The Matter standard for smart homes expands its compatibility to more devices, including heat pumps and solar panels.
Matter makes some smart moves.
It has been two long years since the launch of Matter, the standard for smart homes that aims to unify connectivity in this field. During this time, certain disappointments have emerged due to sometimes problematic deployment, slow adoption by major companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google, and frustrating setup experiences. However, the launch of the Matter 1.4 specification this week indicates that the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization behind Matter, is taking a firmer approach to achieve cooperation in the smart home industry.
The new specification features "enhanced multi-admin," an improvement of the interoperability system that allows Matter devices to function simultaneously across different ecosystems. It also facilitates interaction between Thread edge routers from various companies and simplifies the integration of Matter infrastructure into homes through Wi-Fi routers and access points. Although many of these solutions should have been available from the beginning, now, two years later, the CSA is starting to implement the necessary changes to move forward with the standard.
Matter 1.4 also expands support for energy management, including new types of devices like heat pumps, home batteries, and solar panels. However, security cameras were not included in this version. CSA CTO Chris LaPré noted that while support for cameras is still on the agenda, there is no timeline for their release. Nevertheless, Matter 1.4 covers almost all categories of devices in the home, providing a solid foundation for advancing the standard.
With the publication of this specification, device manufacturers and platforms can begin integrating the new functionalities into their products. However, given the slow progress of previous Matter versions regarding device support, it may take some time before we see any tangible impact from Matter 1.4. Additionally, not all devices operating with Matter are required to adopt every part of the specification.
Inquiries to major companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung about their adoption of the new features in Matter 1.4 revealed that both Amazon and Google confirmed their plans to do so, although they did not provide a specific timeline. An Amazon spokesperson indicated that support for Echo and Eero devices will begin rolling out early next year, while Google expressed interest in implementing the enhanced multi-admin feature.
One of Matter's main promises is interoperability across different platforms. Although the multi-admin process faced complications initially, the new "enhanced multi-admin" seeks to resolve this by automatically adding any Matter device to all user-authorized platforms. This is achieved through a feature called Fabric Sync, which allows different ecosystems within Matter to communicate with each other.
On another note, Matter 1.4 also introduces significant improvements in the area of routers and networking devices, which can now be certified as Matter-compatible. This could facilitate the adoption of Matter devices, as certified routers will act both as Wi-Fi access points and Thread edge routers.
Furthermore, Matter 1.4 expands energy management capabilities by incorporating new types of devices that will enhance how energy consumption is monitored and controlled in smart homes. This includes supermarkets, electric water heaters, and energy storage systems.
Finally, developers are expected to be able to download the Matter 1.4 specification and the software development kit (SDK) to start creating applications and products that leverage these new features and improvements.
