Security cameras and video doorbells still not invited to the Matter party
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has unveiled the latest big Matter update, with Matter 1.3 introducing an array of new features and device integrations, which the Alliance will be hoping steadies the ship on the rocky smart home interoperability seas.
Hot on the heels of the Matter 1.2 launch, which landed roughly 6 months ago so signals the CSA is on course for its “bi-annual release cadence” target, Matter 1.3 adds support for water management devices such as leak and freeze detectors, rain sensors, and controllable water valves; electric vehicle chargers, microwave ovens, cooktops, extractor hoods and laundry dryers.
However, with the major Matter drivers such as Amazon, Samsung, Google and Apple all still yet to actually support any of the nine new device categories that launched with Matter 1.2 – including robot vacuums and air purifiers – we’re not getting our hopes up that we’ll actually see any Matter certified devices from those 1.3 categories anytime soon.
But it is good that the framework is there and the CSA seems to be playing its part. For example, Roborock has a Matter-certified robo cleaner in the way of the S8 MaxV Ultra ready to go, it’s just that no major ecosystem will let you add it via Matter at the moment.
There’s still no sign of support for doorbells or security cameras though, despite the CSA stating they were on the ‘next set of devices’ list way back in September 2022.
Back to what Matter 1.3 does have and, aside from support for those new device types, energy reporting capabilities is a big new addition. Users will be able to gain deeper insights into their energy consumption, allowing them to make more informed decisions to reduce their environmental footprint.
In addition to bolstering the device ecosystem, Matter 1.3 also includes improved casting and TV features, such as letting you get pop-ups on a Matter-enabled TV from other devices.
There are also changes behind the scenes to make, er, scenes more accessible and we’re told that Matter 1.3 lets Matter controllers batch multiple commands for an even snappier experience.
If you’re still not sure what Matter is, make sure you take a look at our Matter smart home guide.
