Skip to main content

The Nest Thermostat is the first smart thermostat with Matter support

The catalog of smart home products that support Matter has been steadily growing over the past few months, but the latest addition to its roster might be the most enticing yet. As of April 18, you can now use the Nest Thermostat with Matter.

Only the standard Nest Thermostat (2020) supports Matter — with both the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E left out of the fun. A Google spokesperson told Digital Trends the company is “still exploring the possibility of Matter compatibility with [the] Nest Learning Thermostat and [is] currently hoping to make it available in the coming year.”

A person controlling the Nest Thermostat.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Nest Thermostat (2020) is now the first smart thermostat to support Matter, and there’s a good chance the floodgates have been opened and more products will follow in its footsteps.

Support for Matter will be added to the Nest Thermostat through an automatic, over-the-air update. Google is launching the feature in waves over the next few weeks, so if you don’t yet have the feature, be sure to check back frequently throughout the rest of April.

Once your device has been updated, you’ll be able to control your smart thermostat from any Matter-certified smart home platform. Most excitingly, this includes Apple HomeKit — and since HomeKit doesn’t have the most robust selection of smart thermostats, this is bound to be great news for homes running Apple’s platform.

The Nest Thermostat is the latest Google product to gain Matter support, joining the ranks of several smart displays and smart speakers like the Nest Hub Max and Nest Audio. It’s great to see Google so heavily invested in Matter, especially when some other companies are starting to back away from the interoperability platform.

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
Is a smart air purifier a wise investment?
Coway Airmega IconS True HEPA air purifier in home

Spring is in full swing, and much of the population has officially succumbed to the sniffling and sneezing associated with seasonal allergies. that makes now a great time to consider picking up an air purifier, as they're shown to do wonders for air quality. Along with handling dander from pets, they'll also eliminate pollen and other allergens that may wander through your doors and windows. Air purifiers are incredibly popular -- and smart air purifiers are finally starting to catch up.

But should you invest in a smart air purifier, or are you better off with a traditional one? Here's a look at these unique gadgets to help you decide if one is right for your home.
What is a smart air purifier?

Read more
Should you buy a new smart lock or retrofit your existing deadbolt?
Schlage Encode Plus smart lock installed on a wooden door to a living room.

When it comes to smart locks, all models essentially fall into two categories. The first category will be familiar to most people, as these are traditional smart locks built to replace your existing deadbolt. That means you'll get a whole new set of keys for your front door, as well as hardware that introduces smart features to your home.

The second kind of smart lock is a retrofit smart lock. These quirky devices are designed to fit over your existing hardware -- allowing you to keep using your old keys while also adding smart features. Both types of smart locks are great ways to upgrade your front door, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide if you should replace your traditional deadbolt with a smart lock or install a retrofit smart lock instead.
Consider your DIY skills

Read more
Yale Assure Lock 2 vs. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: which is the better smart lock?
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installed on door.

Smart locks are a powerful way to enhance your front door security, and few products are as popular as the Yale Assure Lock 2 and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Both are quite expensive (carrying price tags that can climb over $200), but your investment gets you slick designs, tons of functionality, and an easy way to let guests access your home without giving away a physical key.

But which is best -- the Yale Assure Lock 2 or the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock? From pricing and installation to mobile companion apps and more, here's a look at these two popular smart locks.
Pricing and design

Read more