A year ago, Jon Porter, a reporter from Verge, witnessed a Google Nest Hub controlling an Apple HomeKit smart plug at Berlin's IFA technology show. It was the first public demonstration of Matter, a new smart home standard aimed at tackling the problem of interoperability in our homes. The collaboration between two major competitors, Google and Apple, was exciting. However, a year later, as IFA 2023 approaches, the smart home industry is still waiting for the promised breakthrough. The smart home continues to remain fragmented, despite the involvement of industry giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung. The main promise of Matter, which is the ability to seamlessly connect various smart devices regardless of brand or ecosystem, is yet to be fulfilled. Currently, if you want the full benefits of home automation, you still need to choose a specific smart home platform and limit yourself to its capabilities, unless you're willing to experiment with more advanced options like Raspberry Pis.

Despite the challenges, there is hope for a more connected and less fragmented future for the smart home. IFA, a technology fair starting this week, is an opportunity to showcase new smart home technologies. Companies such as Samsung, LG, Ecovacs, Roborock, Eve, Nanoleaf, SwitchBot, Aqara, Aeotec, and Yeelight will be present, showcasing their latest products. Anticipated announcements include security cameras, video doorbells, smart speakers, robot vacuum cleaners, and smart lighting products. Honor is also planning a keynote around its recently launched Honor Magic V2 foldable phone.

While these announcements are exciting, the real challenge lies in making all these devices work seamlessly together to create a truly smart home experience. For example, a video doorbell should not only show who is at the door but also communicate with the smart lock or security system for a more secure home. This is where Matter comes in. Matter is a new smart home interoperability standard developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung. It enables connected devices to communicate locally within the home without relying on a cloud connection. Matter supports various devices such as smart sensors, lighting, plugs, switches, thermostats, locks, and media devices. If a device bears the Matter logo, it can be set up and used with any Matter-compatible device and platform.

Some Matter devices are already available for purchase, and more are expected to be released this year. Matter is supported by platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home. These platforms have updated their devices to act as Matter controllers. Philips Hue, for example, is rumored to be launching a new security system that integrates cameras and sensors with its smart lighting. This synergy between devices within an ecosystem can make home automation more functional and practical.

The innovations showcased at IFA hint at the kind of integration and symbiosis needed for a truly smart home. It's not just about individual gadgets solving specific problems but rather making them work together seamlessly. The current energy crisis also highlights the need for energy-efficient solutions in our homes, which can be achieved through smart home technology. Privacy and security are essential factors for widespread adoption of smart home devices, and Matter addresses these concerns by providing a secure communication layer and local control.

However, there are still obstacles to overcome. Some companies are hesitant to fully adopt Matter, waiting to see the benefits it offers. Technological limitations and the skepticism of ordinary consumers also pose challenges. The industry needs to provide compelling reasons beyond mere novelty for people to embrace smart home technology. The focus should be on essential functionalities rather than flashy features like robots and foldable phones.