The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced the launch of Matter 1.4, a significant update to the smart home standard that introduces key enhancements aimed at improving multi-ecosystem user experiences, bolstering home network interoperability, expanding energy management capabilities, and introducing new device types and features.
According to the CSA, Matter 1.4 brings several important improvements to the smart home landscape, reflecting the collaborative efforts of numerous Member companies and engineers worldwide.
The introduction of Matter-certifiable Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP) in Matter 1.4 signifies a significant step towards establishing more reliable and interoperable home networks for Matter-based smart homes, the CSA says. These devices combine Wi-Fi access points and Thread Border Routers, providing a standardized infrastructure for Matter products utilizing Wi-Fi and Thread technologies.
The inclusion of a secure directory for Thread network credentials simplifies the process of adding new Thread devices to existing networks, promoting a unified Thread mesh network and reducing network fragmentation, the group says.
Enhanced Multi-Admin functionality in Matter 1.4 is designed to streamline smart home management by enabling single user consent for connecting devices to multiple ecosystems automatically. This enhancement simplifies the user experience, offering developers flexible implementation options to enhance interoperability across platforms.
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In addition, energy management receives a significant boost in Matter 1.4, catering to the growing consumer interest in energy-efficient smart home solutions. The update introduces support for new device types such as solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and water heaters, expanding the scope of energy management within smart homes.
These additions, coupled with improvements to energy management clusters, pave the way for smarter and more automated energy usage, the CSA says.
Developers interested in exploring these enhancements can access the Matter 1.4 specification, SDK release, and other resources to further understand and implement these features.
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