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Get ready to transform your home with Ikea's biggest smart home upgrade yet! The furniture giant is set to dramatically expand its smart home range with over 20 new devices, marking a significant shift towards the universal Matter standard. Forget frustrating compatibility issues – Ikea is ditching its proprietary ZigBee technology in favour of Thread, a low-power mesh network, and embracing Matter to ensure seamless integration with a wider range of smart home devices, regardless of brand.

What's Changing?

For years, Ikea's smart home products relied on ZigBee, which required their dedicated hub. This created a walled garden, limiting compatibility with devices from other manufacturers. Now, Ikea is leaping into the future with a two-pronged approach:

• Thread Integration: Thread is a robust, low-power mesh network that allows devices to communicate directly with each other, even if one device loses connection to the hub. This creates a more reliable and resilient smart home network.
• Matter Support: Matter is a universal smart home connectivity standard developed by industry giants like Apple, Google, and Amazon. It promises to eliminate the fragmentation that has plagued the smart home market, allowing devices from different brands to work together harmoniously.

What to Expect: 20+ New Devices

Ikea's ambitious plans extend beyond just technology upgrades. They're rolling out a wave of new smart home devices, including:

• Smart Lighting: Expect a wider range of smart bulbs, light strips, and outdoor lighting options with enhanced features and Matter compatibility.
• Smart Blinds & Curtains: Automate your window coverings for added convenience and energy savings.
• Smart Security: New security cameras, sensors, and smart locks to keep your home safe and secure.
• Smart Plugs & Power Strips: Control your appliances and electronics remotely and monitor energy consumption.
• And Much More: Ikea is hinting at even more innovative smart home solutions, so stay tuned!

Why This Matters for Aussie Homes

In Australia, where smart home adoption is steadily growing, Ikea's move to Matter is a game-changer. It means you'll be able to build a truly integrated smart home ecosystem, combining Ikea products with devices from other brands like Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, and more. No more worrying about compatibility headaches or being locked into a single brand's ecosystem.

Availability and Pricing

While specific details about pricing and availability in Australia are still to be confirmed, Ikea has indicated that the first Matter-enabled devices will begin rolling out in late 2023, with more devices following throughout 2024. Keep an eye on the Ikea Australia website and social media channels for the latest updates.

The Bottom Line

Ikea's commitment to Matter and Thread signals a significant shift in the smart home landscape. With a wealth of new devices on the horizon and a focus on seamless compatibility, Ikea is poised to become a major player in the Aussie smart home market. Get ready to upgrade your home and experience the future of connected living!