"Matter" on ESP32 Demo #matter #accessory

Summary

Apple's WWDC 2022 introduced Matter, a unified smart home standard supported by major tech companies, which operates on IP protocol and can use technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread. The script discusses creating a Matter accessory with ESP32, enabling DIY hardware to connect with HomeKit or other platforms, and demonstrates a basic demo using CHIPTool and an iPhone to control an LED's on/off state, hinting at the potential for more complex home automation projects.

Takeaways

• 📱 Apple announced support for Matter, a new smart home standard, at WWDC 2022, though its integration has been delayed.
• 🌐 Matter, formerly known as Project Connected Home over IP, is designed to unify smart home platforms using existing networking technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread.
• 🚀 Matter is built upon the IP protocol, allowing smart home devices to communicate via IP addresses, enhancing compatibility across different platforms.
• 🔧 The ESP32 microcontroller can be used to create Matter accessories, potentially allowing custom hardware to connect with Apple HomeKit and other smart home systems.
• 🛠️ The speaker plans to develop a Matter accessory using the ESP32, highlighting the potential for hobbyists to create their own smart home devices.
• 💡 An example provided involves using an ESP32 with a TFT LCD screen and an iPhone to control a light's on/off function through Matter.
• 📲 Matter accessories typically receive Wi-Fi credentials via BLE after scanning a QR code, similar to how HomeKit devices are set up.
• 📡 The Matter accessory requests necessary information from the client device upon connection, enabling communication and control.
• 🔄 The demo shows basic control of a light, illustrating the initial steps of creating a more complex smart home system.
• 🌍 Remote access to HomeKit devices, including Matter accessories, requires Apple's Home Bridge, such as an iPad, Apple TV, or HomePod.

Q & A

What is Matter, and why is it important for smart homes?

Matter is a new smart home standard backed by major companies like Apple. It aims to unify smart home platforms by using standard networking technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread. This allows Matter-certified devices to connect to your network and each other seamlessly, regardless of the platform.

How does Matter communicate with devices in a smart home setup?

Matter operates based on the IP protocol, which means that individual devices in a smart home setup have their own IP addresses. Devices communicate with each other using IP, ensuring a standardized and efficient communication method.

What is the role of the ESP32 in the context of Matter?

The ESP32 can be used to create Matter accessories, allowing hobbyists and developers to make their own smart devices that can connect to Apple's HomeKit or other smart home platforms. This enables custom hardware to be controlled by smart assistants like Siri or Alexa.

What are the basic steps to connect a Matter accessory to a network?

To connect a Matter accessory to a network, you typically scan a QR code provided by the manufacturer. This QR code allows you to enter the Wi-Fi credentials for the device. The accessory then connects to the network via BLE, obtains necessary information from the client device, and is ready for use.

What example project is demonstrated in the video?

The video demonstrates a basic project where an LED is controlled using an app. The project illustrates turning the light on and off through the app, showing the simplicity of controlling Matter accessories.

How can you remotely access Matter accessories through HomeKit?

To remotely access Matter accessories through HomeKit, you need Apple's Home Bridge, which could be an iPad, Apple TV 4th Gen, or HomePod. This bridge allows you to control your Matter devices from outside your home.

What tools and libraries were used in the video to set up the project?

The video used a Lolin32 lite and ILI9341 TFT LCD along with the CHIPTool app installed on an iPhone via Xcode. The code used for the project was sourced from the connectedhomeip's GitHub repository.

What is the significance of the 'light on and off' cluster in the project?

The 'light on and off' cluster serves as a basic example, similar to a 'Hello World' program. It demonstrates the fundamental operation of controlling a device through the Matter protocol, which is a small but essential step in understanding how to build more complex systems.

How does a Matter accessory obtain the necessary Wi-Fi credentials?

A Matter accessory obtains the necessary Wi-Fi credentials by scanning a QR code that contains the required information. This can be done through BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) after scanning the code, which allows the accessory to connect to the network.

What future developments are hinted at in the video?

The video suggests that more specific devices will be developed in future projects, and these will likely be showcased in upcoming videos. The presenter plans to create more Matter-based accessories and share these developments with the audience.

Outlines

00:00

🔌 Introduction to Matter and Smart Home Integration

Apple introduced Matter, previously known as Project Connected Home over IP, at WWDC 2022 as a unified smart home standard supported by major tech companies. It's designed to operate on IP Protocol and leverage existing networking technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread to standardize device communication within smart home ecosystems. The script discusses the potential for Matter-certified devices to incorporate future advancements in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Additionally, the speaker expresses interest in creating a Matter accessory using the ESP32 microcontroller, envisioning a future where homemade hardware can connect with platforms like Apple's HomeKit for remote access and control.

