Matter Smart Home: Speaker Support Coming, But Not for Your HomePod (Yet)

2025-01-02

The Matter smart home standard, designed to bridge the gap between competing ecosystems like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa, is expanding its capabilities. A new report from The Verge reveals that Matter is developing support for streaming speakers, a move that promises greater interoperability within the smart home.

However, this exciting development comes with a significant caveat: the initial focus will not be on popular smart speakers like the HomePod, Amazon Echo, or Google Nest. Instead, Matter will initially prioritize support for dedicated music streaming speakers from brands like Sonos, Bose, and others. This means these speakers, while becoming part of the Matter ecosystem, will not be able to control other smart home devices.

This distinction is crucial. Smart speakers like the HomePod primarily act as controllers within their respective ecosystems. They can command other Matter devices, but they cannot be controlled directly by other Matter devices or ecosystems. This explains why, for example, you can’t use an Amazon Echo to adjust the volume on a Google Nest speaker.

While this initial limitation might seem disappointing to those hoping for seamless interoperability between all smart speakers, it still offers valuable benefits. The integration will allow users to control various third-party speaker systems through Apple’s Home app and Siri. This is particularly advantageous for households with a diverse range of speakers, including those from Sonos or other brands.

In essence, Matter’s speaker support represents a step towards a more interconnected smart home, even if it doesn’t yet deliver the dream of universal control between all major smart speaker platforms.

What Undercode Says:

This development highlights the nuanced approach Matter is taking to achieve interoperability. By initially focusing on integrating dedicated music streaming speakers, Matter can lay the groundwork for a more robust and stable ecosystem.

This phased approach is likely a strategic decision. Integrating complex devices like smart speakers with advanced AI capabilities and diverse functionalities presents significant technical challenges. By starting with a more defined set of devices, Matter can ensure a smoother and more reliable initial implementation.

Furthermore, this approach allows Matter to gradually expand its scope and complexity. As the ecosystem matures and the underlying technology evolves, support for more sophisticated devices, including those with advanced AI and control capabilities, can be gradually introduced.

This phased approach also aligns with the broader goals of the Matter standard: to foster a more open and collaborative ecosystem while ensuring a high level of quality and reliability. By prioritizing a gradual and iterative approach, Matter can minimize the risk of introducing instability or compatibility issues that could hinder the long-term success of the platform.

In conclusion, while the initial focus on dedicated music streaming speakers might not fulfill the immediate desires of some users, it represents a crucial step towards a more interconnected and user-friendly smart home experience. By carefully considering the scope and complexity of each integration, Matter can ensure a robust and sustainable foundation for future advancements in smart home interoperability.