Matter was supposed to make smart home setup and controls easier. However, it added to confusion when it launched two years ago. However, things have improved over the past few months. Those who want to control Matter devices via Google Home will be happy to hear about upcoming features.
Google Home hubs and Google TV devices will get local Matter controls
Google has announced that it has added full local control for Matter devices on Google Home hubs. So, devices like the Nest Hub and the Nest Audio (and even Google TV devices running Android 14) can control Matter-compatible devices locally without needing an internet connection.
This feature will work on Google Nest Hubs, Google Nest Audio speakers, Chromecasts (Android 14), and Google TV (Android 14) devices. Some LG TVs will also have the same capabilities.
Some Samsung TVs, like the ones in our video below, can also act as Matter hubs.
When smart home controls are routed locally, things work faster and more reliably, as the smart home hub controlling those devices doesn't need to connect to the cloud (internet).
Users also get the added benefit of privacy and security, as their data is not routed via the internet.
Google is also making it easier for developers to develop smart home devices that work over Matter. As we explained earlier, brands and developers can now use Matter certification of their devices to get faster certification from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
So the time to get ‘Works with Apple Home, Works With Google Home, and Works With SmartThings badges will get shorter.
The company is also working with MediaTek to build a ‘Trinity Chip' (MT7903) that integrates Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, and Thread. This should make it easier for brands to build cheaper and more reliable smart home devices.
Google opens Home APIs for all brands and developers
Google is also opening its Home APIs to all developers. This move will make it easier for developers to integrate Google Home devices and automation inside their own apps.
Home APIs give developers access to over 600 million devices already connected to Google Home via a single integration. They can build apps that can manage and control local and cloud-connected devices.
These APIs can be used to make smart home device setups easier via Fast Pair on Android devices (phones, tablets, and TVs/streaming devices). This makes it easier to set up devices via the Google Home app and control them via voice commands on Android and Google Home ecosystem devices.
The Automations API makes it easier for brands to create and manage home automation directly in their app. So they don't need to create their own backend for automation.
Google Home app getting Dynamic Color theming
The Google Home app on Android already had Material UI design language but lacked Dynamic Color theming (which Samsung calls Color Palette). Now, the company seems to be testing some Dynamic Color scheming in the app via the Public Preview program.
With this change, the app's UI will reflect colors from the wallpaper you choose for your Galaxy phone or tablet. It will make the app appear personalized for you. However, this feature will only work on devices running Android 13 (or newer).
