With the release of Matter 1.4, the smart home and IoT (Internet of Things) industry has reached a new milestone. As a globally unified connectivity protocol, Matter has made significant strides in interoperability, security, and energy optimization. This article reorganizes and analyzes Matter 1.4 from three perspectives: technical highlights, practical applications, and its profound impact on the industry.
1. Technical Highlights of Matter 1.4
1.1 HRAP Support: Network Infrastructure Integration
Matter 1.4 introduces Home Router and Access Point (HRAP) functionality, significantly simplifying home network architecture:
- Seamless Thread and Wi-Fi Integration: Enables devices to switch freely between Thread and Wi-Fi networks, ensuring network stability.
- Smart Topology: Automatically detects and optimizes network routes for more efficient management.
- Edge Computing: Provides local processing capabilities, reducing data transmission delays and cloud dependency.
1.2 Multi-Admin Feature: Convenience Across Ecosystems
Matter 1.4 enhances multi-admin support, allowing devices to be shared across multiple platforms:
- One-Time Authorization: Users can dynamically bind devices to multiple ecosystems with a single setup.
- Encrypted Communication: Ensures data security during transmission across platforms with end-to-end encryption.
- Hierarchical Permissions: Allows each platform to manage devices independently without conflicts.
1.3 Low Power Optimization: Extending Device Lifespan
To improve battery-powered device efficiency, Matter 1.4 implements several optimized protocols:
- Long Idle Time (LIT) Protocol: Reduces frequent device wake-ups, extending battery life.
- Asynchronous Communication: Supports low-frequency data transmissions, reducing network congestion.
1.4 Enhanced Support for Sensors and Energy Devices
Matter 1.4 extends support for environmental sensors and energy devices:
- Multi-Modal Sensing: Introduces radar, infrared, and environmental sensing technologies to improve data accuracy.
- Standardized Energy Interface: Provides a uniform communication protocol for energy management devices, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization.
2. Practical Applications of Matter 1.4
2.1 Smart Homes: From Interoperability to Scene Integration
The primary value of Matter 1.4 in smart homes lies in its ability to unify device standards, enabling seamless cross-brand operations:
- Scene Integration: Using Matter, users can easily link lighting, thermostats, and air purifiers into coordinated scenes. For instance, when air quality drops, the system automatically adjusts lighting brightness and air purifier speed.
- Home Management: Devices like smart locks and bulbs can be shared across platforms such as Google Home and Apple HomeKit, avoiding repetitive setups.
2.2 Home Healthcare: From Monitoring to Response
Matter 1.4 aligns closely with the demands of home healthcare devices:
- Real-Time Health Data Sharing: Devices such as smart scales and glucometers that support Matter can upload data directly to health platforms like Apple Health or Google Fit.
- Wearable Optimization: Smart bands using the Thread protocol benefit from low-power connectivity, extended battery life, and seamless integration with other devices.
2.3 Energy Management and Environmental Applications
Matter 1.4’s support for energy devices unlocks greater potential for sustainability and cost-efficiency:
- Smart Energy Management: Solar systems can interact with storage devices and heat pumps in real-time, optimizing energy use through the Matter protocol.
- Energy-Saving Scenarios: Smart curtains can adjust based on indoor lighting and grid load, cutting energy costs for users.
2.4 Industrial IoT (IIoT): A New Horizon
Although primarily focused on home use, Matter 1.4’s features also have potential in light industrial environments:
- Device Interconnectivity: Sensors and energy management devices in factories can integrate into a unified platform via Matter.
- Edge Computing: Edge devices can make real-time decisions without cloud dependency, improving response times and privacy.
3. Industry Impact of Matter 1.4
3.1 Accelerated Ecosystem Integration
The release of Matter 1.4 significantly lowers technical barriers between brands, enabling devices from different manufacturers to work cohesively within the same ecosystem. For manufacturers, this reduces development and certification complexities while offering users more choices.
3.2 Advancing Green Energy and Sustainability
Matter 1.4 supports energy management devices, creating a foundation for energy optimization in homes and businesses. This aligns with global carbon neutrality goals by reducing energy consumption and promoting green energy solutions.
3.3 Catalyst for Smart Home Adoption
By simplifying device setup, Matter lowers entry barriers for users, particularly those less tech-savvy, like older adults. This accelerates the adoption of smart home solutions and expands the market’s potential reach.
3.4 A New Benchmark for Security and Privacy
With end-to-end encryption, Matter ensures robust data protection, especially critical for healthcare and energy management applications. This strengthens user trust in smart devices.
The Value of Matter 1.4
Matter 1.4 brings significant upgrades in technology, product application, and industry integration. By enhancing interoperability, optimizing power consumption, and expanding support for energy and sensor devices, Matter is shaping a smarter, safer, and greener IoT future. For both manufacturers and consumers, Matter 1.4 offers unprecedented possibilities.
As more brands and devices adopt the standard, Matter is poised to become the global benchmark for smart homes and IoT, driving the industry towards greater connectivity and sustainability.