For the past five years, Matter has been shaping the smart home industry, unifying disparate connectivity protocols and smart home devices for simplified communication across different brands and ecosystems. NXP has invested in Matter’s journey—from its inception to its current state—to create a seamless user experience.
The term 'platform' might have diverse interpretations, but for NXP, it means empowering customers with robust development solutions that are fully equipped to support Matter.
Explore how NXP empowers customers in seamless Matter adoption. Listen to the full episode of the EdgeVerse Techcast on Spotify or on YouTube .
Although Matter is considered to be a connectivity standard, NXP's broad portfolio focuses on the application-providing the vital components for powerful Application Processors to Arm®-Based microcontroller units (MCUs) to wireless MCUs and transceivers. NXP’s products also support the specific Matter-dependent protocols and technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Thread, Ethernet and even bridging in Zigbee devices. For streamlinded support, NXP provides Matter developers a single supplier to rely on for trusted innovation, performance, support and even Matter certifications. This eliminates a need to juggle so many different suppliers.
Supporting a standard like Matter is never a one-time endeavor. As Matter specifications change, NXP continuously certifies these platforms with CSA, meaning that the software development and enablement meet certification requirements.
For example, NXP’s platforms—such as the MCUXpresso Software Development Kit (SDK)—continuously adapt to the latest Matter specifications. Enhancements include a native CMake build process, facilitating a more efficient development journey. Moreover, NXP’s integration of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with improved setup processes supports swift development cycles and smoother project adaptations. By simplifying Matter product development, NXP solutions enable customers to focus on innovating differentiated end-user experiences.
At its core, Matter is a unified application layer protocol that enables smart home devices to communicate across ecosystems. Whether with a thermostat, smart speaker or lighting system, Matter ensures that these devices can interact smoothly, regardless of what brand. This approach eases the need to manage complex technical setup and instead emphasizes user experience, with a goal to provide seamless smart technology for consumers.
Since the launch of Matter 1.0 in 2022, the unified smart home journey continues with updates released twice a year. Early releases focused on expanding supported device types, moving beyond basic home control to include appliances and energy management systems.
Today, the focus is on improving reliability, performance and scalability. Recent updates include fortified security measures and streamlined certification processes to ensure cohesive functionality across ecosystems. For instance, the latest release—Matter 1.4.2—introduced enhancements in security, certification processes and improved networking infrastructure. These updates implement feedback from CSA member companies actively deploying Matter-enabled products to ensure that the standard evolves in response to real-world needs.
New security enhancements, streamlined certification and new features such as Wi-Fi commissioning are here! Learn more about Matter 1.4.2.
Matter is a pivotal step forward in making smart homes more accessible, reliable and user-friendly. With strong industry backing and a commitment to continuous improvement, the industry standard is poised to reshape how devices interact in residential and commercial environments.
Industry leaders like NXP are instrumental in this transformation, providing the tools and technologies needed to bring Matter to life. As the ecosystem grows, users can look forward to a future where smart devices work together effortlessly—delivering on the promise of a truly connected home.
Sujata Neidig has over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor industry and is currently Director of Marketing for Wireless Connectivity where she drives product marketing and standards efforts for IoT connectivity. She also represents NXP on the Thread Group and Connectivity Standards Alliance’s Board of Directors as well as serving as Thread Group’s VP of Marketing. She is based in Austin, TX.