In the right nick of time when everybody is following Matter, Amazon has joined the party. 17 new Alexa-powered devices are now Matter smart home devices. Following Google’s lead on joining Matter with its devices, this is a big move for Amazonians.
In a blog post by the e-commerce giant, Amazon said its first phase of the rollout for Matter devices is completed. The post said, “Tens of millions of Alexa customers across the globe now have more ways to connect their devices with the availability of Matter over Wi-Fi spanning 17 different Echo devices, Plugs, Switches, and Bulbs”.
While Amazon is working out the interoperability, stability, and longevity-testing with their partners. The first and foremost goal is that their customers have a seamless and high-quality experience with Alexa. According to the company, it’s rolling out more common devices first with Matter support, which seems a logical business decision.
17 Amazon Echo devices are now Matter Smart Home ready
Graphical logos of Smart Home Devices, Matter, and Thread
Amazon claims that currently there are more than 30,000 devices around the globe that ‘works with Alexa’ claiming the common household network. In the first lineup by the company, the devices that include Matter support are Echo Dot (5th Gen), Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018 release), Echo Studio, Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021), Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release), Echo Show 15, Echo Dot (Gen 3 with clock), Echo Dot (Gen 4 with clock), Echo Show 5, Echo (v3), Echo Dot Gen 4, Echo Input, Echo Flex, and Echo Show 8.
Matter devices will work alongside existing smart home devices. The first phase rollout is limited to only home Wi-Fi networks and Android phones, Thread and iOS support will be added later on. Thread’s added support will be very crucial after Matter has stated its importance. Therefore more and more brands will now make sure to accompany Thread in matter devices without a second thought.
After last week’s Google announcement of its devices’ inclusion, it was natural for Amazon to follow and join the list of Matter smart home devices.