Google Nest Thermostat with Matter
I purchased a new open box Google Nest Thermostat at the Thrift Store for $21. It was manufactured in 10/2021 (pre Matter), hardware version 1.4 and Software version 1.3.
After I paired it, I opened settings and was surprised to see there was a Linked Matter Apps and Settings. So Google must have added Matter to this device with an update. I gave it a try and was able to link it to SmartThings and Alexa with Matter.
I do have a Google Nest Mini which is probably needed for starting this process in Google Home. And I also have Echo devices which would be needed for the Alexa Matter integration.
So you can link it to SmartThings by the old cloud to cloud (c2c) method and Matter (If you have a ST hub).
The c2c method exposes more capabilities.
The Matter method is missing both Humidity and State.
The c2c method is NOT exposed to 3rd party apps sure as SharpTools, API Browser+, Alexa, etc.
The Matter device is Local and is exposed to SharpTools, API Browser+, Alexa, etc.
You can use both methods to get the best of both.