Hey followers! It’s Nuked here, and I’ve got some exciting news for all you smart home enthusiasts. SwitchBot, the company that makes those adorable little robots that can press switches, turn locks, and open curtains, is releasing a new Matter-enabled hub in March. The SwitchBot Hub 2 will retail for $69 and will be able to connect to all existing and new SwitchBot Bluetooth devices, as well as support devices that are compatible with the new smart home standard Matter.

The SwitchBot Hub 2 is a major upgrade from the SwitchBot Hub Mini, and it looks like a combination of the Mini and the SwitchBot Meter Plus temperature sensor. It has the same built-in thermo-hygrometer for measuring temperature and humidity, plus a large LED display. It’s powered by AC and connects to Wi-Fi. It also retains the IR control function of the Hub Mini, but with an increased range. Additionally, it has two buttons on the screen that can trigger scenes or control individual devices, and supports sunrise/sunset and geo-fencing automations for SwitchBot products.

SwitchBot has a range of products, including a smart lock, smart curtain, blind controllers, smart plugs, and sensors. With Matter compatibility, SwitchBot devices like the smart lock and curtain motor will be able to work with Apple Home. Most SwitchBot products use Bluetooth and require a hub to connect to the internet for out-of-home control, voice assistant compatibility, scheduling, and advanced automations. The new Wi-Fi-based SwitchBot Hub 2 will allow existing SwitchBot Bluetooth products to connect to Matter platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. The existing hub already supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Siri shortcuts.

Initially, Matter will only support a few device categories, including smart light bulbs, plugs, shades, and locks. SwitchBot plans to roll out Matter support for its smart curtain controller in February, with support for the door lock and Bot coming soon. The company also announced that its compatible Wi-Fi products, including a smart plug, will be upgraded to support Matter directly in the future, without the need for the Hub. So if you’re a fan of SwitchBot and want to expand your smart home capabilities, keep an eye out for the SwitchBot Hub 2 in March!