Samsung SmartThings and IKEA have revealed that 25 new IKEA Matter-over-Thread devices can now connect directly to a SmartThings hub without needing IKEA’s DIRIGERA hub. This update allows smart bulbs priced at $5.99 to integrate with Samsung TVs, soundbars, and appliances, which have included Thread border routers since 2022. As the smart home market anticipates reaching 800 million Matter-compatible devices by year-end, Samsung and IKEA’s collaboration positions them at the forefront of this expansion.
IKEA’s new smart devices, which include KAJPLATS smart bulbs, GRILLPLATS smart plugs, remotes, sensors, and more, offer significant cost advantages over competitors. Most connect directly using Matter-over-Thread, but sensors still require a hub. This development enhances interoperability and reduces reliance on multiple hubs.
Samsung’s existing integration of Thread border routers into its wide array of products ensures that millions of users already have the necessary infrastructure for Matter devices. IKEA’s competitive pricing makes smart home technology accessible to many, aligning with its strategy to democratize smart home tech. Together, these advances overcome historical barriers of fragmentation and cost, paving the way for broader smart home adoption. The market, valued at $127.8 billion in 2024, is set for substantial growth, driven by this enhanced accessibility and streamlined technology.