The Matter smart-home standard is set to update to version 1.4.2, focusing on enhancing network security and device management to protect against threats like manipulated Trojan hardware.

This update not only improves security but also enhances smart home security through better certification and coordination within the ecosystem, while ensuring backward compatibility.

A significant feature of the update is the introduction of Wi-Fi-only commissioning, allowing devices to join a Matter ecosystem without the need for Bluetooth Low Energy, which simplifies designs and reduces costs for manufacturers.

Manufacturers can now blacklist known device certificates associated with counterfeit hardware, providing customer alerts to prevent the use of such devices.

The new 'Quieter Reporting' feature minimizes unnecessary updates, which conserves bandwidth and improves battery life for devices, including vacuum robots that can now handle successive commands without interruption.

New specifications will enable time-based actions in scenes transferred between Matter platforms, enhancing functionalities like dimming lights for sleep and wake-up routines.

To enhance overall network capacity, Matter-certified Thread Border Routers must now manage at least 150 devices, while Wi-Fi access points should support 100 simultaneous connections.

The certification process has been streamlined with improved testing tools and automation, expediting the approval process for new devices.

Access Registration Lists will be implemented to restrict Matter controllers' access to sensitive network settings, preventing unauthorized control by malicious individuals.

The Connectivity Standards Alliance is introducing new security features, including 'Vendor ID Verification' to cryptographically confirm the authenticity of devices like HomePods and Echo speakers.

Additional security enhancements in Matter 1.4.2 include Access Restriction Lists to limit access to sensitive settings and Certificate Revocation Lists to block compromised devices from the network.

The updated standard eliminates the need for Bluetooth to connect Wi-Fi devices, although retrofitting older devices will depend on the available memory for the new code.