The Alliance has announced the release of the new matter specification (Matter 1.2). This updated version introduces nine additional device types and enhances the existing categories.
Moreover, the specification has undergone core improvements, as well as expansions in the SDK, certification, and testing tools. Matter 1.2 certification is currently open, and member companies are set to roll out new device types later this year and in 2024.
Since the introduction of Matter 1.0 over a year ago, there’s been notable growth, including more than 24,600 spec downloads and a 24% increase in companies joining the Matter Working Group [1]. Matter’s adoption rate surpasses that of past industry standards, allowing for a broad market of potential Matter-enabled homes.
This recent matter spec release supports various devices, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, vacuums, carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms, air sensors, air purifiers, laundry washers, dishwashers, and fans.
The release of Matter 1.2 now allows various home appliance manufacturers to incorporate Matter support, and major ecosystems like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings can now support these new device types.
Adding these new devices means users can control a broader range of home appliances from a centralized platform. Matter aims to simplify the smart home experience, eliminating the need for users to manage multiple apps and platforms, and opening up automation possibilities.
Devices communicating with each other can make decisions autonomously on behalf of the user, creating a great impact on IoT adoption.
Before releasing the Matter 1.2 Specification, the Validation Event took place with member companies participating to ensure that Matter devices from different brands and platforms can work together seamlessly. The event included a variety of testing scenarios, such as device discovery, commissioning, and communication.
Matter Specification Core Enhancements
The Matter specification defines the requirements for an interoperable application layer for Matter smart home devices over the Internet Protocol. Matter 1.2 also includes improvements to existing categories and core improvements to the specification and SDK.
Beyond introducing new device types, this update also offers enhanced features and the ability to integrate with other home systems.
Core enhancements of Matter specification cover areas like door locks tailored for European markets, device appearance descriptions, hierarchical device compositions, semantic tags, over-the-air updates, and generic device operational states.
Furthermore, the Matter SDK and testing tools have received essential upgrades, promoting faster product development and market entry. The Matter specification enhances the existing program.
An enhanced open-source Test Harness (TH) is available for new platforms testing new product cases and preparing them for the Matter certification.
The commitment of member companies to the Matter initiative is evident through their active contributions in authoring, implementing, and testing the specification. As the year progresses, more Matter devices are expected to hit the market.
Moving into 2024, Matter aims to extend its reach in the smart home sector, planning two more updates in line with its bi-annual release rhythm.
Matter Development with New Specs
When building a Matter device according to the latest specifications, there are specific requirements to consider. Such a device must be equipped with a compatible radio—either BLE/Wi-Fi or a BLE/Thread combination—and should meet the necessary hardware standards to support the open-source implementation of the Matter software library.
Additionally, adapting your mobile application is necessary to align with the protocol’s pairing and interaction models. The potential for selecting a new chipset can make the development effort significant, especially when considering variances in radio compatibility and distinct software demands.
Outsourcing this development process to seasoned IoT developers like Krasamo can benefit businesses exploring Matter. The journey through Matter development is loaded with intricate challenges, from the extensive initial setup and configuration to the need for specific tools, such as the Matter chip tool and OpenThread Border Router, to test and develop devices.
Reliance on additional hardware, like a microcontroller (Raspberry PI), adds to these complexities. Setting up the development environment brings challenges, underscored by the learning curve tied to Thread.
Professionals are expected to grasp the various Thread models, from Border Routers to End Devices, and be adept with command line interface (CLI) commands for activating the Thread network.
In addition to these technical challenges, businesses developing Matter devices must consider the cost and complexity of developing a custom mobile app to control their devices.
By tapping into Krasamo’s IoT proficiency, businesses can effectively navigate and accelerate their Matter development process.
Key Takeaway
With Matter, manufacturers can shift from developing support for multiple ecosystems or apps to improving the product and features.
Major manufacturers like Whirlpool, Phillips, Panasonic, LG, and Haier are on board with Matter, which increases its potential for widespread adoption and backward compatibility.
Matter is leveling the playing field by ensuring interoperability and pushing companies to develop innovative ways to differentiate themselves.
