New smart home system by Matter

Hello,

I came across a smart home system based on Matter.

It is supposed to become THE open smart home standard.

It is even said that it will become the wireless alternative to KNX.

What do you think about it?

If wiring is possible, e.g. in new buildings, one would probably still rely on KNX, right?

But if wiring is not possible, e.g. for retrofitting, would you say one should wait for Matter and rely on Matter?

What do you think of the new smart home wireless standard?

What distinguishes "Matter"? What makes it different/better than other wireless standards?

This is the new name for Connected Home over IP and therefore actually nothing new. Basically, the big players are already behind it, but just because it is called a standard doesn't mean it actually is one in practice. Time will tell, but with the market power, it definitely has potential.

If wiring is possible, e.g. in new buildings, would you probably still always rely on KNX?

Definitely. But not only that, since you can of course also combine. Quite a few KNX systems, for example, are controlled via Homekit. The basics, i.e., lighting, shading, heating, security, etc., I would always do wired and without dependence on any clouds, an internet connection, or uninterrupted radio connections.

That is supposed to become THE open smart home standard.

That already exists. Matter is Zigbee hopefully finally universally compatible, although I already see problems here with country-specific frequency allocation again.

It is even said that it should become the wireless alternative to KNX.

Many things have been said, many other wireless protocols were also supposed to be it.

What do you think about it?

Another standard. Maybe this time it will be better. But that means that some lines currently still being sold are doomed and will turn into electronic waste. Because manufacturers will switch if it becomes promising and it is nonsense to bet on a lame horse.

If cables are possible, for example in new builds, you would probably still rely on KNX, right?

Yes, certainly, as long as you need cables for power transmission, it is only logical to run a cable for signal transmission alongside it. Very few sockets, lights, and devices require wireless as they are usually stationary in a house. And yes, combination is the key. KNX also lives from drawing from the full range.

But if no cables are possible, for example retrofitting, would you say one should wait for Matter and rely on Matter?

No, unless you plan to build/buy in 5-10 years. Because the first years will, as always, be reserved for testing and eliminating errors. Including unhappy early adopters and everything that goes with it.