It all starts with trying out a smart TV or smart lights. Soon, you'll find smart speakers, smart plugs, smart switches, and smart locks. Like many, I have a hodgepodge of smart devices in my home.

Smart home gear is getting more common, but the words used to talk about it can get confusing. You might see things like Matter, Thread, or Zigbee on boxes or in setup menus and wonder what they mean.