Tapo

Tapo, a TP-Link brand, launches three new Matter-certified devices today. The Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug, Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch, and Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Light Switch offer compatibility with all-certified smart home platforms, convenient LAN control, and multi-admin capability.

Matter brings a new level of convenience with smooth LAN control, enabling seamless communication between Matter-certified devices within a local area network, even if the home internet is offline. This direct device-to-device communication eliminates the reliance on specific forwarding devices or cloud services, ensuring a robust and reliable smart home ecosystem.

TP-Link has become one of my favorite manufacturers of networking hardware. When someone asks my advice on a router, I often steer them towards TP-Link. Why? Because the company's products are both dependable and affordable. For instance, you can score a quality Wi-Fi 6 router for under $70.

I am also a fan of TP-Link's Kasa line of smart home products -- light bulbs, cameras, power outlet adapters, and more. So I was a bit confused earlier today when the company officially launched its new "Tapo" smart home brand in the USA. Why do Kasa and Tapo both need to exist? Would the latter replace the former? Well, I reached out to TP-Link for an explanation and the company replied with one.