Matter 1.4 Brings Support for New Devices and Easier Integration to Smart Home Setups

Matter 1.4 adds enhanced interoperability features for smart home ecosystems like Apple's HomeKit, including multi-platform device support and expanded energy management.

matter iot standard
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization responsible for Matter, has now finalized version 1.4 of the specification (via The Verge), introducing a range of new device types and enhanced functionalities that promise to improve interoperability between smart home ecosystems, including ‌HomeKit‌.

Matter 1.4 introduces support for home routers and access points (HRAPs) that are certified to operate as both Wi-Fi access points and Thread border routers. This means that any Matter-certified HRAP device will be able to enhance network stability and simplify smart home connectivity. Thread border routers allow Matter-enabled devices to connect across a home, regardless of which company manufactures them, while Matter-certified routers can securely store and share Thread network credentials.

The update also introduces Enhanced Multi-Admin, which allows users to add Matter devices to multiple ecosystems automatically with a single authorization. For example, a smart light or thermostat could be added to both Apple Home and Google Home without the need for multiple setup processes. Enhanced Multi-Admin achieves this by enabling "Fabric Sync," a system that allows each Matter ecosystem to securely communicate with other ecosystems a user has authorized.

Matter 1.4 also broadens its support for energy management devices. New categories include heat pumps, water heaters, battery walls, and solar energy devices, such as solar inverters and hybrid solar/battery systems. Matter 1.4's expanded energy management options allow devices to adjust their energy consumption based on demand.

While it's unclear exactly when Apple will introduce support for Matter 1.4's features, the CSA's bi-annual release schedule suggests that Apple and other Matter supporters will implement elements of the specification over the next few years.

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Top Rated Comments

Will Co Avatar
2 hours ago at 07:45 am
Seems to me to all be a bit of a mess - and I work in that line of business. There is very little clarity as to what devices support what, what hubs are needed, who will really interoperate with whom else. I think it's fair to say - it's not gone well. And I'm not sniping - I want it to go well.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Powerbooky Avatar
2 hours ago at 07:47 am
The last time I tried to use a Matter device (Eve Energy) it broke a part of my Thread network. All HomeKit only devices that were near and tried to connect to this Thread node, the Home app lost their connections. Maybe it's specific for Eve, but apparently HomeKit and Matter do not mix on the same Thread network.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
victorvictoria Avatar
2 hours ago at 07:22 am
So all that remains is convincing manufacturers to adopt Matter support. They're few and far between at this point. Nest products especially.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mozumder Avatar
2 hours ago at 07:26 am
Houses could be built around an expanded Matter protocol. General maintenance should also be part of the spec. I could use info on when air filters need to be replaced, when gutters need to be cleaned, if a drawer is left open, if sump pump is still working, if air quality is acceptable, when indoor plants need to be watered.. so much maintenance in a house needs to be automated.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stocklen Avatar
2 hours ago at 07:27 am
Two questions...

1. How do we know what version of Matter Apple Home currently supports... and if and when they will support this newest iteration.

2. Enough with these obscure categories... when is video coming? I want my cameras in home as soon as possible and another year and version goes by and still no camera support.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
2 hours ago at 07:36 am

Houses could be built around an expanded Matter protocol. General maintenance should also be part of the spec. I could use info on when air filters need to be replaced, when gutters need to be cleaned, if a drawer is left open, if sump pump is still working, if air quality is acceptable, when indoor plants need to be watered.. so much maintenance in a house needs to be automated.
I don’t want any connected tech on my home and property that can’t be ripped out at a moments notice. No thank you. ?‍↔️

All that said, when is this going to be applicable? When will I be able to ask a HomePod to adjust my nest thermostat, or control my HomeKit plugs with Google Home?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)