On a recent Internet of Things podcast, we took a voicemail from Michael on our podcast hotline. Michael recently had a bunch of Z-Wave bulbs die on him and he’s thinking to replace them. He wants to know what Matter or Zigbee options are the better choices. He also wants an option that has some network repeater or mesh technology. His approach makes sense. Matter devices are starting to become available and they create a mesh network. Additionally, they provide more flexibility in terms of controlling bulbs with your choice of voice assistant.
For me, this is an easy choice. I’d recommend Michael invest in Philips Hue bulbs and a Philips Hue bridge. In a sense, these provide both radio protocol options. Currently, the communication between the Philips Hue bulbs and bridge uses Zigbee.
However, the bridge is expected to get a firmware update which will add Matter support. Even after that, the bulbs will communicate with the bridge over Zigbee but all other devices will work with the bridge over Matter or Wi-Fi. I think this is really good option to future proof the investment.
I should also note, however, that the bridge update for Matter was expected last month and that didn’t happen. Even so, this solution will provide plenty of stability and range in a smart home.
Stacey reminded me that the new Nanoleaf Essentials Matter product line just launched, so that’s another option. And it doesn’t require the purchase of another bridge, provided you have a Matter home controller.
These vary by smart home platform, but Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung and others all have, or will have, fully functional Matter controllers. Michael says he uses Home Assistant in his house, so he can use the new Nanoleaf products with Matter already. And this week, I received review units of these lights so I’ll be following up with my experiences.
Although Michael didn’t mention Wi-Fi bulbs, Stacey thinks they may be another decent option provided you have a robust home wireless network. She suggests looking at the GE Cync product line, which have worked well for me in the past. GE hasn’t shared any plans regarding a Matter update for these lights, although it is possible. Matter is support over both Thread and Wi-Fi networks. But if Matter isn’t a high priority, the stability and low latency of Wi-Fi bulbs may be worth considering.
To hear Michael’s question in full, as well as our discussion on the topic, tune in to the Internet of Things Podcast below.
Wiz have now announced Matter support.
Wiz has now announced matter support for some specific models. There have been posts all over multiple home automation boards in the last day or so from people who have wiz models that aren’t working with matter.
A self-identified Wiz employee has been taking questions over on a wiz sub Reddit and has posted a list of model numbers. See the full thread for discussion of why it’s not so easy to figure out what will and won’t work.
https://www.reddit.com/r/wiz/comments/12rnw0v/matter_has_arrived/
Stacey, I learn so much fronm you:
Do you have any idea why the Z-Wave bulbs “died”? I don’t see how LED lights could fail unless there was a power surge or some other anamoly.
I agree with the recommendation: hue bulbs with the hue bridge are one of the best choices you can make today and still feel ready for tomorrow.
One important technical note:
Matter is implemented at a level above the physical transport level. So, although people do talk about a “matter network“ that’s not really accurate. It’s really a Matter “fabric” which can include individual devices from multiple physical networks. Consequently, you can’t really talk about a “matter mesh network,“ it’s just not how things are happening. For example, you could have an all Wi-Fi matter fabric with no mesh involved at all. Mesh is happening at the physical transport level. Matter is happening above that. And Wi-Fi devices don’t require either repeaters or a mesh because they have a much longer range than low power protocols like Zigbee, Z wave, and thread.
Thread is a mesh protocol and “Matter over Thread” Devices will work with matter, but those are two independent features of thread.
As far as the nanoleaf essentials which are thread and intended to work with Matter I’m seeing a lot of mixed reports on those yet. I’m not sure it’s a fully baked option at this time.
I agree with Stacey that we’re likely to see a lot of candidates in Wi-Fi bulbs pretty soon that work with matter and could be considered if you want an all Wi-Fi home. But I’d only look at those if you have an unlimited Internet plan that also allows you unlimited devices. A lot of budget plans these days still top out at 30 or 40 devices and that’s not likely to be enough if you are using it for lightbulbs along with everything else.
So I agree with the recommendation, I just think it’s important to understand that matter is NOT a physical network protocol like Wi-Fi thread, Z wave, and Zigbee. It’s an agreed-upon standard for formatting messages that get sent regardless of the specific network protocol being used to send them. It definitely doesn’t have to be mesh.
The great thing about the Hue bridge is that with the matter firmware you can pair almost any zigbee bulb and plug to it and make it Matter compatible for use with Apple Home or other supporting Matter controller. I’ve been using Cree, Sengled, Seedan, and Ikea bulbs with my Hue Bridge. I’ve been able to use IKEA’s smart outlets and Sonoff’s S40 zigbee plugs, as well as some plugs from Seedan. All are available to Apple Home where previously only Phillips Hue bulbs would work with Homekit.
Check your local Wal-marts you may even find a Hue Bridge starter kit, hub and two bulbs for $30.