Everything to know about Ikea’s new Matter-over-Thread smart home devices

Ikea is known for a lot of things: its cafeteria meatballs, its crazy assembly instructions, and now it’s venturing into the smart home. While the home goods supplier is best known for its affordable, DIY furniture, it’s branching out into technology, particularly the smart home.

Ikea is launching a collection of 21 new smart home devices focused on lighting, sensors and controls. All devices will be Matter-over-Thread, meaning they speak the universal smart home language so they can work with your Apple HomePods and Google Homes.

Ikea is known for its affordability, and they are staying true to that by expanding their smart home collection. “Until now, smart home technology has not been easy enough for most people to use – nor affordable enough for many to consider it. This launch takes us closer to the goal of helping everyone feel ready and confident to get started,” says David Granath, range manager at Ikea in Sweden.

New bulbs from Ikea’s Smart Home collection can add a colorful touch to your home.
Credit: Ikea

This isn’t Ikea’s first foray into the smart home space. Previously, its technology came in the form of sneaky built-in devices, such as air purifiers built into side tables or speakers that blended into shelves. But this is the first line of Matter certified products.

Matter is a system developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, to allow any smart home device to communicate with another, regardless of the brand that manufactures the device. This means your Google Home can connect to your new Ikea bulbs and you don’t need a new smart home hub to control them.

Ikea devices will also be connected to Thread. Thread is another way to connect devices, similar to the number of devices connected via WiFi.

What’s happening to Ikea’s Matter-over-Thread collection?

Ikea’s new smart devices feature light bulbs and remote controls that work together.
Credit: Ikea

Ikea has divided its collection into three categories: lighting, sensors and controls. The lighting will include a new range of bulbs as well as sensors that monitor the well-being of your home. No release dates or prices have been provided for the products as they vary by market. Here are all the new smart home products coming soon.

Lighting

Kajplats smart bulbs will be available in all shapes and sizes. Here are the new options:

• E27/E26 – standard globe shape, diameter 60 mm. Available in white and color. Dimmable options available.
  Color and white spectrum, 1055 lm – color change

• P45 E14* – compact profile, diameter 45 mm. Available in white and color. Dimmable options available.

• GU10 – directional spotlight. Available in white and color. Dimmable options available.

• Decorative clear glass bulbs. Available only in white. Sizes available include standard E14 and E27 and large globe.

Sensors

• My spray: Motion sensor for indoor and outdoor use that automatically turns on lighting in areas such as entryways, stairways, garages or anywhere you need hands-free lighting.

• Myggbett: Door/window sensor. Detects when a door or window is open or closed, and if you’re connected to a smart system, you can receive notifications on your phone. Also works for spaces such as walk-in closets, where it can trigger a light to turn on or off.

• Timmerflotte: Temperature and humidity sensor. Measures the indoor climate of the house. Press the button to display temperature, followed by humidity, one after the other.

• Alpstuga: Air quality sensor. Measures CO₂, particulate matter (PM2.5), temperature and humidity to display the air quality in your home. Designed to work with IKEA air purifiers for better indoor air. Can also display the time.

• Klippbok: Water leak sensor. Detects leaks and alerts you with sound – and can also send a notification to your phone when connected to a hub. Small enough to place under sinks, appliances or other risky areas.

Remote controls

• Bilresa remote control with double button: A simple way to remotely control smart products. Use it to turn lights on or off, adjust brightness, change color, or trigger a preset scene.

• Bilresa remote control with scroll wheel: Allows you to adjust smart products with a simple turn. Use it to turn lights on or off, dim, change colors, or control a group or preset scene.

• Bilresa remote control kits (2x): Kits of three colored versions of the remote controls, in green, red and beige. One kit with three scroll wheels and the other with two-button remote control.

• Grillplats smart plug: This smart plug allows you to remotely control ordinary lamps or small household appliances, turning them into smart products. It also tracks energy consumption and can be paired with a remote control or motion sensor.