The much-anticipated Meter Smart Home standard is starting to trickle down to more devices. Amazon is the latest manufacturer to announce that the Matter update is coming to select Echo devices in December. This is part of an initial release that will focus on Android devices, with support for iOS expected next year.
TL; DR
- Amazon is set to release an update for Android in December to add Mater.
- Only 17 Echo Smart displays, hubs and speakers are eligible with the initial release.
- Amazon plans to support iOS, Thread and more Echo devices next year.
Amazon says it will roll out 17 Echo smart speakers, hubs and displays next month to add to Wi-Fi. It also mentions that the Thread protocol is not part of this update. At the same time, it is only compatible with Android, accessories will be limited to smart plugs, smart bulbs and smart switches.
Once these Echo devices are updated, they can be used as Matter controllers. Users will be able to set up the Mater-enabled accessories on the Amazon Alexa app. Below is a list of the first set of Echo devices slated to receive the update.
- 5th generation Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock
- 4th generation Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock
- 3rd generation Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock
- 2nd generation Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8
- 3rd generation Echo Show 10
- Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8
- Echo Studio
- Eco input
- Echo Flex
- Echo Plus v2
Similar to the partnership between Google and Samsung, Amazon is partnering with the latter brand to provide platform operations while managing metered devices. For example, smart devices added to Amazon will appear in the connected Samsung SmartThings app, where users can easily sync these devices.
Amazon adds that support for iOS has been delayed and is expected to arrive next year due to important APIs not yet available. Additionally, the retail giant aims to introduce the Thread protocol and expand the meter standard to more eco devices and smart accessories at the same time.
