The Project CHIP alliance is set to start certifying manufacturers’ compatible devices in late 2021 leveraging existing protocols like Apple’s HomeKit, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google’s Weave. Meaning the first smart home products with Project CHIP certification could launch before the end of 2021.
In 2019, Apple, Amazon, Google, and the Zigbee Alliance, which includes Ikea, Samsung, and Philips, announced a new working group known as “Project Connected Home over IP” that set about developing an IP-based open-source connectivity standard for smart home products, with a focus on increased compatibility, security, and simplified development for manufacturers.
Smart home devices with Project CHIP certification could launch in late 2021
As first spotted by The Verge, the Zigbee Alliance has said in a webinar that participating manufacturers are going to get their home devices certified by late 2021. The new smart home communication standard expected was expected to launch last year but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic put the alliance behind its original launch.
A large number of smart home devices will be supported by the standard, including “lighting and electrical (e.g., light bulbs, luminaires, controls, plugs, outlets), HVAC controls (e.g., thermostats, AC units), access control (e.g., door locks, garage doors), safety and security (e.g., sensors, detectors, security systems), window coverings/shades, TVs, access points, bridges, and others,” as well as extra “consumer electronics products.” and these may all be available starting in time for the 2021 holidays.
The project will likely make it easier for device manufacturers to build devices that are compatible with smart home and voice services such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, by defining a specific set of IP-based networking technologies for device certification. The new standard will also incorporate existing smart home technologies, such as Apple’s HomeKit and Google’s Weave and Thread.
If the Project CHIP standard is successful, this would ultimately lead to improved smart home accessories with improved connectivity, multi-platform assistance, and straightforward setup for consumers.
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