🛠 DIY Smart Home Devices with ESP32 and Matter

The script delves into the possibility of creating custom smart home devices, such as a homemade color lamp similar to Philips Hue, using the ESP32 microcontroller and Matter platform. The speaker outlines the process of setting up a smart home accessory, including the use of QR codes for Wi-Fi credential entry, which is a common practice in smart home device setup. The script also discusses the use of CHIPTool on an iPhone to demonstrate the basic functionality of a Matter accessory, such as turning a light on and off, which serves as a foundational step towards more complex smart home systems.

📡 Remote Access to Smart Home Devices via HomeKit

The speaker outlines the desire to build a system that allows for remote communication with Matter accessories through Apple's HomeKit. This involves using an Apple device, such as an iPad, Apple TV 4th Gen, or HomePod, as a Home Bridge to access smart home devices from a distance. The script concludes with a demonstration of the basic on and off control of a light using a Matter accessory, and a promise to provide a more detailed video once a specific device has been completed.

Keywords

💡Matter

Matter is a new smart home standard supported by major tech companies, including Apple. It aims to unify smart home platforms by using existing networking technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread. In the video, Matter is discussed as a crucial framework for connecting smart devices, such as those built with ESP32, to Apple's HomeKit and other smart home ecosystems.

💡IP Protocol

The IP (Internet Protocol) is the fundamental protocol for transmitting data across networks. Matter operates on this protocol, allowing smart home devices to have unique IP addresses and communicate over the internet. The video emphasizes the significance of IP in enabling devices within a smart home to connect and interact seamlessly, using Matter as a unified standard.

💡ESP32

ESP32 is a low-cost, low-power microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. In the video, the creator plans to develop a Matter-compatible accessory using ESP32, highlighting its versatility in DIY smart home projects. The ESP32 serves as the hardware platform for implementing Matter, allowing for custom device creation and integration with HomeKit.

💡HomeKit

HomeKit is Apple's smart home platform that allows users to control compatible devices through apps and Siri voice commands. The video discusses integrating Matter-compatible devices, like those built with ESP32, into HomeKit, enabling users to control them remotely. The use of HomeKit emphasizes the video’s focus on creating seamless smart home experiences.

💡CHIPTool

CHIPTool is an application used to control and configure Matter-enabled devices. In the video, the presenter uses CHIPTool on an iPhone to demonstrate basic control of a Matter accessory, such as turning an LED on and off. CHIPTool is central to the video's demonstration of how Matter devices can be managed and integrated into smart home networks.

💡BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)

BLE is a wireless communication technology that is optimized for low power consumption, making it ideal for smart home devices. The video explains how BLE is used to connect Matter accessories to a network by transferring necessary credentials after a QR code scan. BLE plays a critical role in the initial setup and configuration of Matter-compatible devices.

💡QR Code

A QR Code is a machine-readable code that stores information, such as Wi-Fi credentials, which can be scanned by a smart device. In the video, QR codes are used to facilitate the connection of Matter accessories to a home network. This method is common for configuring smart devices, making it easier for users to set up their smart home systems.

💡Thread

Thread is a low-power, mesh networking protocol designed specifically for smart home devices. It allows devices to communicate with each other and the internet efficiently. In the video, Thread is mentioned as one of the networking technologies that Matter leverages to ensure reliable and secure connections between smart home devices.

💡Home Bridge

Home Bridge refers to a device like an iPad, Apple TV, or HomePod that acts as a hub, allowing remote access to HomeKit devices. The video mentions the necessity of a Home Bridge for accessing Matter accessories via HomeKit when away from home, emphasizing its role in enabling continuous and remote smart home management.

💡Cluster

In the context of smart home technology, a cluster refers to a group of related functionalities or attributes that can be controlled, such as turning a light on or off. The video illustrates controlling the 'light on and off cluster' using the CHIPTool app, demonstrating how simple commands can manage specific device functions within a Matter-enabled smart home.

Highlights

Apple introduced Matter, formerly known as Project Connected Home over IP, as a new smart home standard at WWDC 2022.

Matter is built on IP protocol and aims to unify smart home platforms using technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread.

Matter-certified devices will connect to networks and each other through these standard networking technologies.

As Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology evolve, Matter is expected to incorporate new standards.

Operating on IP means that each device in a Matter-based smart home has an IP address and communicates using IP.

The user discusses making a Matter accessory based on ESP32, with the potential to connect it to Apple’s HomeKit.

ESP32 can be adapted to the Matter platform, allowing for the creation of custom hardware that connects to HomeKit and other platforms.

This capability is particularly valuable for hobbyists who create devices from scratch.

Example given: creating a custom color lamp controlled by Siri or Alexa.

The demo in the video involves controlling an LED on an ESP32 via a Matter-based app.

The demo uses an iPhone, Lolin32 lite, and ILI9341 TFT LCD, with the CHIPTool app installed through Xcode.

The app can scan a QR code to connect the Matter accessory to Wi-Fi via BLE, illustrating the setup process.

The user demonstrates turning the light on and off through the app, highlighting the basic functionality of Matter.

To remotely access Matter accessories through HomeKit, Apple’s Home Bridge (e.g., iPad, Apple TV 4th Gen, or HomePod) is required.

The video concludes with plans to develop more specific devices and create further tutorials.

Transcripts

At WWDC 2022, Apple mentioned Matter, formerly known as Project Connected Home over IP.

Actually, at WWDC last year, they announced support for Matter in your smart home app

but it's delayed.

Matter is a new smart home standard backed by Apple and others.

It's built upon IP Protocol and will use existing networking technologies

in an attempt to unify smart home platforms.

That means Matter-certified devices will be using standard stuff like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE,

Zigbee, and Thread to connect to your network and each other.

As both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology advance, Matter will probably continue to incorporate new standards.

Just as Matter's previous name was Project Connected Home over IP,

Matter works based on the IP protocol.

Operating based on IP means that individual devices configuring a smart home

have an IP address, and it means that

devices and devices communicate based on IP.

One thing I wanna say is, there is a way to connect HomeKit with ESP32.

What I want to do is make a Matter accessory based on ESP32.

I don't know how Apple will enable connectivity sooner or later,

but I’m pretty sure it will be possible in some way.

Our lovely ESP32 can also be based on Matter platform.

It means we can try to make Matter accessories with our ESP32.

This is so good because we can make our own hardware to connect to Apple's home kit or others.

This will allow us to link our hardware with HomeKit and access it from anywhere.

This is more important to people who make devices from scratch like me for just a hobby.

Let's say you want to make your own color lamp like Philips Hue.

I don't know what kind of lamp you want to make but

you probably make a super crazy lamp with your fresh ideas.

And then controlling it by Siri or Alexa from your phone.

It'd be so fun.

In this video, we gonna look at the most basic parts together

with the example provided by matter.

What I have prepared here is my iPhone and ESP32.

This is just Lolin32 lite and ILI9341 TFT LCD.

I have installed CHIPTool on my iPhone through Xcode.

All code I used here is from the connectedhomeip's Github repository.

This demo app illustrates controlling on and off of the cluster attributes of an endpoint.

Let's say you just got a home kit accessory.

The first thing to do is to enter the WiFi credential on the device to connect to the

home network.

Most manufacturers enclose a QR code with the product

so that the necessary information can be entered into the device through it.

Very common way.

In the same way, Matter accessories get credentials and necessary

information through BLE after QR scanning.

If your Matter accessories have a display,

it can display the QR code directly on the screen,

otherwise, you can print it out and enclose it with your product.

Let me show you how it works.

Here you can scan the QR Code,

a pop-up appears to enter the SSID and Password for the WiFi to connect.

The BLE information of Matter accessory can be obtained by QR code

and it tries to connect with it.

When it's connected, Matter accessory requests the necessary information from the client device.

Currently, there are several menus on this app, but what we gonna do is

the light on and off cluster.

It's like a hello world.

Simply control the LED through the app.

The connected device ID is displayed.

If multiple devices are connected, you can select and control one of them.

Let's turn the light on.

Did you notice the green square status light turns on here?

Let me turn it on and off again and repeat.

This is simply sending 0 and 1, but I'm pretty sure this is a small step for the big picture.

This is the overall system I wanna build.

I wanna communicate with matter accessories at home through HomeKit from the outside.

Apple's Home Bridge is required to access devices remotely using HomeKit.

This could be an iPad, Apple TV 4th Gen, or HomePod.

As far as I know, this seems to be the only way.

Anyway, after a more specific device is completed, I will prepare a new video.

Today's video ends here.

Thanks for watching.

See you on the next project.