The latest buzz in the tech world is Matter 1.2, a new update reshaping the future of smart homes. This fresh update brings a bagful of goodies, extending support to nine new types of smart home gadgets. Get ready for a whole new level of home automation by the end of 2023!
Matter 1.2 isn’t just a small tweak; it’s a big deal. This update broadens the scope of what your smart home can do. Now, it’s not just about lights and thermostats; it’s about so much more. Picture this: your dishwasher cycle ends, and instantly, your laundry cycle begins, all controlled from your favorite platform, be it Google Home, SmartThings, or HomeKit.
Matter first hit the scene in 2022, aiming to end the chaos in smart home gadgets. Since then, it’s been evolving. The 1.1 update in April 2023 was a step forward. And now, Matter 1.2 isn’t just about new devices; it’s about making everything work even better. There are cool new things like better modeling of appliances and easier ways to understand how your devices are running.
Ever since it began, Matter has been growing fast. Over 24,600 downloads of the rules, 1,214 companies certified, and a whopping 24% increase in companies joining the Matter fun. It’s a hit among popular smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Now, controlling a brand-new robot vacuum with Siri or starting your dishwasher with Alexa is all part of the deal.
“With Matter 1.2 now available to device and app makers around the world, and nine new device types and important new features and improvements, the work on Matter continues. Teams of engineers and product leaders from hundreds of global technology brands are actively working on future device types, features, and use cases while solving challenging technical problems and enhancing the overall experience for consumers and developers,” the official announcement read.
New device types
- Robot vacuums
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Air quality sensors
- Air purifiers
- Laundry appliances
- Fans
- Room air conditioners
- Alarms
What exactly is Matter?
Matter is the star of the smart home world. It’s like a common language that helps gadgets chat in your home without needing a cloud connection. Created by big names like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung, it’s all about being safe, easy, and working with many different devices.
This special software works on networks like Wi-Fi and a special type called Thread. It’s not just about lights and plugs; it covers over 20 devices, from fridges to security sensors, making your home smarter than ever.
Image credit: CSA
