The latest Matter spec, Matter 1.3, brings several improvements to the smart home standard founded by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung. The update includes support for more appliances such as ovens and cooktops, introduces energy and water management features, and enhances Matter’s universal casting protocol. Despite these advancements, major platforms have yet to add support for Matter 1.2, let alone 1.3. While the standard continues to progress, it remains unclear when popular devices like cameras and video doorbells will be included in Matter.
With the addition of new device types, Matter now supports a range of major appliances and smart home sensors. The future release of heat pumps, water heaters, and solar panel integration is anticipated. However, the lack of support from major platforms and limited availability of Matter devices pose challenges to widespread adoption. The promise of an open, interoperable standard for smart devices remains unfulfilled as devices are restricted to specific manufacturers and ecosystems.
Midea stands out as one of the few manufacturers that has added support for Matter to its products, including a combination microwave oven, dishwasher, and window AC unit. However, the availability of 1.2 and 1.3 devices remains limited. The delay in major platforms adopting Matter raises questions about the effectiveness of industry collaboration in achieving interoperability across smart home devices. The chicken-and-egg dilemma persists, with manufacturers hesitant to invest in new device types without platform support.
Developer conferences such as Google I/O and Apple’s WWDC may provide insights into platform support for Matter in the near future. Energy management features introduced in Matter 1.3 hold potential for optimizing energy use in smart homes. With support for EV charging, homeowners can control and manage their electric vehicles more efficiently. The growth of smart home ecosystems that integrate energy management and large appliances signals a shift towards more advanced and sustainable home automation solutions.
Matter casting receives upgrades in 1.3, allowing push notifications on screens and multi-client connections for apps. While Amazon has implemented Matter casting, other major platforms like Google and Apple have yet to follow suit. The open protocol nature of Matter casting presents opportunities for innovative experiences like multiplayer gaming across different devices. However, platform support is essential for developers to invest in creating new casting experiences and drive adoption across the ecosystem.
In conclusion, Matter’s latest developments demonstrate significant progress in enhancing interoperability and energy management in smart homes. The standard offers potential for more affordable and diverse smart home options. However, the delayed support from major platforms hinders widespread adoption and limits the realization of Matter’s full capabilities. For Matter to truly revolutionize the smart home industry, platform partners must prioritize integration and support for the standard.