Ikea Switches from Zigbee to Thread for Matter Smart Homes
▼ Summary
– Ikea is relaunching its smart home line with over 20 new Matter-over-Thread devices, including lights, sensors, and remotes, starting in January.
– The company is introducing new affordable Bluetooth speakers, like the $50 Nattbad and the Blomprakt speaker-lamp, to replace its discontinued Sonos Symfonisk line.
– Ikea’s Dirigera hub update adds Matter Controller functionality and Thread support, enabling compatibility with other brands’ devices and future Matter products.
– New Matter-over-Thread products will work without Ikea’s hub or app, integrating directly with ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
– Ikea aims to make smart home tech more accessible by prioritizing affordability, simplicity, and interoperability through Matter, while retaining backward compatibility with Zigbee’s Touchlink.
Ikea is making a major shift in its smart home strategy by embracing Thread technology and the Matter standard, signaling a new era of interoperability for its affordable connected devices. The Swedish retailer plans to launch over 20 new smart home products early next year, including lights, sensors, and remotes, all designed to work seamlessly with other brands, with or without Ikea’s own hub.
David Granath, a key figure at Ikea of Sweden, revealed that the company is moving away from Zigbee in favor of Thread, a low-power wireless protocol that supports Matter, the universal smart home standard. This transition allows Ikea’s devices to integrate effortlessly with ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa, eliminating the need for proprietary hubs.
The first wave of products will debut in January, followed by additional releases in April. While exact details remain under wraps, Granath confirmed that the lineup includes updated versions of existing smart bulbs, plugs, and sensors, alongside entirely new categories. Pricing will stay competitive, with many items starting under $10, reinforcing Ikea’s commitment to affordability.
A recent beta update for Ikea’s Dirigera hub has already unlocked Matter compatibility, transforming it into a Thread border router. This upgrade enables the hub to communicate with third-party Matter devices, though support for new product types will expand as Ikea rolls out more smart home gear.
Interestingly, Ikea isn’t abandoning Zigbee entirely. Touchlink, a feature that lets devices pair directly without a hub, will remain in new products, ensuring backward compatibility with older Tradfri items. This hybrid approach caters to users who prefer simplicity over app-based setups.
The company is also revamping its audio offerings with budget-friendly Bluetooth speakers, including the retro-inspired Nattbad and the multifunctional Blomprakt lamp-speaker hybrid. These mark Ikea’s first steps into standalone audio since its collaboration with Sonos ended.
By adopting Matter, Ikea aims to reduce complexity and broaden accessibility. Granath emphasized that the goal is to let customers choose their preferred ecosystem, whether it’s Ikea’s app, Apple Home, or a hub-free setup. “We want it to be simple and just work,” he said.
This bold move positions Ikea as a pioneer in bringing Matter to the mainstream, though challenges remain. The standard has faced growing pains, including fragmentation and slow adoption. Granath acknowledges the risks but believes Ikea’s mass-market appeal can help accelerate acceptance. “We’re not targeting tech enthusiasts, we’re making smart homes achievable for everyone,” he added.
With its reputation for affordability and simplicity, Ikea’s embrace of Matter could be a turning point for smart home adoption. The real test will come when these products hit shelves, proving whether the technology is truly ready for everyday consumers.
(Source: The Verge)
