Google Home app gets local Matter control over Philips Hue lights

The latest update to the Google Home app is enhancing support for local network control over Matter devices, such as Philips Hue lights. Philips Hue, initially known for its cloud-connected lighting system, has adopted Matter technology, enabling it to connect seamlessly with Google Home hubs for local control through the Home app.

This development allows existing Philips Hue bridges to automatically upgrade to local Matter control through Google Home hubs in the background, resulting in faster response times and improved reliability without the need for re-pairing. While Philips Hue is already quite responsive within the Google Home app, local Matter control is expected to further enhance these lights' performance.

The fact that this upgrade does not require re-pairing is an added advantage. Additionally, this update enables the Home app to control Hue lights even during an internet outage, provided the device remains on the same network. The same update is also extending local control over Matter devices in general, with promises of "faster response times and enhanced reliability."

The Google Home app update also comes with a visual refresh, as Google has redesigned "core controls for third-party lights, plugs, and switches," which should now apply to Hue devices as well.