Matter is the communication protocol pushed by the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) to smart home device makers. This standard is designed so that no matter what operating system or brand you’re using, you’re guaranteed that they’ll work with each other.
So what’s new with Matter 1.2, and why does it matter to you?
What Is Matter 1.2?
Matter launched in 2022, aiming to create a standard communication protocol for all smart home devices. This ensures that all Matter smart appliances will work with your chosensmart home hub—whether it’s Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, or Apple HomeKit.
Matter 1.2 is the second update to the protocol in 2023, with CSA sticking to its promise of semi-annual releases for the Matter standard. This is crucial as it allows the standard to keep up with the fast pace of technological developments, especially in theInternet of Things, or IoT.
In this update, Matter adds more device types and expanded support for their functions. It also added improved interfaces and settings, making it easier for the end-user to set up and customize their smart home.
What You Get With Matter 1.2
According to the CSA blog, millions of Matter-compatible smart home hubs and devices already exist in many homes and households. Since Matter is more of a software standard than hardware, all it takes is an over-the-air update for your Matter-compatible smart hub to get Matter 1.2.
The Matter standard already supports the most common smart devices—smart switches, bulbs, plugs, sensors, thermostats, and locks. However, the 1.2 update is expanding this to larger and even more complex appliances, including:
Although no manufacturer has yet announced any Matter 1.2-compatible device, we expect smart devices that fall in the above categories to come out in the coming year.
Aside from these new device types, Matter 1.2 is also making it easier for users to configure their smart homes. Device appearance descriptions are now included, making it easier to determine which device you’re configuring on the app.
The CSA also introduced device and end-point composition, which lets you place smart appliances in a hierarchy to accurately represent your home.
What Matter Can Do for Your Smart Home
Smart home technology has been around for decades, but it has been difficult and expensive to implement. While the 2010s saw the introduction of smart home hubs that make it much easier and more convenient to control multiple smart devices, the various manufacturer standards made it difficult and confusing to build one.
CSA aims to make building a smart home easy and more affordable. With the Matter standard, you may use any Matter-certified smart device and be guaranteed to work with your smart hub, no matter what brand you use.
Matter 1.2 expands the list of compatible devices to include complex appliances, making your life much easier. For example, you can use a Matter-enabled air quality sensor to monitor your home and automatically turn on your air purifier as needed.
You can also use Matter-compatible outside temperature sensors to adjust your fridge, ensuring you maintain it at an optimal temperature and help you save on costs.
Matter Makes It Easier to Set Up Your Smart Home
The Matter standard will make building a smart home seamless, ensuring that compatible smart devices will support your hub, no matter what you’re using. Its features will also simplify building and maintaining one, so even non-techie users can build one for their home.
