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

Ikea is known for many things: its cafeteria meatballs, assembly instructions that drive you to madness, and now, it's venturing into smart home. While the home goods purveyor is mostly known for its affordable, assemble-it-yourself furniture, is branching out into tech, specifically smart home.

Ikea is launching a collection of 21 new smart home devices centered on lighting, sensors, and controls. All of the devices will be Matter-over-Thread, meaning that 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're staying true to that as they expand their smart home collection. “Until now, smart home technology hasn’t been easy enough to use for most people — or affordable enough for many to consider. This launch brings us closer to helping everyone feel ready and confident to get started,” says David Granath, Range Manager at Ikea of Sweden. 

This isn't actually Ikea's first foray into smart home. Previously, its tech came in the form of sneaky built in appliances like air purifiers built into side tables or speakers that blend into book shelves. But this is the first line with Matter certified products.

Matter is a system developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, to allow any smart home device to speak to another, regardless of what brand makes the device. This means your Google Home can connect to your new Ikea lightbulbs, and you don't need a new smart home hub to control them.

Ikea's devices will also be Thread connected. Thread is another away of connecting devices, similar to how many devices connect via WiFi.

What's coming to Ikea's Matter-over-Thread collection?

Ikea has broken down its collection into three categories: lighting, sensors and controls. The lighting will include a new line-up of light bulbs as well as sensors that monitor your homes well-being. No release date or pricing has been provided for the products as it will vary between markets. Here are all the new smart home products coming soon.

Lighting

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

• E27/E26 – standard globe shape, 60 mm diameter. Available in white and colour. Dimmable options available.
  Colour and white spectrum, 1 055 lm – colour-changing  

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

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

• Clear-glass decorative bulbs. Available only in white. Sizes available include E14 and E27 standard and large globe.

Sensors

• Myggspray: Motion sensor for indoor and outdoor use that turns on lighting automatically in areas like entrances, staircases, garages, or anywhere you need hands-free light. 

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

• Timmerflotte: Temperature and Humidity Sensor. Measures the indoor climate at home. Press the button to view temperature, followed by humidity — one after the other. 

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

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

Remotes

• Bilresa remote control with dual button: A simple way to control smart products from afar. Use it to switch lights on or off, adjust brightness, change colour, or trigger a preset scene. 

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

• Bilresa Remote Control Kits (2x): Kits of three colorful versions of the remote controls, in green, red and beige. One kit with three scroll wheels, and the other is with remote control with dual buttons. 

• Grillplats smart plug: This smart plug lets you control ordinary lamps or smaller appliances remotely — turning them into smart products. It also tracks energy use and can be paired with a remote or motion sensor.