This update enriches the smart home ecosystem by enabling devices like electric vehicle chargers and water management tools to integrate seamlessly across various platforms such as HomeKit.
Matter 1.3 broadens its compatibility to include devices such as kitchen appliances, laundry systems, and televisions, alongside the existing array of smart home devices. This specification particularly advances energy management by introducing energy reporting for smart plugs and similar devices. Users can now access real-time and historical data on power usage, which includes detailed metrics like power, voltage, and current.
Electric vehicle owners will benefit from improved charging features that allow manual control over charging activities, adjustments in charging rates, and optimization of charging schedules. The specification also brings substantial advancements in water management, supporting devices aimed at detecting leaks and freezes, as well as rain sensors and controllable water valves.
In the realm of kitchen technology, Matter 1.3 extends support to a variety of appliances including microwaves, ovens, cooktops, extractor hoods, and dryers, enhancing user interaction and integration with other smart home systems. Television functionality receives a boost as well, with improved features for casting initialization, search operations, and enhanced interactivity with TV applications.
Another significant addition is the support for “scenes”, which allows users to configure and activate settings across multiple devices with a single command, mirroring the functionality seen in HomeKit scenes. This update also optimizes communication between devices, permitting controllers to send batch commands for quicker execution.
Devices compliant with Matter 1.3 are expected to hit the market later this year. Further details and specifications can be found on the CSA website.
