# Matter 1.4: The Future of Smart Home Connectivity
The smart home sector has been advancing rapidly, with the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) leading this change. Recently, CSA unveiled **Matter 1.4**, a vital update that aims to improve the integration and functionality of smart home devices across various platforms. This new standard seeks to simplify the user experience, enhance energy management, and bolster network infrastructure, making smart homes more efficient and accessible.
## What is Matter?
Before exploring the details of **Matter 1.4**, it’s important to grasp the concept of Matter. Matter is an open-source, free connectivity standard intended to unify smart home ecosystems. It enables devices from diverse manufacturers to function together seamlessly, regardless of the platform they are linked to, such as **Apple’s HomeKit**, **Google Home**, or **Samsung’s SmartThings**. This interoperability is vital in a market where consumers often possess devices from multiple brands, and Matter ensures that these devices communicate without compatibility problems.
## Key Features of Matter 1.4
### 1. Enhanced Multi-Admin Support
One of the key advancements in Matter 1.4 is the enhancement of **multi-admin support**. This functionality permits users to connect their Matter-enabled devices to various smart home systems concurrently. For instance, a smart light bulb could be operated through both **Apple’s Home app** and **Samsung’s SmartThings** without the need for reconfiguration for each platform.
Previously, users needed to manually add each device to every platform they wanted to operate, a process that could be tedious and inconvenient. With Matter 1.4, users can give consent once, allowing their devices to connect automatically across multiple ecosystems. This feature is particularly advantageous for households where different members favor different platforms or where multiple smart home systems are in place.
### 2. Improved Network Infrastructure with Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP)
Matter 1.4 also brings enhancements to network infrastructure via **Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP)**. These devices can now be designed or upgraded to provide enhanced support for Matter-based smart homes. This development ensures that smart home devices can communicate more effectively and reliably, minimizing the need for users to create new networks for every new device.
For example, if a user incorporates a new **Thread** device into their home, Matter 1.4 allows it to merge effortlessly into the existing Thread network without needing a separate setup. This simplification facilitates the expansion of smart home ecosystems for users without the usual technical complications.
### 3. Energy Management and Sustainability
As sustainability grows increasingly important to consumers, Matter 1.4 meets this challenge by broadening its **energy management capabilities**. The new standard accommodates a wider array of device types, including **solar panels**, **batteries**, **heat pumps**, and **water heaters**. With this update, users can track the energy usage of these devices and establish routines or automations to optimize consumption.
For instance, a user could configure their smart home system to limit the operation of energy-heavy devices during peak usage times or when electricity rates are elevated. This approach not only aids in minimizing energy bills but also supports a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
## What Does This Mean for Consumers?
The launch of Matter 1.4 marks a substantial advancement in the smart home arena, providing numerous advantages for consumers:
– **Simplified Setup**: With upgraded multi-admin support, users no longer have to endure the tedious process of manually adding devices to multiple platforms. Once a device is linked, it will operate automatically across all compatible ecosystems.
– **Improved Connectivity**: The introduction of HRAP ensures that devices can communicate more effectively, alleviating network congestion and enhancing the overall performance of smart home systems.
– **Energy Savings**: By accommodating new device types and offering superior energy management features, Matter 1.4 aids users in monitoring and reducing energy consumption, resulting in lower utility costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
## When Can We Expect Companies to Support Matter 1.4?
Despite the excitement surrounding Matter 1.4, it may take some time before consumers can fully reap the benefits of its features. Historically, companies such as **Apple**, **Google**, and **Samsung** have required one or two product cycles to integrate new Matter updates into their platforms.
For example, **Apple** has not yet incorporated support for Matter version 1.2, indicating that it could take several months for Matter 1.4 to receive full support from major tech companies. Considering that CSA typically rolls out new Matter updates biannually, it’s plausible that Matter 1.4 will gain broad acceptance by the time the **Matter 2.0** standard is launched.
## Conclusion
Matter 1.4 signifies a major progression in the smart home industry, offering improved multi-admin support, enhanced network infrastructure, and expanded energy management capabilities.
