AppleInsider
Posted:
in General Discussion edited May 2021
Apple-backed smart home protocol, Matter, is coming to Google's Android and Nest products which means HomeKit will soon have access to the Nest Thermostat.
Google smart home to gain Matter support in update
Buying devices for the smart home can be confusing due to multiple standards and smart assistants. A consortium of tech giants formed a new protocol, called Matter, to help keep things working regardless of the platform.
On Thursday, Google announced that Matter would be coming to the Android operating system and Nest products. This means that any device that uses the Matter protocol will now connect with Google Home via Android, including devices like the Nest Thermostat.
"All Nest displays and speakers, like the Nest Hub and Nest Mini, will be automatically updated to control Matter devices," says Google. That could allow Google's smart displays to control HomeKit devices that are certified by Matter.
Additionally, Google is specifically committing to updating its latest entry-level Nest Thermostat to support Matter. Unfortunately, Google has remained mum on its other smart home products including the Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Cams, Nest Protect, and Nest Hello. Future versions of these products may include support for Matter or perhaps Google doesn't intend to add Matter to those produts at all.
The Nest Thermostat is a notable addition to Matter since it has not been compatible with other smart home solutions like Apple's HomeKit since launch. Following full implementation of the protocol as soon as late 2021, users will be able to buy one device and use it with any assistant on any platform that supports Matter.
That means once Apple adds Matter support to HomeKit, users will be able to add things like the Nest Thermostat to their Apple Home app for the first time. Apple belongs to the group that develops Matter, but hasn't made any official announcements on adding the protocol.
Google also says it will introduce a new smart home directory to help customers find Google Assistant-compatible products. This hub will enable customers to filter products based on compatible software and protocols.
Google is also bringing support for WebRTC to its smart home product. This means smart doorbells will be able to use the low-bandwidth video format to stream video without lag. Google expects companies like Arlo, Logitech, Netatmo, and Wyze to add WebRTC in the coming weeks.
Apple is expected to announce updates to its HomeKit platform during WWDC in June. It is unknown if Matter will be added in an update to iOS 14 or if it will come in iOS 15 or a subsequent point update.
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get the latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
Reply 1 of 16
heli0sPosts: 65member
May 20, 2021 8:06PM
Until then - www.starlinghome.io
Excellent integration and active development.
Reply 2 of 16
clexmanPosts: 210member
May 20, 2021 8:39PM
Woo hoo! My only smart home devices without native HomeKit support.
Reply 3 of 16
mr lizardPosts: 354member
May 20, 2021 8:48PM
I’m not sure what adding my Nest Protect to the Home app would allow me to do. I suppose I could hope for a HomeKit-enabled water feature and turn it on with a smoke triggered automation.
Reply 4 of 16
ELK7733Posts: 1member
May 20, 2021 8:51PM
Does this include existing Nest devices? Or this is only for smart home products that have Matter moving forward?
Reply 5 of 16
StrangeDaysPosts: 12,950member
May 20, 2021 9:54PM
Well that’s interesting. Sounds like Matter will put to bed the issue some people have with not being able to find HK accessories.
Reply 6 of 16
robin huberPosts: 3,990member
May 20, 2021 10:29PM
Not sure whether to laugh or cry. Have an original Nest. All other devices are HomeKit compatible, and long since sorry that Google acquired Nest. Don’t want that snooping company in my house anymore so certainly don’t want to give it access to my HK network.
Reply 7 of 16
itinj24Posts: 51member
May 21, 2021 12:01AM
Unless all devices are going to be supported by the “Matter” protocol, it’s just going to add more confusion to the table. Well only these Nest devices are supported, but not these and these may be with a future update, not sure yet.
Was really looking forward to this integration when it was first announced but will be a huge disappointment if they’re just adding more fragmentation.
Reply 8 of 16
MplsPPosts: 3,966member
May 21, 2021 12:15AM
StrangeDays said:
Well that’s interesting. Sounds like Matter will put to bed the issue some people have with not being able to find HK accessories.
I hope it will. The home automation market is somewhat fragmented with several competing and incompatible standards (Z-wave, zigbee, HomeKit.) I have a Z-wave network at home and a HomeKit network at my cabin. Even for basic items like a door and window sensor, the selection of HomeKit devices is pretty thin. This isn't necessarily Apple's fault but it makes HomeKit a less attractive choice.
