- ABB-free@home® is among the first interoperable smart home systems to add the new Matter protocol
- Alongside existing protocols, Matter allows for enhanced, future-proofed delivery of smart home technology infrastructure
- Enhancement demonstrated at Eve Systems’ stand at IFA Berlin
ABB Smart Buildings today announced a major development in its smart home technology offering with the addition of the smart home connectivity standard, Matter, into ABB-free@home® – its smart home technology system. This enhancement adds to existing capabilities for ABB-free@home®, allowing users to easily integrate Matter-ready new, retrofitted smart devices and appliances, without the need for additional specialist installation. Matter is the new consumer retrofit connectivity standard for smart homes, supporting by the accompanying wireless protocol, Thread.
The Matter-ready ABB-free@home® System Access Point was showcased at the Eve Systems stand at the global consumer electronics fair, IFA in Berlin. The news follows ABB’s acquisition of Eve Systems in June, and the subsequent collaboration accelerated this integration to meet market demands. Recent research shows that the number of users in Europe’s smart home market is set to double over the next four years1.
Lucy Han, Head of Global Product Group Building and Home Automation Solutions at ABB and Managing Director of Eve said, “This news underscores the tremendous potential of Matter as an extension of the range of connectivity offered by ABB-free@home®. Ultimately, only a universal standard, supported by all major platforms, can enable the secure, future-proof and open interconnection of previously separate worlds. It will deliver smart homes supported by a diverse range of devices and technology that operate in full harmony.”
ABB-free@home® will now be accessible via key home management apps alongside other smart home devices, boosting the control users have over their home’s comfort, energy and security. ABB-free@home® already offers a range of retrofit capabilities, including with ABB-free@home® wireless or flexTronics wireless, but the addition of Matter provides users with more options and the ability to introduce specific Matter-ready consumer devices without the need for professional installation. The showcase at IFA demonstrated how the ABB-free@home® building control system, one of the first to add the Matter protocol option, can be easily networked with new retrofit devices including those from the Eve product range of retrofit Matter and Thread smart home technology.
Jerome Gackel, CEO of Eve said, "The goal to make homes and buildings safe, smart and sustainable can only be accomplished through tailored solutions. Matter enables building automation and retrofitting solutions to be combined - significantly expanding the design options for installers and customers."
The Matter enhancement can be applied to all models of ABB-free@home® manufactured after 2018 and customers can upgrade their device via a free firmware update for the system access point. This also means ABB-free@home® can now be integrated into other Matter compatible technology from brands such as Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung. This greater interoperability will support wider consolidation and prospective uptake of smart home technology by users.
The ABB-free@home® demonstration on the Eve Systems stand at IFA will be available for public view from 1-5 September 2023. The Matter firmware update is scheduled for full release before the end of the year.
For more information, see:
1Statista (2023) – Smart home users in Europe 2018-2027
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com
ABB Electrification
Electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way, ABB Electrification is a global technology leader in electrical distribution and management from source to socket. As the world’s demand for electricity grows, our 50,000+ employees across 100 countries collaborate with customers and partners to transform how people connect, live and work. We develop innovative products, solutions and digital technologies that enable energy efficiency and a low carbon society across all sectors. By applying global scale with local expertise, we shape and support global trends, deliver excellence for customers and power a sustainable future for society. go.abb/electrification
About Eve
Eve Systems builds beautiful, connected home devices that set superior standards of comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Engineered in-house to combine seamless software with elegant hardware, Eve devices integrate into the home seamlessly and securely, ensuring interoperability across smart home platforms. Because privacy is paramount, what happens at home, must stay at home. By leveraging Thread and Matter technologies, Eve devices are the pillars of a future-proof, functional and valuable smart home.
First established in 1999 as Elgato, Eve has grown a market-leading reputation for the user experience and quality of its devices for the Apple ecosystem, while guaranteeing 100% privacy. Eve Systems is part of ABB and headquartered in Munich, Germany.
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Media Relations | ABB Ltd | |
