Google has launched local control for Matter devices in its Home ecosystem, allowing operations without internet connectivity and improving stability for users.
In a significant development for the smart home technology sector, Google has commenced the rollout of full local control for Matter devices within its Google Home ecosystem. This new functionality is particularly noteworthy as it addresses the critical issue of smart home operations being compromised during instances of internet connectivity loss, which, while infrequent, can result in considerable disruption.
From now on, users with Nest hubs, speakers, Chromecasts, and Google TV devices that are running Android 14 and above will be able to command Matter devices without needing an internet connection. This enhancement is part of Google’s larger initiative to integrate Home Runtime into its smart home platform. Jeannie Zhang, the product manager for Google Home, indicated this shift is geared towards offering users a more stable and responsive experience when interacting with their smart home devices.
Traditionally, Google Home relied heavily on cloud connectivity to execute device commands. This cloud dependency posed challenges during internet outages, where even basic operations could become severely impacted. Instances of devices requiring complete resets following a connectivity loss were particularly concerning, especially for those responsible for home security, such as cameras and doorbell systems. With the shift to local control, commands related to lighting, thermostats, and other Matter-compatible devices will now execute directly through supported hubs. This adaptation aligns Google Home’s functionality more closely with Apple’s HomeKit, which has long prioritised local processing for enhanced reliability.
The rollout also marks an expansion in developer access to Google Home’s Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Previously accessible only to selected partners, these APIs are now in public developer beta for Android applications, with plans for an iOS version to be released soon. The expanded APIs include a variety of functionalities:
- Device structure APIs, which provide access to approximately 600 million devices managing both cloud and Matter connections;
- Commissioning API, designed for the fast pairing of Matter devices;
- Automation API, which gives tools for creating automations and personalised home experiences directly within third-party applications.
This strategic move not only facilitates smoother integration of various products into the Google Home ecosystem but also signals a positive trajectory for the adoption of the Matter standard. As Google enhances its smart home offerings, it anticipates that the overall management of smart homes might become more accessible and efficient for users, which could potentially transform everyday interactions with technology in residential settings.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Matter-is-now-available-for-Google-Home-across-Nest-and-Android-devices/bc-p/402002 – This link corroborates the rollout of Matter for Google Home, Nest, and Android devices, enabling local control and integration of Matter-enabled devices.
- https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/13127223?hl=en – This link explains how to set up and manage Matter-enabled devices with the Google Home app, including local control and multi-admin features.
- https://developers.home.google.com/local-home/overview – This link details the Local Home SDK, which enables local fulfillment for smart home devices, reducing dependency on cloud connectivity during internet outages.
- https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Matter-is-now-available-for-Google-Home-across-Nest-and-Android-devices/bc-p/402002 – This link highlights the compatibility of various Google devices as hubs for Matter-enabled devices, ensuring local control without internet connectivity.
- https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/13127223?hl=en – This link explains the process of setting up and controlling Matter devices locally using the Google Home app, even without an internet connection.
- https://developers.home.google.com/local-home/overview – This link describes the Local Execution and Local Query capabilities of the Local Home SDK, which are crucial for executing commands and querying device states locally.
- https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Matter-is-now-available-for-Google-Home-across-Nest-and-Android-devices/bc-p/402002 – This link mentions the integration of Matter with Google Home, allowing for seamless control across different ecosystems and devices.
- https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/13127223?hl=en – This link details the Multi-Admin feature of Matter, enabling control of devices from multiple smart home platforms simultaneously.
- https://developers.home.google.com/local-home/overview – This link explains the setup and configuration process for local fulfillment, including the use of mDNS, UDP broadcast, or UPnP to discover smart devices.
- https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Matter-is-now-available-for-Google-Home-across-Nest-and-Android-devices/bc-p/402002 – This link discusses the expansion of Google Home’s capabilities to support more devices and ecosystems, aligning with the broader adoption of the Matter standard.
- https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/13127223?hl=en – This link outlines the benefits of using Matter-enabled devices, including easier setup and control through the Google Home app, even in the absence of internet connectivity.