Reply 9 of 16
itinj24Posts: 51member
May 21, 2021 12:23AM
MplsP said:
StrangeDays said:
Well that’s interesting. Sounds like Matter will put to bed the issue some people have with not being able to find HK accessories.
I hope it will. The home automation market is somewhat fragmented with several competing and incompatible standards (Z-wave, zigbee, HomeKit.) I have a Z-wave network at home and a HomeKit network at my cabin. Even for basic items like a door and window sensor, the selection of HomeKit devices is pretty thin. This isn't necessarily Apple's fault but it makes HomeKit a less attractive choice.
It is on Apple to a certain extent. A lot of manufacturers were turned off by Apple’s HomeKit certification process that they just gave up. They made it difficult to get products with HomeKit support to the market by third parties. I believe the process was eased up by not requiring the iM1 chip anymore but by that time, third party accessory manufacturers were looking elsewhere to integrate their devices. Sometimes Apple’s privacy policies are frustrating and a bit much. Tech and privacy don’t mix well. You have to assume a certain amount of privacy will be lost when using tech products.
Reply 10 of 16
nicholfdPosts: 824member
May 21, 2021 1:22AM
itinj24 said:
MplsP said:
StrangeDays said:
Well that’s interesting. Sounds like Matter will put to bed the issue some people have with not being able to find HK accessories.
I hope it will. The home automation market is somewhat fragmented with several competing and incompatible standards (Z-wave, zigbee, HomeKit.) I have a Z-wave network at home and a HomeKit network at my cabin. Even for basic items like a door and window sensor, the selection of HomeKit devices is pretty thin. This isn't necessarily Apple's fault but it makes HomeKit a less attractive choice.
It is on Apple to a certain extent. A lot of manufacturers were turned off by Apple’s HomeKit certification process that they just gave up. They made it difficult to get products with HomeKit support to the market by third parties. I believe the process was eased up by not requiring the iM1 chip anymore but by that time, third party accessory manufacturers were looking elsewhere to integrate their devices. Sometimes Apple’s privacy policies are frustrating and a bit much. Tech and privacy don’t mix well. You have to assume a certain amount of privacy will be lost when using tech products.
Yeah - Apple required a hardware encryption chip originally. Apple's about security & privacy. Eventually Apple allowed software based encryption, which is generally considered not as secure.
Reply 11 of 16
docno42Posts: 3,758member
May 21, 2021 1:08PM
I've managed to keep my Nest thermostats on the Nest login which also keeps the original Nest API access working. I have a plugin for HomeSeer that lets me integrate them with the rest of my home automation gear but I'm sure sooner or later they will force me to switch off of that account which will kill the API.
So if they add Homekit support I will still be able to maintain functionality, which is great. I'm getting ready to sell this house - my next one will NOT have Nest thermostats. I have a Trane Zwave Thermostat that was my first home automation integration capable thermostat. I got sucked into the "auto learning" hype with Nest - that never was easier to use than just setting your own schedule. And unlike Nest, the Trane thermostat had handy things like buttons that make turning it on/off, adjusting the temperature and turning the fan on/off pretty trivial. At least Nest as the ring which is great for changing the temperature quickly - my biggest complaint about the Ecobees - all touch is a PITA for quick adjustments. A few buttons for frequently used things actually are useful.
Reply 12 of 16
StrangeDaysPosts: 12,950member
May 21, 2021 10:41PM
itinj24 said:
MplsP said:
StrangeDays said:
Well that’s interesting. Sounds like Matter will put to bed the issue some people have with not being able to find HK accessories.
I hope it will. The home automation market is somewhat fragmented with several competing and incompatible standards (Z-wave, zigbee, HomeKit.) I have a Z-wave network at home and a HomeKit network at my cabin. Even for basic items like a door and window sensor, the selection of HomeKit devices is pretty thin. This isn't necessarily Apple's fault but it makes HomeKit a less attractive choice.
It is on Apple to a certain extent. A lot of manufacturers were turned off by Apple’s HomeKit certification process that they just gave up. They made it difficult to get products with HomeKit support to the market by third parties. I believe the process was eased up by not requiring the iM1 chip anymore but by that time, third party accessory manufacturers were looking elsewhere to integrate their devices. Sometimes Apple’s privacy policies are frustrating and a bit much. Tech and privacy don’t mix well. You have to assume a certain amount of privacy will be lost when using tech products.
