Image: Smart Home Perfected / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
In short: The smart home is getting simpler in 2026. Since version 1.5, the shared Matter standard also supports cameras and doorbells. Version 1.5.1 from March 2026 improves video streaming. In practice, only Samsung SmartThings supports Matter cameras so far. Autumn 2026 brings many new devices: Philips Hue lights and AI features, a thinner tado thermostat, Dreame and Roborock robot vacuums with mop rollers, and new 4K cameras from Ring.
What is Matter?
Matter is an open smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and others through the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). A Matter device works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings. Devices connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Thread, a low-power mesh network that needs a border router (many smart speakers and Apple TV act as one).
Matter 1.5 and 1.5.1
Matter 1.5 (November 2025) added cameras and video doorbells, garage doors, soil moisture sensors and bidirectional EV charging. Matter 1.5.1 (31 March 2026) added multiple video streams, HEIC snapshots and HLS/DASH streaming. So far, only SmartThings supports Matter cameras (since December 2025); Apple, Google and Amazon have not followed yet.
Autumn 2026 highlights
| Area | News | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Philips Hue sync devices, lights, AI | Philips Hue news |
| Cameras | Ring Retinal 4K, eufy, Reolink | Security cameras |
| Heating | tado Smart Thermostat X 2nd gen | tado Thermostat X |
| Cleaning | Dreame and Roborock with rollers and steam | Robot vacuums IFA 2026 |
| Assistants | New Siri in iOS 27 | Siri AI in Europe |
Buying tips
- Look for the Matter logo to stay platform independent.
- Prefer local control that works without the internet.
- Check subscription costs for cameras and thermostats over several years.
- Read where data and video are stored; EU servers fall under GDPR.
- Choose brands with long security update support.
Getting started
Start small with smart bulbs or smart plugs, then add radiator thermostats, which save energy and partly pay for themselves. Pick one main app such as Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings for your automations. Make sure Wi-Fi and Thread coverage are good in every room, especially in older homes with thick walls.
Security
Change default passwords, enable two-factor login in apps and keep firmware up to date. A separate Wi-Fi network for smart home devices keeps cameras and lamps apart from your laptop and phone. Browse all articles in the Smart Home section.
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