Matter 1.4: A Game-Changer or Just More Empty Promises? (Let’s Uncover)

The latest update for the Matter smart home standard, Matter 1.4, has just arrived, bringing significant improvements.

However, the question arises of whether this update is overhyped or if it has a meaningful impact.

There are some changes every homeowner must be concerned about. So, without wasting any time, let’s explore five major updates and what they mean for your smart home setup.

Feature	Description
Enhanced Multi-Admin	Simplifies device setup across multiple apps and ecosystems.
Matter-Certifiable Routers	Expands Thread support in routers and access points.
Energy Management Updates	It adds sensitivity settings, tuning options, and history reporting.
Improved Occupancy Sensors	Adds sensitivity settings, tuning options and history reporting.
Battery-Powered Device Enhancements	Extends battery life and improves reliability.

1. Enhanced Multi-Admin: A Smarter Way to Manage Devices

One of the biggest frustrations for smart homeowners is setting up a Matter device across multiple apps and ecosystems.

To resolve this issue, Matter 1.4 has introduced Enhanced Multi-Admin in its update.

What’s New?

• This Multi-Admin feature streamlines the setup process. You don’t have to share a device across apps manually; instead, you can preset which apps should receive it during installation.

• Your device is automatically integrated across multiple platforms from the start.

• However, this varies from vendor to vendor.

While this update simplifies smart home management, how different companies handle these presets remains.

2. Matter-Certifiable Home Routers & Access Points: The Key to a Seamless Smart Home?

Thread is a crucial component of the Matter ecosystem, but a large number of smart homeowners are unaware of it.

Matter 1.4 solved this issue by allowing access points and routers to act as Matter-certified. This means your access points and router don’t need to act as a full-time Matter controller.

Why Does This Matter?

• So, now routers and mesh systems from ISPs can integrate Thread support without the need for full Matter smart home control.

• Making it easier for manufacturers to create Matter-ready networking equipment, simplifying smart home integration.

• So, over the next 3 to 5 years, we could see widespread adoption of Thread-enabled hardware, helping Matter reach its full potential.

3. Matter’s Big Leap in Energy Management

In its newest update, Matter 1.4 has introduced two major changes focused on energy management. These updates can prepare your smart home for a more energy-efficient future.

New Energy Management Device Types

• Solar panels 
• Battery storage systems like Powerwalls
• Heat Pumps
• Electric vehicle charger

Smarter Energy Usage Control

• Matter 1.4 enables users to schedule energy consumption based on needs, like prioritizing battery charging during off-peak hours.

These updates aim to increase the efficient use of energy in smart homes. Still, implementation challenges remain for direct consumers.

4. Are Large Corporations Taking Over Smart Home Energy Management?

One thing you might notice is that these energy management updates seem to be tailored for enterprise integration rather than individual consumers.

The Growing Shift Away from Direct-to-Consumer Sales

• Unfortunately, numerous smart home companies are shifting towards partnerships with large-scale enterprises.

• Instead of selling individual smart home devices, companies are now planning to integrate their solutions into pre-built housing developments.

• Although the shift could benefit new homeowners, existing homeowners may face a struggle to integrate these energy management tools into their setup.

5. Core Enhancements: Making Matter More Powerful

The Matter standard isn’t all about integrating new devices. In reality, it’s about refining existing capabilities. Here are three changes in Matter 1.4 that enable you to do that:

New Device Types and Controls

Mounted on/off Switches

• Matter’s upgrade offers better support for better devices like fans and other appliances of everyday use.
• Moreover, it gives more precise control over speed adjustment.

Occupancy Sensors Upgrades

• Secondly, it supports multiple detection technologies like Radar and Vision.
• However, cameras were not included despite ongoing requests from users.

Battery-Powered Device Improvements

• Matter’s long idle time and Check-in protocols prolong your battery life.

The Harsh Reality: Matter’s Slow Adoption Curve

Although Matter 1.4 brings great upgrades to enhance your smart home ecosystem. In reality, most smart home platforms are still catching up with 1.3.

• Amazon and Google have remained silent on their plan to adopt Matter 1.4.
• Unfortunately, consumers may need to wait months or even years before these features are fully implemented across platforms.

To get a more in-depth view of the Matter 1.4 update, you can check out my video:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will Matter 1.4 make setting up smart home devices easier?

Ans: Yes, Matter’s Multi-Admin feature allows devices to be set up in multiple apps at once instead of manually sharing them later.

However, user experience may vary based on how different manufacturers implement this feature. 

Q: Do I need to buy new hardware to use Matter 1.4?

Ans: No, you don’t have to buy new devices. If you already have Matter-compatible devices, you might get some features through firmware updates.

However, for features like Thread-enabled routers, you might need to upgrade your networking equipment.

Q: Does Matter 1.4 support cameras?

Ans: No, cameras are not supported by Matter 1.4. However, there has been discussion about adding them in future updates.

Q: Does Matter 1.4 improve smart home security?

Ans: Although Matter focuses mainly on automating devices and the energy management side of your home. It is designed while keeping security in mind.

However, recently it has not rolled out new security features. So, your best bet is to use trusted brands and keep firmware updated to enhance security.

Conclusion

• Matter 1.4 has released some solid updates to how we manage smart homes.
• Its Multi-Admin feature makes setting up devices across multiple apps way smoother.
• It also introduces Thread support in routers. This means future routers could have built-in Matter support. 
• More interestingly, Matter 1.4 now supports solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, EV chargers, and more. 
• Moreover, Matter is also improving occupancy sensors with better sensitivity and tuning options.
• However, despite numerous requests Matter doesn’t introduce native camera support.
• Lastly, Matter 1.3 took months to roll out. And this time, big players like Amazon and Google haven’t committed to adopting 1.4 yet.

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