Matter Standard Smart Home Update
Matter is now the de facto universal smart home protocol, enabling cross-compatibility between major platforms [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oXp9sEm_js]. However, Apple Home is the only major platform to keep automations local by default.
The advantage of local automations is that they aren't reliant on an internet connection to function. This means your smart home continues to operate as programmed, even when the internet goes down. Other Matter-compatible platforms, like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, process automations in the cloud. While this offers some advantages, such as remote access and more complex processing, it introduces a point of failure. Apple's focus on local processing aligns with its broader emphasis on privacy and security. By keeping data and processing on-device, Apple reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.