Google has taken a significant step forward in the smart home space by integrating Matter, a standardized protocol for local device control, into its Google Home Hubs. This move enables users to control their Matter devices locally, without relying on cloud connectivity, ensuring higher reliability, privacy, and lower latency. The update, which includes Home Runtime, allows Google Nest hubs and speakers, Chromecasts, Google TV devices on Android 14, and some LG TVs to connect to and control Matter devices locally.

This development marks a significant shift for Google's smart home platform, which has historically relied on cloud connectivity for device control. With local control, users can now control their devices even when the internet is down. As Jeannie Zhang, product manager for Google Home, explained, "When a user who has a hub for Google Home device (at home) is viewing or controlling their Matter devices (at home), they can do so with higher reliability, privacy, and lower latency."

In addition to the Matter integration, Google has also announced that its smart home APIs are now available to all developers. This move is expected to accelerate the adoption of Matter and expand the ecosystem of compatible devices. The Home APIs, which were initially available in an early access phase to select companies, allow developers to integrate Google Home devices and automations into their own apps, enabling them to focus on building devices rather than integrations.

The Home APIs consist of three components: Device and Structure APIs, Commissioning API, and Automation API. These APIs enable developers to access over 600 million devices already connected to Google Home, manage and control both cloud-connected and Matter devices, and create seamless onboarding experiences for users. The Automation API, in particular, empowers users to create and manage home automations directly within their apps, leveraging extensive signals, commands, and Google-specific AI-driven capabilities.

While this development is significant, it's worth noting that Google's history with API access has been inconsistent. The company has previously shut down its Works With Nest program, leaving developers without access to the API. However, Google's approach to the smart home space appears to be more thoughtful and thorough this time around.

Matter, the smart home interoperability standard, is designed to provide a common language for connected devices to communicate locally in the home without relying on a cloud connection. Developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung, among others, Matter is an open-sourced, IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices. It works over Wi-Fi, ethernet, and the low-power mesh networking protocol Thread and currently supports most of the main device types in the home.

With major smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home supporting Matter, along with hundreds of device manufacturers, the adoption of this standard is expected to continue growing. Google's latest move is likely to accelerate this trend, making it easier for developers to build Matter-compatible devices and expanding the ecosystem of compatible devices.

As the smart home space continues to evolve, Google's integration of Matter and opening of its smart home APIs to all developers marks a significant step forward in creating a more seamless and integrated user experience. With local control and expanded API access, the possibilities for smart home automation and innovation are vast, and it will be exciting to see how developers and manufacturers respond to these developments.