Synaptics has introduced its new 461x family of wireless connectivity modules, which support the Matter standard, as demonstrated at Embedded World 2025. The demonstration was led by Anand Roy, Senior Product Line Manager for Wireless Connectivity, showcasing the Astra development kit. The kit includes Synaptics’ compact 461x module, designed for controlling smart home devices like smart bulbs. The full range of Synaptics’ products and capabilities can be explored further on their official website: https://www.synaptics.com.
—
Synaptics is my Embedded World 2025 video coverage sponsor, check out my Synaptics videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhAbQoe9YN4c84SqXxIY3fQ
—
The showcased device utilizes the Matter connectivity standard, allowing seamless interoperability across various ecosystems. Matter compliance ensures compatibility between smart home devices from different manufacturers, streamlining user experience and device management. The Astra dev kit controls a smart light bulb, demonstrating real-time interactions and responsiveness via an intuitive application running on a Wi-Fi-connected tablet.
Synaptics’ 461x module supports both Zigbee and Thread protocols, which operate within the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. These low-power wireless technologies are essential for reliable connectivity and efficient device communication in home automation networks. By combining Matter with Zigbee and Thread support, the module ensures versatile deployment scenarios for developers and manufacturers of IoT products.
During the demonstration, the application controlled the connected smart bulb effortlessly. Actions included toggling the bulb’s power, adjusting brightness levels, and altering colors from orange to yellow and blue. The intuitive controls provided by the smart app highlight the usability enhancements enabled by Synaptics’ wireless connectivity modules.
Moreover, Synaptics emphasizes the importance of multimodal control options, demonstrating the 461x module’s capability in handling voice recognition and audio events. This feature expands user interactions beyond conventional apps, enabling voice-based commands for greater convenience in smart home environments. Such capabilities underline Synaptics’ commitment to enhancing smart home automation through versatile and accessible technologies.
The Astra development kit not only illustrates practical use-cases but also provides developers with essential tools for rapid prototyping and development of Matter-compatible IoT devices. The comprehensive functionality embedded in the 461x series processors accelerates the integration of voice-controlled applications into consumer electronics, significantly reducing time-to-market.
Synaptics’ demonstration at Embedded World 2025 underscores the growing industry focus on interoperability and ease-of-use in smart home environments. As consumer adoption of IoT devices continues to grow, Synaptics’ Matter-compatible modules offer significant potential for developers and device manufacturers seeking reliable, scalable connectivity.
Check out all my Embedded World 2025 videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvjgUpdNMBkGzEWU6YVxR8Ga
This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK
Join https://www.youtube.com/charbax/join for Early Access to my videos and to support my work, or you can Click the “Super Thanks” button below the video to send a highlighted comment!
