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Inovelli has begun development on a new White Series switch featuring mmWave presence sensing and Matter-over-Thread connectivity. The device, model VTM32-SN, extends the company’s Project Linus design to the Matter ecosystem, aiming for mass production in March 2027.
The new switch builds upon Inovelli’s established Project Linus hardware, which is already available in Zigbee and Z-Wave variants. By migrating this technology to Matter over Thread, Inovelli aims to offer a device that supports power monitoring, smart bulb mode, and configurable ramp rates. The switch is designed to operate in either dimmer or on/off mode and supports multi-way installations. Notably, Inovelli is targeting a design that functions without a neutral wire, a technical challenge for Matter-over-Thread devices.
Hardware specifications include a responsive center-rest paddle, a fully addressable RGB LED bar, and the integrated 24 GHz mmWave radar. The company is also investigating the inclusion of an integrated lux sensor. Unlike higher-frequency 60 GHz systems found in competitors like Aqara, the 24 GHz radar prioritizes range and penetration over fine spatial resolution. Inovelli states the goal is reliable room occupancy rather than detailed multi-person tracking.
Inovelli continues to support Matter binding, allowing devices to control other Matter devices directly without a hub. Recent beta firmware introduced group binding, enabling a switch to control a Matter group. While the Matter 1.6.1 SDK introduces a new Groupcast architecture, it remains unclear if the VTM32-SN will ship with this updated cluster. The company has opened the development process to its community for feature requests and beta testing.
Bridging Matter and Advanced Sensing
This development is significant because Matter-over-Thread devices have historically lagged behind Zigbee and Z-Wave in advanced features like presence sensing. By integrating mmWave radar into a Matter switch, Inovelli addresses a key limitation of the current Matter ecosystem, where basic on/off or dimming controls are common but occupancy automation is rare. This could accelerate the adoption of smart lighting automation for users who prefer the interoperability of Matter over proprietary protocols.
Furthermore, Inovelli’s commitment to open development and Matter binding sets it apart from many competitors. If the Groupcast features are successfully implemented, this device could offer a more responsive and hub-independent lighting experience. The support for no-neutral installations also broadens the potential user base, as many older homes lack neutral wires in switch boxes, a common barrier to smart switch adoption.
Evolution of Inovelli’s White Series
Inovelli’s White Series is the company’s Matter-over-Thread counterpart to its established Zigbee Blue Series and Z-Wave Red Series. The lineup began with the 2-in-1 switch, now sold as the White Series Smart Dimmer, which was Inovelli’s first Thread-enabled wall switch. Since then, the company has expanded the series with an on/off switch with humidity sensing, a dedicated fan switch, and a fan/light canopy module.
The Project Linus concept originated in Inovelli’s Zigbee and Z-Wave lines, where it gained popularity for its presence-sensing capabilities. The transition to Matter represents a strategic effort to unify these advanced features under the Matter standard, which promises better cross-platform compatibility. The current White Series has focused primarily on conventional load control, making the addition of mmWave sensing a logical next step to align the Matter lineup with the feature-rich Zigbee and Z-Wave offerings.
“The new VTM32-SN will follow Inovelli’s existing Linus switches while moving connectivity to Matter over Thread.”
— Inovelli
Pending Certification and Feature Finalization
Several aspects of the VTM32-SN remain unconfirmed. It is not yet clear whether the device will ship with Matter 1.6.1 support or the new Groupcast cluster. Inovelli has stated that features and dates can change as development progresses. The inclusion of an integrated lux sensor is still under investigation. Additionally, pricing and preorder dates have not been announced. The final performance of the 24 GHz radar in complex room settings, particularly regarding false detection, will depend on real-world tuning during the beta phase.
Beta Testing and Production Timeline
Inovelli plans to build 15 beta samples for testing from November through December 20. Following this, certification, including Matter certification, is scheduled between December and February 1, 2027. Production preparation will follow certification, with mass production currently targeted for March 20, 2027. The company will continue to gather community feedback through its forum, and contributors whose ideas are implemented may receive credit and a free device.
Key Questions
What is the main feature of the new Inovelli VTM32-SN?
The main feature is 24 GHz mmWave presence sensing integrated into a Matter-over-Thread smart switch, allowing for advanced occupancy detection.
When is the Inovelli mmWave Matter switch expected to launch?
Mass production is currently targeted for March 2027, though Inovelli cautions that dates may change.
Does the new switch require a neutral wire?
Inovelli is targeting a design that works without a neutral wire, though final specifications are still being developed.
Will the switch support Matter Groupcast?
It is not confirmed. While Inovelli supports Matter binding, it is unclear if the device will ship with the new Groupcast architecture from Matter 1.6.1.
Source: rss
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