New range of devices now smart home compatible with Matter 1.3
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has released version 1.3 of the industry-unifying standard Matter, an IP-based connectivity protocol that enables interoperability between an ever-expanding range of smart home devices. Since its initial release on October 2022, Matter has been successively updated to version 1.1 on May 18, 2023 followed by version 1.2 on Oct 23, 2023. These updates are in line with The Alliance’s promise to continually improve upon the standard every six months, meaning that Matter users and manufacturers can look forward to incorporating more Matter device types into existing smart home ecosystems.
Notable additions with the Matter 1.3 update include:
- Cook Surface
- Cooktop
- Energy Device Types
- Extractor Hood
- Laundry Dryer
- Microwave Oven
- Oven
- Rain Sensor Device Type
- Water Freeze Detector Device Type
- Water Leak Detector Device Type
- Water Valve Device Type
These additions were made to incorporate water management, kitchen utilities, and energy monitoring functionalities into widely used smart home management systems to make sustainable and environmentally responsible living accessible to even more individuals.
Significant milestone for EVs, sustainability, and interconnectivity
The inclusion of Energy Device Types in Matter 1.3 marks a significant milestone in smart home technology as users can now enjoy seamless connectivity with Electric Vehicles (EVs) for charging purposes. Furthermore, Energy Device Types will play a crucial role in meeting growing demand for sustainable transport solutions by opening up possibilities for Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-home applications for energy storage purposes.
Matter 1.3 will also feature significant specification enhancements such as Long Idle Time (LIT) support for Intermittently Connected Devices (ICD) within the ICD management cluster. This not only optimizes resource management but also enhances efficiency even within devices with sporadic connectivity. This will be accompanied by a novel attribute delineating capabilities for both Wi-Fi and Thread interfaces to further streamline device communication across diverse network environments.
The Network Commissioning Cluster will also receive an upgrade with additional Wi-Fi directed scanning requirements, and refined network discovery process for stronger connectivity. Other noteworthy alterations include Event Timestamp Synchronization enhancements, an extended Beaconing Period, bolstered synchronization precision, and network stability.
Matter as a unifying standard
Before Matter, Native homekit, Amazon, and Google light switches ruled the smart home management system market. However, many of these systems were only compatible with a single platform, making it difficult for end consumers who wished to customize their homes with smart devices and furniture across multiple brands.
With Matter, manufacturers can now ensure compatibility across brands by designing Matter certified switches using compliant software and/or firmwarm bases. It is this singular standard that enables Matter controllers to be paired with various home assistant ecosystems at the same time.
Build a smarter future the smart way
As the smart home ecosystem rapidly evolves, cutting-edge testing solutions are necessary to help manufacturers keep up with ever-changing interoperability and compliance standards. Take the guesswork out of your design and debugging processes. At GRL's The alliance-approved Matter test labs, we fast track you into the growing smart home ecosystem.
