Two years have passed since the launch of the Matter standard, which aims to bring smart home systems under one roof. Matter, which was introduced with the aim of solving incompatibilities in smart home devices in this process, caused disappointment among users by not meeting the initial expectations. Some technical problems experienced in devices with the Matter standard, the slowness of giants such as Apple, Amazon and Google in adopting new technology, and the complexity in the installation processes were the main factors that slowed down the standardization process. However, Matter 1.4, announced this week, comes with some major improvements and new features. This development is seen as an important step towards increasing compatibility in smart home systems.
One of the most important innovations coming with Matter 1.4 is the “advanced multi-administrator” feature. Multimaster was introduced as an important function that enables Matter devices to work in multiple ecosystems simultaneously. However, this feature could not provide the expected performance due to the difficulties users experienced in connecting devices from different ecosystems. Matter 1.4 aims to eliminate these problems and make devices work more harmoniously. The new version, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), also offers solutions for better compatibility of Thread border routers between different brands and makes it possible to more easily integrate Matter infrastructure into homes via Wi-Fi routers and access points.
Matter 1.4: Improves compatibility with advanced multi-administrator
Matter 1.4 enables automatic recognition of the same Matter device on multiple platforms with the “Fabric Sync” feature that improves multi-administrator functionality. For example, a Matter bulb installed via Apple Home automatically becomes visible on Google Home or Amazon Alexa platforms. This feature eliminates the need for users to make separate installations for different ecosystems and makes it easier for different platforms to work together in harmony. CSA Marketing Head Daniel Moneta states that Fabric Sync technology enables cross-platform data sharing and can synchronize device information such as name and location with other platforms.
Advanced multi-administrator support is considered an important step for Matter to be more easily adopted by users. Users do not have to introduce a device to each ecosystem separately, making smart home installations simpler. Thanks to this new feature, users gain more flexibility in transferring their desired device from one ecosystem to another or using it simultaneously on different platforms. In addition, security and authorization processes can be provided more securely with advanced multi-administrator support. This technology, which allows each device to work only on authorized platforms, also allows users to disconnect at any time.
Matter support coming to Wi-Fi routers
With Matter 1.4, devices called HRAP such as Wi-Fi routers, modems, access points and set-top box devices at home are made Matter compatible. Thanks to this innovation, Matter compatible devices can be more easily integrated into home networks, allowing users to use the smart home infrastructure more efficiently. These Matter-certified devices will be capable of working as both Wi-Fi access points and Thread border routers. Thus, users will be able to manage their Matter compatible devices via existing network devices without needing additional hardware.
According to CSA’s statement, Matter certified HRAP devices combine Thread and Wi-Fi networking capabilities, allowing Matter devices to operate more functionally and smoothly in home networks. A Matter certified router can also securely store and share Thread network credentials. This stands out as an important step to solve the problem of the user creating more than one Thread network. Additionally, a Matter-supported router is planned to operate platform-independently. Thus, internet service providers can offer more flexibility to the user while providing the infrastructure for Matter-compatible smart home devices.
New possibilities in energy management
Matter 1.4 also includes notable innovations in the field of energy management. In this release, energy-related devices such as heat pumps, home batteries, solar panels are added to the Matter device category. Thus, it becomes possible to increase energy efficiency with Matter compatible smart home systems. For example, a heat pump that can communicate via Matter can optimize energy consumption and offer more savings to the user by working integrated with other smart home devices. This innovation provides a great advantage for users who want to control energy use at home and increases the compatibility of devices with smart home systems.
Along with innovations in energy management, Matter 1.4 also improves the capacity of Matter-compatible devices to report and optimize electricity consumption. This allows users to manage their energy consumption more efficiently. CSA Energy Management Working Group Chairman Steve Cunningham states that Matter provides an important infrastructure for energy management applications and that companies can develop their products faster thanks to this standard.
Security cameras still not supported
Although a wider coverage area is provided for smart home devices with Matter 1.4, security cameras have not yet been included in this standard. CSA’s technical officer Chris LaPré stated that security cameras are planned to be included within the scope of Matter, but they cannot give an exact date for when this will happen. LaPré stated that Matter 1.4 covers most categories of devices in the home and that this coverage provides a solid basis for moving the standard forward.
Despite its broad scope, Matter’s current state is still far from providing full compatibility with all device types. However, it is thought that it will take time for new features to be integrated by manufacturers. Given the slow market adoption of previous versions of Matter and the delays in making some devices compatible with the standard, it may be a while before the effects of Matter 1.4 on the user experience are seen.
Matter 1.4 aims to provide broader compatibility, advanced energy management and a user-friendly experience in smart home ecosystems. These new updates are considered an important step towards the expansion of the Matter standard and faster adoption among users. However, it may take time for device manufacturers and platform providers to integrate and adopt these features into their products before these innovations reach the end user.
The innovations offered by Matter 1.4 seem to contribute to the standardization process in smart home systems and will allow users to manage their smart home devices more effectively.