Matter 1.4 now supports more smart home devices and adds new capabilities | ZDNET

The newest Google Nest Learning Thermostat is an example of a Matter-compatible device.

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) just released Matter 1.4, which supports more device types and offers new capabilities to make using Matter-connected devices more seamless than ever.

Matter 1.4 supports solar-powered devices, including inverters, hybrid solar/battery systems, heat pumps, and water heaters. The latest release also offers enhancements and extra management features to electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), thermostats, occupancy sensors, in-wall switches, and battery-powered devices.

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The new release offers enhanced support for modems, access points, and set-top boxes. These devices can be designed to function as Wi-Fi access points and Thread border routers, providing more functionality to Matter-based smart homes.

While many devices featuring enhancements in the 1.4 release already supported Matter, features have been limited. The current release adds more automation capabilities and gives users more control over their smart home devices through Matter.

Because Matter is still a relatively young connectivity protocol, when you connect a Google device to Apple HomeKit via Matter, the Apple Home app may not offer as many controls for the device as the Google Home app does. A smart air purifier, for example, may only show a button to turn it on or off in Apple Home, but it also shows a full range of features, from scheduling to fan speed, in its native Google Home.

The CSA releases periodic updates to enhance the user experience, giving users more options and management capabilities for their Matter devices.

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Matter 1.4 also features enhancements to the multi-admin feature with single-user consent, allowing existing and new devices to connect automatically to multiple ecosystems.