Matter is a unified connectivity standard for smart home devices, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). It enables devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other regardless of the ecosystem (Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings).
Key characteristics:
Controller: Manages and controls Matter devices and executes automations. Provides the user interface and executes automations.
Bridge: Translates non-Matter protocols into Matter, exposing devices from other ecosystems. The bridge acts as a translator between for example KNX and DALI devices and Matter.
Multi-Admin: Matter supports multiple controllers from different platforms simultaneously. You can add a Matter device to both Apple Home and Google Home, allowing control from either ecosystem. However, each platform maintains its own automations and scenes that don't sync between systems.
Note: These roles can overlap. A single product can be a controller and bridge simultaneously. Atios SmartCore functions as a Matter bridges but requires a separate controller for user control.
Detailed setup instructions are available in the product manual.
You need:
No, by standard not. However the implementation of the Matter standard by manufacturers like Google or Amazon requires an active internet connection of the Matter Controller while in use. Even though your "switch on the light" command does not actually leave your house.
So Matter devices communicate locally over your home network. Internet access is also needed for remote access via smartphone apps when you're away from home or for firmware updates.
Yes. Matter supports multi-admin mode, allowing one device to be controlled by multiple ecosystems simultaneously (e.g., Apple Home and Google Home at the same time). But…
Important considerations:
Yes! If you want to use Google Home, Amazon, Samsung etc. you necessarily need one of the above mentioned Matter Controllers for each platform that you want to use.
For Apple Home it's a bit specific: in theory you can start with just your iPhone, the Apple Home App and an Atios device. You will need however an Apple HomePod or Apple TV as soon as you want to invite other users to your Home, set up automations, or enable remote access.
Your KNX and DALI installation continues to function normally using KNX/DALI switches. Matter is an additional control layer, not a dependency for functionality.
No. Atios SmartCore connect to Matter via Wi-Fi, not Thread.
Matter currently supports: