Just a few weeks after the announcement at IFA 2024, Bosch has announced the launch of its Matter-enabled radiator thermostat (link). The new Smart radiator thermostat II has the suffix [+M] in its name and is part of a product range that supports two radio protocols. It can connect to the Bosch Smarthome controller via Zigbee, but also supports Matter over Thread if desired. In Thread mode, no Bosch controller is required. Instead, a Matter Controller takes over the connection. Prerequisite: This controller also contains a Thread Border Router, which is the case with many hubs from Amazon, Apple, Google and SmartThings. Otherwise, another compatible Border Router must be available in the network.
Differences in functional scope
Important detail: With a Thread connection, the Matter controller determines the range of functions. In principle, this is less than with heating control in Bosch’s own smart home system. Amazon Alexa, Apple Home & Co. do not yet have any settings for heating phases. If you want to raise and lower the room temperature at certain times during the day, you have to create several automations or routines on the Matter platform. Bosch illustrates the differences in a table (link), showing which thermostat functions are available on the device, via the Bosch app and via Matter:
Users who want to benefit from the advantages of Matter and the full range of Bosch functions at the same time can take a two-pronged approach: First pair the [+M] series thermostats with a Bosch Smarthome Controller II via Zigbee and then use this controller as a Matter Bridge. In this way, all manufacturer-specific extras are available in the Bosch app – as well as a connection to the Matter ecosystem of choice.
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