Skip to main content

Google rolls out Matter support for Nest and Android

Google has officially wrapped up its first wave of Matter updates by bringing the interoperability feature to Nest and Android devices. If you own products in these lineups, you’ll now be able to quickly connect them to other Matter-enabled products.

The rollout happened quietly throughout December, with the original Google Home speaker, Google Home Mini, Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Hub (1st Gen), Nest Hub (2nd Gen), Nest Hub Max, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro all receiving the update. You’ll also benefit from Fast Pair on Android, allowing you to quickly sync Matter devices to your home network. All updates happened automatically (so long as you’re running the latest firmware).

A bunch of Google products that now support Matter, displayed on a white background.

If you’re unfamiliar with Matter, the technology is aiming to consolidate the smart home market — allowing products from Apple, Google, or other manufacturers to easily communicate with devices outside their ecosystem. In other words, you’ll be able to shop for your favorite products without worrying if they’ll be compatible with your current setup. The number of Matter-enabled devices is limited right now (as it just went live a few months ago), but things are expected to ramp up as we move into 2023.

Looking forward, Google is hoping to bring Matter support to its iOS apps sometime next year. For now, only Android users can pair Matter devices with Home devices. The company is also planning to get Matter working with partners such as Eve, Nanoleaf, Philips Hue, and Meross.

We’re bound to see plenty of other first-party Google devices gain Matter support in the coming months, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as we roll into the new year.

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
Are smart lights bulbs worth it?
The Harth Sleep-Shift Light Bulb running next to a bed.

Smart light bulbs are among the most popular smart home devices of 2023. Offering heaps of functionality and clocking in at prices under $30, they’re an affordable way to bring smarts into your home.

But are they actually worth the investment? After all, they’re more expensive than traditional light bulbs -- and unless they do something really special, they may not be worth the hassle.

Read more
How long do video doorbells last?
The Ring Video Doorbell in Satin Nickel, installed beside a doorway.

Video doorbells are much more versatile than traditional doorbells, offering an easy way to see who’s at the front door from the convenience of your smartphone. But all the high-tech gear inside these fancy smart home devices isn’t as low-maintenance as you’d expect. In fact, many of them use batteries that will wear out after just a few years, forcing you to replace them.

But aside from battery life, your video doorbell, as a whole, probably won’t last as long as a traditional doorbell -- which often sticks with a home for decades. Here’s a closer look at how long your video doorbell will be supported by the manufacturer, along with tips to help you decide when it’s time for a full replacement.
How long are video doorbells supported by the manufacturer?

Read more
The best digital photo frames
Aura Carver Smart Frame

Since the advent of digital cameras, computers, USB, and cloud-stored files are the new way of taking and storing pictures. But how do we display these much-loved vacation moments for friends and family to see? That's where the digital photo frame comes in. Looking, feeling, and operating much like a standard photo frame, a digital photo frame allows you to upload your favorite pics by USB, SD card, or through the web. Other features like slideshows, timers, and various smart assistant functions come standard with many models, too.

There are several noteworthy digital photo frame makers out there, so we've put together this roundup of the best digital photo frames to help you hand-pick a frame that's best for you and your home. Let's get things started with our favorite frame of all (that just so happens to be a smart display).
Google Nest Hub

Read more