Do I need anything besides Chromecast for Matter smart lights?

Matter Utilities Question & Feedback
1

Hello,

I’m a bit lost with this whole Matter and Thread topic, so I’m hoping someone can help me figure out if what I want will actually work.

I live in Germany, where not a lot of tech is really used, and I just want some simple smart lights with Matter that I can control from my phone or my TV. I have one Chromecast with Google TV in the bedroom and another one in the living room. I don’t own a Thread Border Router, but I saw that the Google Chromecast 4K can act as one.

What I want to know is: if I buy two Matter light bulbs, do I need anything else besides the Chromecast with Google TV to add them to my Google account and control them from my phone or TV?

I’m not planning to use smart locks, switches, or anything else for now (I live in a rental apartment). I would be interested in a shades switch, but those usually need a neutral wire, and my apartment doesn’t have one at the switch, so that’s a no for now.

So… if it’s just for lights, is the Chromecast with Google TV enough? Or do I still need something else? I just want something easy and cheap, which is why I thought staying with Google would be the best option.

Also, when I searched for “Matter” on the App Store, it suggested your app. Does your app support anything related to using Matter smart lights? And sorry if I’m asking this in the wrong place!

Thanks!

2

Chromecast with Google TV is not a Matter controller. If you do want to control via Matter you will need to get a Matter controller. But you don’t necessarily need to use Matter. Most (perhaps all) WiFi devices with Matter capability can be controlled directly via manufacturer’s own app (which in many cases can then be linked to Google Home). This would be dependent on the manufacturers cloud service, but you would also have the option of local control via Matter in the future if/when you get a Matter controller.

If you purchase a Matter over Thread bulb you will definitely need additional hardware immediately as you would need to get a Thread border router (which could also serve as a Matter controller depending on which one you buy).