The Home Assistant SkyConnect is designed to be a perfect match for Home Assistant Users. The device provides an easy connection with Zigbee and will support Matter specifications in the future with a firmware update from Home Assistant. The product supports Over-The-Wire (OTW) Firmware Update via the USB interface, which allows easy and quick firmware updates for both protocols. The device is an EFR32 Series 2 (Silicon Labs EZSP v8) adapter that will transmit at a power of +20 dBm. The drive supports full-speed USB 2.0 when plugged into the included USB extender.

The hardware is based on a Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 SoC with an IEEE 802.15.4 multi-protocol 2.4GHz radio MCU that is capable of concurrently running both Zigbee 3.0 (EmberZNet/EZSP) and Thread (OpenThread/Spinel inc. Matter/CHIP over Thread) stacks/protocols at the same time by using firmware in RCP RCP (Radio Co-Processor) mode. Direct local serial communication will be done via an onboard USB-to-UART bridge/converter (presumably a chip in Silicon Labs CP210x series).

Home Assistant will provide an Addon that will contact the Ember Stacks for Zigbee and Matter.Home Assistant will provide updates to the firmware on a consistent basis that will provide the best user experience from a Zigbee/Matter Adapter. The USB Stick will be Plug and Play, tightly integrated with the Zigbee Home Automation integration allowing for a beginner-friendly experience. For more information, please stay tuned for updates on Home Assistant website and our discord Home Assistant channel.