This is great news, the Matter protocol sounds like it will make things a lot easier in the future.

If you're looking to get started with home automation, I would recommend using Home Assistant as the central software to control everything. Matter seems to solve some issues that I don't really experience as a Home Assistant user. You can use Home Assistant as the gateway that connects all your hubs and devices together.

I would also highly recommend buying Zigbee products from AliExpress. These are far more affordable than anything that you find in a retail store or from big brands. If you're very wealthy then you could afford to go with Philips Hue products for everything, but I've had a lot of success with some very affordable Zigbee and Bluetooth devices.

Here's the products I would recommend (all prices in USD):

* XIAOMI Mijia Bluetooth Temp/Humidity sensors: $4.86 - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000528071010.html

  * You can flash these with a great custom firmware: https://github.com/pvvx/ATC_MiThermometer

* Sonoff Zigbee products: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003446793340.html

  * Motion sensor: $9.49

  * Door/window sensor: $8.49

  * Temp/humidity sensor: $8.49 (If you prefer Zigbee to Bluetooth)

* Moes Zigbee switch and dimmer modules for wall switches and ceiling lights: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002668368040.html

  * 1 gang switch: $11.19

  * 2 gang switch: $13.06

  * 1 gang dimmer for LED lights: $13.06

  * 2 gang dimmer: $14.92

* Tuya Zigbee Garage Door module (with relay + reed switch sensor): $18.39 - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003610757320.html

I've been really impressed with these battery-powered devices. I was worried that I'd be constantly changing batteries, but some of my motion and door sensors have lasted for over 2 years on a single CR2032 battery.