRTC, an open-source communications protocol that reduces latency for an improved live video and audio streaming experience between security cameras, video doorbells, smart displays and mobile devices.
Google is also improving Home & Away Routines, enabling automatic control of Nest cameras, Nest thermostats, smart lights, smart plugs and smart switches. The Away Routine can allow users to automatically turn on Nest cameras and turn off the lights and plugs. When the homeowner arrives home, the Home Routine can turn off cameras and turn on lights.
The Zigbee Alliance, said recently that the newly developed Matter mark will serve as a seal of approval, assuring that any object built on this standard is reliable by nature, secure by design, and compatible at scale. The Alliance said it will continue to develop Zigbee technology and will retain the Zigbee technology brand.
The Alliance will begin certifying smart home devices later this year using the new Matter logo, which signifies that products like Amazon Alexa and Google Home will integrate seamlessly with each other.
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