Matter continues to make inroads in simplifying the smart home
The latest update to the Matter specification is here, which will eventually deliver enhancements to the setup process for smart home devices, including Apple Home users.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance, the member-led organization that develops the Matter spec, has continued its promise to release biannual updates. The latest is version 1.4.1, following the major fall 2024 1.4 release.
What’s new in Matter 1.4.1
Specifically, Matter 1.4.1 is focused on improving the setup process.
First, is the ability to display manufacturer terms and conditions during the setup flow. This seems like a minor change, but will help remove the need to download a manufacturer’s app.
Matter is making it easier to show additional terms and conditions and setup multiple devices at once
Some device types require explicit terms and conditions for certain features or to meet to comply with GDPR. Instead of forcing users to download an additional app, the T&C can be agreed to quickly during setup.
An additional change makes it easier to setup multiple devices simultaneously. This is a particular pain point with things like multi-packs of smart bulbs.
Now, a single setup QR code can be scanned to automatically add multiple devices at once. This will make it quicker and easier for new setups.
Finally, Matter is supporting NFC tags alongside QR codes and physical code entry. Apple Home already supported NFC tags but it was seldom used by manufacturers, as other platforms such as Matter did not support it.
The organization also mentions bug fixes and improvements to help improve stability and reliability were also added with this update.
Manufacturers are able to start integrating Matter 1.4.1 into their products now. For the most part, it can be added via software update to existing products.
The goal of Matter is to make developing products easier and more interoperable between ecosystems. Devices are able to get Matter certified and have their products work across Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and other smart ecosystems.
Apple recently added Matter vacuum cleaners to the Home app
As Matter is based on Apple’s HomeKit framework, the iPhone maker has been a supporter and active participant of the standard. That said, it’s been slow to adopt new features.
Recently, Apple added support for Matter robotic vacuum cleaners with iOS 18.4. They can show in the Home app and be controlled with your voice or included in automations and scenes.
It’s not clear when Apple will implement the 1.4.1 fixes and changes.
While the CSA still plans to release two updates a year, the cycle was adjusted to differentiate between “major” and “minor” releases. The major, such as 1.2, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 contain new feature and device types while the minor releases, such as this 1.4.1 update, are related to general improvements.
We may get two major releases in a year, a major and a minor, or two minor releases. It all depends on the progress the member organizations have made towards the next update.
