Google has added local Matter control for Philips Hue lights to the Google Home app. According to the release notes, existing Hue bridges now upgrade automatically in the background to local Matter control through Google Home hubs. Google says this brings faster response times and greater reliability, without re-pairing your lights.
What Changes for Hue Users
Hue has supported Matter for some time, and this update lets Google Home hubs connect to your existing Hue bridge for local control. The upgrade happens in the background, so there is no re-pairing and nothing to set up again. Your Hue lights still connect through the bridge. Google doesn’t say which hubs or bridge models qualify, or how widely the upgrade has rolled out.
Local Control for Other Matter Devices
The same release notes add local control for other Matter devices. If you have compatible Matter devices and a compatible Matter hub, Google says you get faster response times and better reliability, closer to the feel of flipping a physical switch.
The update also rebuilds the core controls for third-party lights, plugs and switches, with a refreshed look for turning devices on or off, adjusting brightness and changing colors. On most devices, including fans and air purifiers, you can now swipe up from the bottom of the full-screen controller to open a panel for favorites, device history, help articles and full device settings.
