Matter 1.4 Revolutionizes Smart Homes with Multi-Admin Support and Enhanced Energy Management
November 7, 2024
While immediate changes may not be apparent, Matter 1.4 lays the groundwork for future advancements in smart home technology.
This update also expands energy reporting and management features to include solar power systems, batteries, heat pumps, and water heaters, enabling homeowners to better forecast consumption and adjust usage.
The new specification's Enhanced Multi-Admin feature improves interoperability by allowing devices to operate across various ecosystems simultaneously.
Major companies, including Amazon and Google, have indicated plans to adopt Matter 1.4, although specific timelines for integration remain uncertain.
The CSA describes this update as a significant advancement, resulting from collaboration among hundreds of member companies, including industry giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has launched Matter 1.4, introducing Enhanced Multi-Admin support that allows users to connect Matter devices to multiple smart home systems with a single consent, enhancing device management.
Users can schedule their Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to charge during off-peak hours, taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
Homeowners can now integrate solar energy systems, including inverters and battery storage, into their Matter setup, further enhancing energy management capabilities.
Thermostats have been upgraded to support scheduling and preset modes like 'home/away' and 'vacation,' which can be activated through motion detection and calendar events.
The update improves the sharing of network credentials, which may reduce the proliferation of multiple Thread networks within homes, streamlining device integration.
Matter 1.4 enhances battery-powered devices by optimizing battery life and improving communication with switches, buttons, and sensors.
Despite the advancements in Matter 1.4, widespread support from manufacturers may take time, as Apple is still working on integrating Matter 1.2.
Summary based on 13 sources
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Sources

The Verge • Nov 7, 2024
Matter 1.4 tries to set the smart home standard back on track
Ars Technica • Nov 8, 2024
Matter 1.4 has some solid ideas for the future home—now let’s see the support
ZDNET • Nov 7, 2024
Matter 1.4 now supports more smart home devices and adds new capabilities