Tech giants try to straddle standards by offering their voice assistants as a controlling layer on top, but Alexa can’t talk to Google Assistant or Siri or control Google or Apple devices, and vice versa. But these interoperability woes may soon be remedied. Formerly called Project CHIP , the open source interoperability standard known as Matter arrived in 2022. With some of the biggest tech names, like Amazon, Apple, and Google, on board, seamless integration may finally be within reach.
The first specification, or Matter 1.0, only covered certain categories of devices, including: Light bulbs and switches Smart plugs Smart locks Safety and security sensors Media devices including TVs Smart blinds and shades Garage door controllers Thermostats HVAC controllers With Matter 1.2, nine new categories were added to the list: Refrigerators Room air conditioners Dishwashers Laundry washers Robotic vacuums Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms Air quality sensors Air purifiers Fans Matter 1.