Revolutionizing the Smart Home Experience: Matter Standard Integrates with an Array of Devices!

Matter, the industry standard for smart home devices, aims to simplify the setup and management process. The initial release in October 2022 fell short of expectations for a smart home revolution. However, efforts are being made to address these shortcomings.

Today, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the group behind the development of the Matter standard, announced the release of Matter version 1.2. This update follows the 1.1 release in May, which introduced support for battery-connected sensors. In a press release, the CSA stated, "Matter's implementation has exceeded the typical adoption timelines of previous industry standards. Instead of requiring users to replace their hub hardware, software updates allow existing smart home hubs and devices to function as Matter controllers. As a result, there is now a global market with potentially hundreds of millions of homes ready to connect new Matter devices."

Content has been

Matter 1.2 introduces enhanced compatibility for a wide range of home devices. This includes refrigerators, room air conditioners, dishwashers, laundry washers, robotic vacuums, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, air quality sensors, air purifiers, and fans. Each device category possesses its unique features, settings, and notification options that can be seamlessly managed by any hub device. For instance, robotic vacuums offer features such as remote start, cleaning mode customization, real-time status updates including brush condition and error reporting, along with progress notifications.

While Matter has already had compatibility with existing devices like smart plugs, bulbs, thermostats, and other commonly used device types, the latest Matter 1.2 update further bridges the gap. However, it still does not support cameras, home security systems, and some other appliance types.

The rollout of Matter has been disappointing, to say the least. Its goal was to increase compatibility between smart home devices and hubs, potentially eliminating dedicated hubs altogether, streamline smart home apps, and expedite device setup. However, the app situation remains confusing, and not all Matter hubs and apps support the same devices. Some manufacturers, like Belkin, have also withdrawn their support for Matter.

Although Matter 1.2 is now accessible to device and app manufacturers, it is uncertain when Google, Amazon, Apple, and other companies will actually incorporate it. The CSA has stated that they will continue to release bi-annual updates, with future versions introducing additional types of devices and other enhancements.

Source: CSA