Google Nest and Android devices are now Matter controllers (for future devices)

Expand / Many Google devices, including Android phones, can now control Matter devices. These devices will be here at some point, maybe soon. Google

Matter's promise, the future where smart home devices fit easily into your home, no matter what other devices or speakers you're using, is getting a little closer today . Google has announced that Nest and Android devices are compatible with Matter, allowing them to set up and control other Matter devices, most of which don't yet exist.

If your Android device is running version 8.1 or later and has Google Play Service 22.48.14 or later, you can use it to pair a Matter-enabled device with other products and controllers Matter. In these early post-launch days of Matter, that means you can pair a few Eve devices that received their Matter firmware update three days ago. Or you can wait for a few Nanoleaf bulbs, Level smart locks, or whatever is to come. Nest devices that have quietly received their latest firmware updates can now be used to control that same (rather limited) set of devices.

The appeal of the moment is that you could, technically, use an Android phone to put an Eve device on your Matter network, then use an iOS Home app, Samsung's SmartThings, or an Alexa speaker (when those are updated in early 2023) to actually control this device. Devices you've networked with an iOS device can also be controlled from a Google Nest Hub, speaker, or other Nest device.

Google also announced that it has added "Matter support for Fast Pair on Android". As far as we know, this means that when a Matter device is nearby (advertising itself via Bluetooth), a pop-up prompt and network add flow similar to what Google uses for Pixel Buds and other user-friendly devices will come with you by putting your device on your network, with a nudge towards using Google Home to control it. As Google notes in its blog post, you should look for devices with a Matter badge to ensure compatibility, but "also look for the Works with Google Home badge" to ensure they "work well with Google devices. ".

More useful for any future Matter home, the Nest Wifi Pro, Nest Hub Max, and 2nd-gen Nest Hub should now work as Thread edge routers, extending Thread coverage in your home, even if you don't. not use Google Home to control it.

Nest Mini, Audio, 1st and 2nd Generation hubs, Hub Max and Wifi Pro, as well as Google Home and Google Home Mini should now be compatible with Matter and function as Matter hubs. Nest Wifi and Thermostat should be updated in 2023.