You’re confusing privacy with security. HK has more stringent security requirements. Which, may affect your privacy. But considering how insecure many IoT products have been, erring on the side of security is a feature, not a bug. I won’t compromise on security just to get an Alexa skill more easily.
Reply 13 of 16
itinj24Posts: 51member
May 21, 2021 11:27PM
StrangeDays said:
itinj24 said:
MplsP said:
StrangeDays said:
Well that’s interesting. Sounds like Matter will put to bed the issue some people have with not being able to find HK accessories.
I hope it will. The home automation market is somewhat fragmented with several competing and incompatible standards (Z-wave, zigbee, HomeKit.) I have a Z-wave network at home and a HomeKit network at my cabin. Even for basic items like a door and window sensor, the selection of HomeKit devices is pretty thin. This isn't necessarily Apple's fault but it makes HomeKit a less attractive choice.
It is on Apple to a certain extent. A lot of manufacturers were turned off by Apple’s HomeKit certification process that they just gave up. They made it difficult to get products with HomeKit support to the market by third parties. I believe the process was eased up by not requiring the iM1 chip anymore but by that time, third party accessory manufacturers were looking elsewhere to integrate their devices. Sometimes Apple’s privacy policies are frustrating and a bit much. Tech and privacy don’t mix well. You have to assume a certain amount of privacy will be lost when using tech products.
You’re confusing privacy with security. HK has more stringent security requirements. Which, may affect your privacy. But considering how insecure many IoT products have been, erring on the side of security is a feature, not a bug. I won’t compromise on security just to get an Alexa skill more easily.
Privacy and security go hand in hand. My point is that if you’re worried about your privacy and security, then a smart home is not for you. Most tech products aren’t for that matter.
Reply 14 of 16
MplsPPosts: 3,966member
May 23, 2021 3:46AM
StrangeDays said:
itinj24 said:
MplsP said:
StrangeDays said:
Well that’s interesting. Sounds like Matter will put to bed the issue some people have with not being able to find HK accessories.
I hope it will. The home automation market is somewhat fragmented with several competing and incompatible standards (Z-wave, zigbee, HomeKit.) I have a Z-wave network at home and a HomeKit network at my cabin. Even for basic items like a door and window sensor, the selection of HomeKit devices is pretty thin. This isn't necessarily Apple's fault but it makes HomeKit a less attractive choice.
It is on Apple to a certain extent. A lot of manufacturers were turned off by Apple’s HomeKit certification process that they just gave up. They made it difficult to get products with HomeKit support to the market by third parties. I believe the process was eased up by not requiring the iM1 chip anymore but by that time, third party accessory manufacturers were looking elsewhere to integrate their devices. Sometimes Apple’s privacy policies are frustrating and a bit much. Tech and privacy don’t mix well. You have to assume a certain amount of privacy will be lost when using tech products.
You’re confusing privacy with security. HK has more stringent security requirements. Which, may affect your privacy. But considering how insecure many IoT products have been, erring on the side of security is a feature, not a bug. I won’t compromise on security just to get an Alexa skill more easily.
Part of the problem is the average consumer has little knowledge or understanding in this area. They see a z-wave or zigbee sensor that's half the price of a HomeKit one and that makes the decision for them.
Our house came with a z-wave system and I've thought about switching it over but to be honest, the cost makes it prohibitive. On top of that, HomeKit is less flexible and has fewer features than the Nexia z-wave controller we have.
edited May 2021
Reply 15 of 16
rehamixaPosts: 1member
May 23, 2021 3:06PM
edited May 2021
Reply 16 of 16
dduff617Posts: 1member
June 26, 2021 10:42PM
I'm in a similar position to Docno42. Bought Nest products some years ago (thermostats and Nest-Protect smoke detectors). When Google later pulled a "google" and tried to shutdown all access to their products other than thru their new google-home platform, I was pretty disgusted with them and cancelled any plans i might have had to ever buy another google/nest product. Since then, however, like Docono42, I have managed to cling by a thread (no pun intended), maintaining (despite hundreds of nagging messages) my original Nest account and using the old Nest API via a plugin that works (mostly) my home-automation platform of choice. Only difference is that I use Indigo, he uses Homeseer.
Sign In or Register to comment.
