HomeKit for more devices: Homebridge 2.0 gets Matter
The open-source project for connecting devices not supported by Apple is maturing. Version 2.0 brings various improvements.
Homebridge project: HomeKit support for the impatient.
(Image: Homebridge-Projekt)
With Homebridge, it is possible to integrate devices that Apple currently does not support for HomeKit into the smart home technology. The community project has now released Version 2.0 of the software, which brings a number of interesting innovations. After a long beta phase, it is now officially possible to use other Matter-compatible systems such as Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, or Amazon Alexa as target technologies in addition to HomeKit. Homebridge thus also works as a matter bridge. New device categories, such as vacuum cleaners, are also being added, which can also be integrated into HomeKit via Matter.
Supports Many Systems, Diverse Platforms
An overview of the innovations and technical details of Homebridge 2.0 is listed by the developers on GitHub. The Node.js-based project runs on numerous systems, such as Mac, Raspberry Pi, Linux (including Debian, Ubuntu, Red Hat, Arch), Windows (10 and 11). The software is also available for Synology NAS systems (DSM) and Docker, so it can also be used in parallel with Home Assistant.
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Known plug-ins include Ring Camera (otherwise a closed system for HomeKit users), Nest and Nest Camera, Belkin Wemo, SwitchBot (depending on the device, however, now Matter-compatible via bridge), TP-Link Kasa, and Hue and deCONZ (via ZigBee). If Homebridge is running, all these devices can then be addressed via HomeKit – sometimes more, sometimes less extensively. Homebridge itself advertises the project with the phrase “HomeKit support for the impatient.” This also fits: If a company still doesn't have support for Apple's smart home or other Matter-compatible systems ready, Homebridge can help. However, not all features available in the original system are always available; it depends on what the author of one of the plug-ins has achieved.
Not an Official Matter Product
In addition to control via the Home app, it is also possible to use it via the voice assistant Siri. However, it can take a while at first for the commands to synchronize across all devices via iCloud. During setup, you also need to be careful not to use terms already occupied by HomeKit. For example, to play radio stations on a Sonos speaker, it's better not to call it “Radio” but rather “Speaker.”
The developers of Homebridge emphasize that the tool does not have official certification from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), which is responsible for Matter. Homebridge is therefore not a Matter product in the commercial sense. Warning messages may therefore appear during pairing. The open-source project matter.js is used to achieve compatibility. Homebridge can be used free of charge, but the developers appreciate support.
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