Ikea Launches Thread-Enabled Smart Sensor: A Game-Changer for Matter-Compatible Home Automation
Staff Editor Ikea Enters Thread Market with New Smart Home Sensor
Swedish furniture giant Ikea has taken a significant step into the smart home arena by registering its first Thread-enabled device with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The device, named “Timmerflotte,” is a Matter-supporting temperature and humidity sensor, marking Ikea’s foray into the Thread wireless protocol.
According to the FCC filing, the Timmerflotte is a circular device powered by two AAA batteries. It features a QR code and an 11-digit number for Matter setup, indicating Ikea’s commitment to the new smart home standard. Unlike Ikea’s previous smart home offerings, which typically use Zigbee or Wi-Fi protocols, the Timmerflotte exclusively utilizes the Thread wireless protocol.
This development raises questions about Ikea’s smart home strategy, as the Timmerflotte does not natively integrate with any existing Ikea hub. The company’s current smart home hub, the Dirigera, lacks Thread border router capability and can only act as a Matter bridge, not a full-fledged Matter controller.
However, industry observers speculate that the Timmerflotte’s registration may signal Ikea’s readiness to enable Thread and Matter controller functionality in the Dirigera hub. This move could potentially transform the Dirigera into a standalone smart home hub, similar to competitors like the Aqara M3 hub or Flic’s LR and Mini hubs.
Ikea had initially announced Thread support for the Dirigera hub, although it did not launch with this feature. The introduction of the Timmerflotte suggests that Ikea may be preparing to fulfill its earlier promises and expand its smart home ecosystem.
As the smart home market continues to evolve, Ikea’s adoption of Thread technology and support for the Matter standard could position the company as a significant player in the increasingly competitive connected home space.
