With the release of Matter 1.3, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) is introducing new features and improvements that further increase the interoperability and usability of the standard. The first smart home platforms, such as SmartThings and Home Assistant, already support the update, allowing more and more users to benefit from the new capabilities. But what exactly is changing with Matter 1.3, and what advantages does it bring for users and developers? Here's a detailed overview.
What is Matter and why is the update to 1.3 relevant?
Matter is a universal standard for smart home devices that enables products from different manufacturers to be connected and controlled via platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. The goal is to reduce complexity for users and developers by providing a unified language for device communication. An update like Matter 1.3 expands this functionality, bringing improved compatibility, security, and expanded usability.
The most important new features in Matter 1.3
Matter 1.3 focuses on expanding device compatibility, improving usability, and supporting new device types. These points are particularly noteworthy:
1. Extended device compatibility
A key goal of Matter 1.3 is to improve compatibility for more device types. The new update supports additional categories such as smart locks , heating and ventilation (HVAC) , and security cameras . This makes it easier for manufacturers to integrate these device types into Matter-compatible networks and allows users to seamlessly control even more products.
2. Improved control options and user-friendliness
With Matter 1.3, several user interfaces and control options have been optimized to simplify operation. For example, the update enables better synchronization between devices and the control center, reducing response times and making the user experience smoother. It also provides expanded control options for existing device types, such as lighting and thermostats, increasing flexibility and customizability.
3. Improved security through new certifications
Smart home device security plays a key role in the Matter ecosystem. Matter 1.3 integrates new security policies and certifications designed to provide even better protection against cyberattacks. These include improved encryption methods and a more secure exchange of authentication information, making data transmission and storage even more secure.
4. Support for multi-admin features
One of the standout new features of Matter 1.3 is expanded support for "multi-admin" functionality. This feature allows users to connect Matter-compatible devices to multiple smart home platforms simultaneously. For example, a user can control their lights via both Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit simultaneously without having to reconfigure the devices. This enhancement improves flexibility and makes it easier for users to use their preferred platforms in parallel.
First platforms to support Matter 1.3
Some platforms have already begun integrating Matter 1.3. Among the first are:
Samsung SmartThings
Samsung has integrated Matter 1.3 into its SmartThings platform, enabling comprehensive support for the new device compatibility and multi-admin functionality. Users can now integrate Matter 1.3 devices into their SmartThings network and benefit from the enhanced features.
Home Assistant
Home Assistant, a popular open-source smart home platform, has also rolled out support for Matter 1.3. This opens up new possibilities for tech-savvy users and developers to integrate Matter 1.3 devices and utilize their full functionality.
Benefits for developers and manufacturers
Matter 1.3 simplifies the development process for manufacturers by providing access to an even broader range of certified and standardized interfaces. In particular, expanded device compatibility and new security certifications make it easier for developers to bring products to market faster and more securely. Manufacturers also benefit from simplified certification processes, increasing compatibility within the Matter ecosystem.
Conclusion: Matter 1.3 as a big step for the smart home
The Matter 1.3 update brings several key innovations and benefits to the smart home ecosystem. With support for additional device types, improved multi-admin features, and enhanced security, Matter 1.3 offers significant improvements for both users and developers. Early support from platforms like SmartThings and Home Assistant demonstrates that Matter 1.3 is already in the hands of the community, paving the way for an even more connected and user-friendly future.
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