The Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) has unveiled the launch of its newest update, Matter 1.5, which brings significant improvements for smart home gadgets. This upgrade is especially remarkable for its camera support, allowing live video and audio streaming, along with extra controls like multi-stream setups, pan-tilt-zoom, detection and privacy zones, and adaptable storage options. Developers can now create cameras with Matter compatibility, ensuring smooth integration with current apps and services.
Matter 1.5 also broadens support to “closures,” such as window shades, drapes, awnings, gates, and garage doors. This enables smart home device manufacturers to depict various motion types, including sliding and rotating, and to set up single/dual panels and nested systems. Furthermore, the update introduces Soil Sensor support for tracking moisture and temperature in both indoor and outdoor plants.
The CSA is also enhancing energy management capabilities with Matter 1.5, allowing devices to share standardized data regarding energy pricing, tariffs, and grid carbon intensity. The SDK and testing tools for Matter 1.5 are accessible for Alliance members, and consumers can anticipate seeing these new features in their smart home products shortly.
This upgrade follows the Matter 1.4 release, which broadened device support for items like water heaters and heat pumps and enhanced thermostat functionality. The subsequent Matter 1.4.1 minor update concentrated on streamlining the setup experience for consumers through Multi-Device Setup QR Codes and NFC tags.
