Matter 1.4 takes the next step for smart homes
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has released Matter 1.4 — an update that marks a major milestone for smart homes. With improvements for multi-ecosystem management, strengthened network infrastructure, as well as an expanded palette of energy management capabilities, Matter 1.4 promises to make the smart home both easier and more efficient.
One of the novelties is Enhanced Multi-Admin, which allows users to manage the smart home across multiple platforms without having to register each device separately. Another is the new certification for Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP), which builds a solid foundation for Thread-based networking in the home. By integrating Wi-Fi and Thread into the same devices, users can now create a unified and seamless smart home network.
Matter 1.4 also extends energy management through support for new types of devices such as solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and water heaters. This gives users the ability to track and optimize energy consumption. Electric cars have Matter also introduced improvements for charge control and optimization, providing more flexibility for users to lower their electricity bills by charging at cheaper times.
Finally, Matter 1.4 has also improved efficiency of battery-powered devices and sensor functions, making it possible to fine-tune motion detectors and environmental sensors, for example.
