The Connectivity Standards Alliance has recently unveiled Matter 1.5, the latest iteration of the smart home interoperability standard. This update introduces support for security cameras, along with new device categories and energy management features. The release of Matter 1.5 follows two maintenance updates earlier this year that focused on enhancing testing and certification processes.
**Camera Support Finally Arrives**
One of the most requested features since the launch of Matter, cameras are now officially part of the specification. Manufacturers can now develop and certify cameras that seamlessly integrate with Matter-enabled ecosystems without the need for custom APIs or proprietary integrations.
The camera specification leverages WebRTC technology for live video and audio streaming, enabling two-way communication for both local and remote access through STUN and TURN protocols. This choice reflects the widespread adoption of WebRTC in video streaming applications.
The specification also includes support for multi-stream configurations, pan-tilt-zoom controls, detection zones, and privacy zones. Users have the flexibility to choose between continuous or event-based recording to local or cloud storage options, with Matter 1.5 directing users to available storage solutions from device manufacturers or platforms.
While the camera spec caters to a wide range of modern cameras, including doorbells, indoor cameras, floodlight cameras, and pan-tilt models, it does not support clip playback or on-camera audio and video analysis. Manufacturers will need to decide which existing products to update for Matter compatibility.
**Closures Get Comprehensive Support**
Matter 1.5 introduces a comprehensive approach to closures, expanding beyond simple open/close functionalities for garage doors. The new closures category now encompasses window shades, drapes, awnings, gates, and garage doors, all of which can now be certified as Matter devices.
The specification adopts a modular cluster design that allows manufacturers to represent various motion types and configurations using a small set of building blocks. This approach simplifies development complexity while enabling product differentiation, from basic blinds to advanced smart windows.
This enhancement ensures more consistent control of closures across different apps and ecosystems, with precise position reporting enhancing safety and security measures. Users can now monitor and control a broader range of devices, such as ensuring garage doors are closed or gates are secured.
**Soil Sensors for Garden Management**
In a move towards garden and plant care, Matter now supports soil sensors. These devices measure moisture and temperature, aiding in maintaining optimal conditions for indoor plants, gardens, and lawns. When paired with Matter-based water valves or irrigation systems, these sensors can automate watering schedules, promoting water conservation and improving plant health.
This addition addresses practical needs, particularly in regions where water conservation is a pressing concern.
**Energy Management Capabilities**
Matter 1.5 expands energy management features significantly, enabling devices to exchange standardized information about energy pricing, tariffs, and grid carbon intensity. This is particularly relevant in European markets where utility companies offer time-of-use tariffs and incentives for energy-efficient home management.
The new electrical energy tariff device type facilitates the sharing of data from utilities, grid operators, and energy services with devices in a Matter-defined format. Devices can utilize this data to estimate and report energy costs and carbon impact, adjusting their operation based on user preferences, tariff schedules, or regulatory requirements.
Real-time or predictive data from energy-producing devices, such as home solar systems, can enhance household energy management. Improved smart metering support enables devices to measure and report power usage accurately, handle time-varying tariffs effectively, and provide historical data for precise cost tracking.
The specification also enables utilities to communicate grid connection details and power limits, facilitating coordinated demand management and compliance with energy regulations. EV charging enhancements support features like state-of-charge reporting and bi-directional charging, aligning with evolving requirements in markets like the EU.
**Technical Improvements**
Matter 1.5 now offers full support for TCP transport, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of data transmission for high-bandwidth devices like cameras. This improvement not only benefits cameras but also accelerates firmware updates and enables the handling of richer data types such as images. These enhancements aim to boost efficiency, performance, and battery life across supported devices.
**Availability**
The Matter 1.5 specification, SDK, and test tools are now accessible to Alliance Members. Device manufacturers and platform developers can initiate certification planning and collaborate with partners to implement the latest capabilities. The timeline for consumer availability of Matter 1.5 devices depends on individual manufacturers’ development and certification timelines.
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