# Matter 1.4 Update: Expanding Smart Home Features
The Matter smart device standard, backed by a consortium of top technology companies like Apple, has announced the release of its new update, Matter 1.4. This substantial enhancement brings a host of new functionalities and refinements focused on improving the interoperability and performance of smart home devices. Below is an overview of the fresh offerings in Matter 1.4.
## Newly Supported Device Types
A key highlight of the Matter updates has been the inclusion of additional device types, and Matter 1.4 continues this trend. This latest update adds various new device categories that are particularly pertinent to energy management, underscoring the increasing focus on sustainability and efficiency in smart home solutions.
### Newly Added Device Categories:
– **Solar Energy Devices**: Appliances that utilize solar power for residential use.
– **Energy Storage Units**: Battery solutions that can seamlessly integrate into smart home networks.
– **Heat Pumps**: Advanced systems for heating and cooling that offer remote control capabilities.
– **Smart Water Heaters**: Intelligent solutions for water heating that optimize energy consumption.
Beyond these new categories, Matter 1.4 improves energy management functionalities for current devices including electric vehicle chargers and thermostats. Additionally, in-wall smart home switches that were once classified under lighting now possess their own unique device types. This revision allows for more elaborate settings and automation choices, granting users enhanced control over their living spaces.
## Improved Multi-Admin Functionality
Another significant enhancement in Matter 1.4 is the Improved Multi-Admin feature. This advancement aims to ease the handling of smart home devices that operate across various platforms, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
### How Improved Multi-Admin Functions:
The Improved Multi-Admin allows users to link Matter devices to multiple smart home systems with a single user approval. Instead of having to share each device one by one when managing different platforms, users can now effortlessly connect both existing and new devices to multiple ecosystems automatically. This efficient process greatly minimizes the intricacies and time needed to establish and oversee smart home devices across diverse platforms.
If you have previously faced the daunting task of managing device setups across multiple smart home systems, this feature aims to significantly reduce that hassle.
## Other Enhancements
Matter 1.4 also unveils several additional improvements targeted at enhancing the overall smart home experience:
– **Matter Certifiable Routers**: The launch of routers that meet the Matter certification could enable smoother setups and better connectivity for Matter devices in the future.
– **New Protocol for Battery-Operated Devices**: This update integrates a novel protocol aimed at prolonging the battery life of devices, ensuring their functionality over extended periods without the need for frequent replacements.
While Matter 1.4 may not instantaneously revolutionize your smart home experience, it provides a robust groundwork for upcoming innovations and devices that will further enrich the smart home environment.
## Conclusion
The Matter 1.4 update signifies a pivotal progression in smart home technology. With an emphasis on new device types geared towards energy management, upgraded multi-admin features, and other enhancements, this update is set to make managing smart homes more intuitive and effective. As the smart home landscape shifts and grows, Matter 1.4 lays the groundwork for a more connected and user-friendly tomorrow.
Are you using Matter devices in your household? What new functionalities or support would you like to see in subsequent updates? Share your insights in the comments below!
