05-06-2024 04:24 AM
This is a question for someone who understands the difference between matter, thread, and then within that controllers/border routers etc.
Am I missing something or has Google only half launched this?
If I have a matter/thread bulb (nanoleaf)
And a Google home hub (border router)
And the Google home app on android (controller)
How can this ever take advantage of the speeds of thread/matter which is meant to be 1 of the big advantages?
If want to e.g. turn on a light...the command goes via the cloud. Tap the button on my phone - cloud - border router - bulb.
The button on my hub isn't even available if I turn on the incoming internet as it requires the cloud to function at all.
There's no local method to control lights at all right? Switches aren't supported by Google devices for matter yet. And I don't see how that would help. Looking at how the current ones are setup on homekit they basically just trigger automations/routines (which Google operates via the cloud...)
So will Google devices never be able to run local fast thread networks for e.g. lighting?
Hoping someone can point out where I'm totally getting this wrong!
Answered! Go to the Recommended Answer.
05-06-2024 07:54 AM
Found this when looking for a solution for another problem and it looks like it might solve your issue.
05-06-2024 04:58 AM
I have Hue and use smart switches in my home. These switches require a connection to a router to function but do NOT require an internet connection.
Obviously the remote access via your phone would stop working if your internet went out but all of your switches would still function.
There are plenty of switches available. This was the first one that popped up with a google search but you’d have to do some more research to verify this specific brand didn’t require an internet connection to function like Phillips Hue.
https://a.co/d/jhi9KAV
We use these switches for example.
https://inovelli.com/products/thread-matter-white-series-smart-2-1-on-off-dimmer-switch?variant=4266...
and these in a couple places as well
05-06-2024 05:20 AM
Hi yes I'm aware of Hue
But as I stated at the top this is a query regarding Matter, Thread and Google.
Not hue's proprietary ecosystem (I know they have a matter hub to integrate in but that's not the same).
05-06-2024 05:53 AM
Matter is a local connectivity technology, so Matter-only devices require an internet-connected controller — such as those built into smart speakers and smart home hubs — to be present in the home to enable control when away from the home. Most controller devices will offer an app or web interface to control Matter end devices.
Some Matter devices may also have a direct connection to the internet, enabling control from outside the home by the device maker’s application.
05-06-2024 05:59 AM
All of which is true. But you have missed the question.
Has Google half baked on the local control? I.e. can any Google software/hardware actually act as a local controller? My understanding so far is - no.
Apple home and HomeAssistant seem to have implemented this properly. Google seems to be still operating with all control going via the internet. Even when you are at home and can connected to the local network.
05-06-2024 06:13 AM
Sorry yes that is correct. Currently the Home app and Hubs have no offline support and all traffic is through the internet.
You have to use native switches to control lights and native apps to control other smart home items.
Sorry I thought that you were implying you knew that but we’re looking for ways to control your items in the event of an internet outage.
05-06-2024 06:17 AM
My question was pretty clear - How can this ever take advantage of the speeds of thread/matter which is meant to be 1 of the big advantages?
My understanding was "you can't" and you've confirmed your understanding is also "you can't".
It looks like I'll be moving to apple home or more likely HomeAssistant then to be able to locally control my matter/thread network of devices.
05-06-2024 07:54 AM
Found this when looking for a solution for another problem and it looks like it might solve your issue.
05-06-2024 04:44 PM
yep - that's what im looking for 🙂 although annoyingly seems to still not work at all in any circumstance if you aren't connected to the internet!!! but when you are connected to the internet...it will process a lot of things locally now. odd!
4 weeks ago
Hey @simonhunter87 did the solution provide by JW worked for you solution :https://developers.home.google.com/local-home as I'm facing a similar issue.
4 weeks ago
It's a solution as in it answers my question.
But the answer is Google home does not give you a way to operate devices when you have no internet connection. Even with thread/matter. V disappointing