Ikea Update Adds Matter Controller Functionality to Dirigera Hub

Ikea has today released a new update for its Dirigera smart home hub, adding full Matter Controller functionality – albeit in beta form at the time of writing.

This follows a previous update that enabled the hub to act as a Matter Bridge, allowing it to be added to any Matter ecosystem and exposing connected devices accordingly. With this latest update, the Dirigera can now function as a Matter Controller, meaning Ikea’s own Home Smart platform can, at least in theory, offer a similar range of capabilities to platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and Apple Home.

If you’re unfamiliar with what a Matter Controller does, it essentially allows Matter-certified devices – regardless of brand – to be added directly to the Ikea ecosystem. Whether Ikea’s platform will appeal to users already invested in more mature and arguably more user-friendly ecosystems (looking at you, Apple Home…) is another matter entirely. Still, this move suggests Ikea is serious about establishing itself as a standalone smart home platform.

This update also ties in with reports of Ikea’s forthcoming Matter-enabled devices, which wouldn’t have been compatible with the Dirigera hub until now. It now seems clear that the Thread radio inside the Dirigera has also been activated, and is Using Thread 1.4. Thread is essential for supporting Matter-over-Thread devices – not just from third-party brands, but Ikea’s own upcoming products as well.

If you’re already using the Dirigera hub, the update should either be available now in the Home Smart app or will roll out over the next day or so if Ikea is staggering the release. Look out for version 2.805.6.