The Connectivity Standards Alliance has today released Matter 1.4, available for integration by device makers and platforms. Matter 1.4 introduces key updates that allow vendors and platforms to enhance user experiences across ecosystems with improved Multi-Admin functionality, enable more robust home networks through Matter-certified Home Routers and Access Points, expand energy management features, and support new device types.
Enhanced Network Infrastructure with Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP)
Devices such as routers, modems, access points, and set-top boxes can now be designed or upgraded to better support Matter-enabled smart homes. Matter-certified HRAP devices provide both a Wi-Fi access point and a Thread Border Router, offering essential infrastructure for Matter devices using these technologies. They also feature a secure directory for storing and sharing Thread network credentials, simplifying the addition of new devices and reducing network fragmentation.
Enhanced Multi-Admin
Multi-Admin, which lets users connect Matter devices to multiple ecosystems, has been updated to streamline management. Enhanced Multi-Admin now allows single user consent for device sharing, enabling automatic connection to multiple platforms without repetitive authorisation. Developers can apply this optional feature according to their needs.
Energy Management Enhancements
Consumer interest in energy management continues to grow. Matter 1.4 builds on prior energy reporting capabilities by supporting new device types like solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and water heaters, along with improvements to thermostat clusters. These updates allow smarter, more automated energy management.
New Energy Device Types and Capabilities
- Solar Power – Expanded support now includes solar device types like inverters and panel arrays.
- Batteries – Includes battery walls and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) that can discharge energy to the home or grid for load balancing.
- Heat Pumps – With Matter’s energy management capabilities, heat pumps can adjust use during peak demand or shift energy use to off-peak times.
- Water Heaters – Water heaters can now be set to a target temperature or usage level, allowing rapid heating overrides when needed. The new Water Heater Mode cluster enables easy schedule adjustments.
- Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) – EVSE support now includes user-defined charging preferences, allowing users to schedule charging at convenient or cost-effective times.
- Thermostats – Thermostat clusters now support scheduling and preset modes, with triggers for motion detection, device integration, or calendar events.
- Device Energy Management and Mode – Allows devices to adjust operation times based on energy forecasts, optimising consumption. The new Device Energy Management Mode cluster enables switching between device-specific, local, or grid-wide energy management.
Mounted On/Off and Dimmable Load Control
Matter 1.4 introduces device types for in-wall switches controlling lights, fans, and other wired devices, offering better user interface and automation options.
Occupancy Sensing Enhancements
Updates to sensor clusters now support radar, vision, and ambient sensing technologies, with customisable sensitivity and enhanced reporting for improved accuracy.
Battery-Powered Device Enhancements
Matter 1.4 optimises battery life and communication for Intermittently Connected Devices (ICDs), such as switches and sensors, with the Long Idle Time (LIT) protocol and a Check-In Protocol for reliable, low-power communication. These updates improve battery performance and network efficiency.
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