Matter 1.4, the latest update to the smart home standard, has arrived with significant improvements that promise to be a turning point in device management and interoperability among different technological platforms. Developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), Matter aims to make managing connected devices in our homes simpler and more efficient, eliminating many of the configuration and compatibility issues we’ve been grappling with in previous versions.
This new standard introduces long-awaited advancements that aim to put an end to persistent connectivity failures and issues when using devices across multiple ecosystems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. Without a doubt, Matter 1.4 seeks to address a long list of user requests.
Improvements in Interoperability Thanks to the New Multi-Admin
One of the most important aspects of this update is the enhancement of the Multi-Admin feature. With this refined functionality, users can automatically manage devices across multiple ecosystems. For example, it’s now possible to set up a smart bulb just once and have it work with both Google Home and Apple Home without needing to repeat the process on each platform.
The new approach to Multi-Admin makes device configuration and management much more agile and straightforward. With a single consent from the user, all compatible devices will automatically connect to the different home systems. This eliminates the tedious task of having to approve each device multiple times. Additionally, this feature promises to be a great relief for households using devices from various manufacturers that previously didn’t communicate well with each other.
The CSA emphasizes that this improvement is part of its commitment to providing a simpler and more integrated user experience, recognizing that one of the major drawbacks of the current smart home landscape is the difficulty of setting everything up without relying on a set of isolated applications and ecosystems.
Expanded Support for Energy Management Devices
Another major new feature in Matter 1.4 is the increased compatibility with devices related to energy management. The standard now integrates support for technologies like solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and water heaters, among others. This addition aims to optimize home energy consumption, allowing for more precise and efficient control of these devices.
For example, a user can configure the water heater to activate automatically when electricity costs are lower or use solar panels more intelligently by adjusting their operation based on demand. This is ideal in a world where energy savings have become a fundamental priority.
Additionally, electric vehicle chargers also benefit from the new features in Matter 1.4. Owners of these vehicles can adjust their charging preferences, ensuring that the car recharges at the most convenient or economical times.
Routers and Access Points Certified by Matter
A key aspect of the smart ecosystem is connectivity, and Matter 1.4 seeks to improve it with the certification of routers and Wi-Fi and Thread access points. This means that home routers with this certification can play a more significant role by acting as access points and as border routers for Thread devices.
The goal of this certification is to ensure that Matter devices can connect more efficiently and seamlessly, maximizing network stability and reducing the need to create multiple networks or rely on hubs from different manufacturers to manage connectivity.
Certified HRAP devices provide a basic infrastructure for smart homes by combining a Wi-Fi access point and a Thread border router, facilitating the addition of new devices to existing networks. — Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA)
Security Cameras Still Left Out of Matter 1.4
Despite the multiple improvements and new features introduced in Matter 1.4, one of the most notable disappointments remains the lack of support for security cameras. Users have been requesting this for some time, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been addressed in this update.
The CSA has commented that support for these devices remains in their future plans, but there’s still no specific date for its implementation. It’s an aspect we’ll await with great interest, as cameras are among the most widely used devices in smart homes.
Meanwhile, the standard has advanced in other aspects related to security, highlighting progress in motion and occupancy detection systems, which can now integrate better with smart home ecosystems.
When Will All These New Features Be Available?
Although Matter 1.4 is already available for companies that manufacture devices and platforms for the smart home, this doesn’t mean the new functions will be immediately available to users. Each manufacturer will have to decide when and how to implement them in their products.
Historically, companies haven’t been obligated to adopt all the features of the new standard, so some functionalities might take several months to become widely available. Some may never see the light of day in certain ecosystems if manufacturers decide not to add them.
In any case, this update to Matter promises a much more optimized and agile future for connected homes. Interoperability between systems and automated energy management are just the beginning of what this standard can offer in the coming years.