Hi thank you. I have several google hubs and minis. No thread border routers yet, but I simply wanted to connect via Matter, as an option for areas for not as destined for the more pricey Phillips hue bulbs with a bridge. Google Nest hub 1st Gen (Matter only) and several google home minis latest gen, Nest learning thermostat, Nest Wired Hello doorbell.
Because I knew I would maybe run into issues, I purchased two different brands and types of Matter Devices. One Matter only from AiDot-Orein bulbs, and one Matter and Thread capable from Nanoleaf. One of the Nanoleafs was repackaged and not Thread capable, only Matter capable. So I had 3 different ones to test.
Orein from AiDot: I purchased two different packages from two sources to test. I have done via QR code and entering the QR code manually. Did same network. I tried setting up the Matter devices first before setting up with the native AiDot app. These bulbs would not pair with Matter and Nest/Google Home after several tries. Eventually after 10 tries one will connect, but others soon after wont. With 7 bulbs this won't work. Even if they do connect in Google Home, they won't function. I've only gotten two added out of the 7. They quickly connect in AiDot app which I had to resort to using to get them to function.
I have updated them in the AiDot app, then tried again to connect via Matter in the Google Home app. Still no success.
Nanoleaf Thread/Matter capable bulbs-These connected without hesitation or any issue in Google Home Matter setup. These were seamless and worked easily. I don't have a Thread border router yet, so these were just connected via Matter.
Nanoleaf Matter only bulb-because the package include one repackaged bulb that wasn't Thread capable, this was an interesting test. It also connected seamlessly in Google Home and also functions seamless too. They have the same specs lumens/and RGB wise, HOWEVER when changing the colors in the Google Home app, they don't align with the Thread capable Nanoleaf bulbs. Again, the style of bulbs, specs, and everything hardware wise is the same, but they perceive the messages from Google Home differently. These colors don't match in many hues when choosing the colors in the Google Home app. I have not downloaded the Nanoleaf app to test, but I presume this is a difference in signal decoding within the bulbs that are thread capable or matter only capable.
I hope this comment helps others in deciphering different brands and hope it helps Nest support figure out which brands may need a bit more support to function better. Nanoleaf as of this writing date was easy and seamless.
