Amazon has announced its plans to add Matter support to its Echo devices in conjunction with the November launch of the new Matter standard for smart home accessories.
The phased rollout of Matter support to Echo devices, according to Amazon, enables the company to guarantee. And its products are compatible with the “most popular device types” while continuing with its partners, to broaden “interoperability, stability, and longevity-testing”.
Amazon added Matter support for smart switches, smart plugs, and smart bulbs to Echo devices via Wi-Fi during the initial phase of the rollout. However, Amazon stated at the time that supporting iOS would necessitate the use of new APIs. That would take longer to become available, so this initial phase only included Android compatibility.
By the end of this year, we’re going to deliver a high-quality Matter customer experience, as we promised last month. We’re happy to announce that the first stage of our Matter rollout is now complete. Matter over WiFi supporting 17 different Echo devices, Plugs, Switches, and Bulbs with Android setup. Tens of millions of Alexa users worldwide now have more options for connecting their devices.
Amazon intends to add Matter to even more accessories and Echo devices with the upcoming rollout phases. The company intends to add support for iOS and the Thread protocol, which is expected to arrive in early 2023. The second phase of the Matter support rollout will be announced at CES 2023. Which will take place from January 5 to 8, according to a statement released by Amazon today.
