FabianLast fall, Philips Hue introduced the first bulbs capable of communicating via Thread in addition to Zigbee and Bluetooth. This enables direct pairing with a Matter border router. However, during the initial setup, users previously had to choose a communication method: either pairing with a Hue Bridge or connecting directly to a Matter system.
Later this year, there will be a firmware update for Hue lights that will unlock an advanced feature in the wireless module. This will enable simultaneous operation of Zigbee and Matter over Thread. This means that, in addition to the existing connection to the Hue Bridge, a direct Matter connection via Thread can be established.
If you’re using a Hue Bridge, this might not sound all that interesting at first glance. After all, nearly all Hue products can be connected to Matter via the Hue Bridge. At least as far as control is concerned, there’s likely no advantage to having a simultaneous direct Thread connection. However, this does offer the option for the Hue lights—which are constantly powered—to extend the Thread network in your home, potentially making Thread devices located a bit further away more accessible.
The reverse scenario should also be practical: A Hue light already paired via Matter over Thread should, after the announced firmware update, be easier to pair with a Hue Bridge if one is installed later.
Which Hue products are already Matter over Thread-compatible?
Matter over Thread is enabled in Hue products via the MG26 and SiMG301 chipsets from Silicon Labs. That probably won’t mean much to you at first.
Direct support for Matter over Thread—which, so far, isn’t available simultaneously with the Zigbee connection—is included in the Hue Essentials lamps with GU10 and E27 bases, as well as the current generation of E27 bulbs and E12/E14 candle bulbs. The Hue Slim recessed lights have also already been updated. More products are expected to follow in September, though I don’t have any specific details on that yet.
