Zemismart Releases M1 Pro with Matter, Zigbee, Thread, IR support

Zemismart has added the M1 Pro Matter bridge to its product line. The hub is positioned to connect a range of local smart devices into Matter-certified smart home ecosystems, including Apple Home, Google Home, SmartThings, Tuya, and even Home Assistant. This reflects the ongoing shift towards Matter as a common interoperability layer in connected homes.

The M1 Pro combines Zigbee, Thread and Matter support in a single unit intended to bring a variety of devices into Matter-based control. It is designed to act as a bridge for non-Matter Zigbee and Thread devices so that they can be used in platforms that understand Matter. The hub can support a maximum of 128 Zigbee devices, although how this works when Thread devices are added, and how many, is not clear.

One of the specific points of interest for many users is the built-in IR transmitter. That adds basic support for traditional infrared appliances such as air conditioners and televisions into the same control point as smart devices, potentially reducing the need for separate IR hubs or controllers in a room, much like the Aqara M3 offers, but at a lower price point.

The M1 Pro connects to a local network and makes supported devices visible to Matter controllers on the same network. In an Apple Home setup this means the hub can make devices that otherwise would only work in Tuya or Smart Life apps available for HomeKit automations and control, subject to the capabilities exposed by Matter itself. 

One other new feature is that whilst previous ZemiSmart Matter Bridges and/or Controllers only offered wired connectivity, the M1 Pro allows for a Wireless connection on either the 2.4 or 5.0GHz band.

For Apple Home users the arrival of Matter bridges such as the M1 Pro represents something that is familiar but different to a native hub. Apple Home already has built-in Matter control via HomePod, Apple TV and HomePod mini devices, which act as local Matter controllers and Thread border routers. A third-party bridge does not replace these functions but expands the range of devices Apple Home can see. It does, however, add another Thread Border Router to your setup, which can help strengthen and expand your Thread network.

In practical use this means:

• Devices connected via the M1 Pro can appear in Apple Home once paired through Matter
• Automation and control can be centralised in Apple Home alongside native accessories
• Some device features that are specific to manufacturer apps may not be available once bridged into Matter

This is a common situation with Matter bridges, where product-specific functions that do not fall into the core Matter spec are not surfaced in Apple Home.

The M1 Pro supports:

• Matter-certified smart ecosystems via Matter
• Zigbee and Thread protocols for compatible devices
• Integrated infrared control

It is clearly intended for users with mixed device portfolios who want a single point to make those devices accessible under Matter. For owners of newer Matter native devices the bridge adds little, but for people with existing Zigbee or Thread devices that lack Matter support it can reduce reliance on multiple separate hubs and apps. The inclusion of IR control reflects a pragmatic understanding that many homes still use legacy appliances alongside modern smart devices. Bringing those controls into the same logical interface can make daily use feel more cohesive.

Zemismart’s M1 Pro doesn’t reinvent Matter, but it acknowledges the current transitional state of smart homes. Many devices still lack native Matter support, and bridging them allows users to benefit from a common control layer without replacing hardware wholesale. For Apple Home users the result may be a broader set of devices visible in the Home app and usable in automations, albeit with some limitations compared with true native Matter accessories. As Matter grows and more products adopt the standard at the outset, bridges such as the M1 Pro are likely to evolve in role rather than disappear altogether.

You can purchase the M1 Pro now from Zemismart’s own online store, priced at US$69.00 (or local equivalent) plus shipping. You can also save 12% on the price for a limited time by using the exclusive code HNVIP12 at checkout.