The Connectivity Standards Alliance has announced the latest Matter update and this time around things are a bit different.
There’s no flashy new device types or game-changing features in Matter 1.4.1… and that’s by design.
That’s because the latest update is the first “minor” release under the CSA’s new versioning system, which now distinguishes major updates (like 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4) from smaller ones.
But while the features might be quieter this time around, they’re aimed at fixing one of the biggest annoyances in the Matter smart home system thus far… setup.
Matter 1.4.1 introduces three setup-focused improvements: Enhanced Setup Flow, Multi-Device Setup QR codes, and NFC-based onboarding; all designed to reduce app-hopping, streamline consent prompts, and make adding multiple devices less of a pain.
It’s not the most exciting update – I had high hopes for speakers and security cameras being part of this update cycle – but it could be one of the most useful, especially for newcomers who just want their stuff to work.
If you’ve ever bought a multipack of Matter light bulbs or smart plugs, you know the pain of scanning QR codes one-by-one, which is a tedious, repetitive setup loop.
The new Multi-Device Setup QR code feature lets manufacturers slap a single code on the box that can set up multiple devices at once.
Ecosystem apps will need to support this, but once they do, it’ll seriously cut down setup time for things like starter kits and multi-room bundles.
NFC-based onboarding is also coming to the Matter party; acting like tap-to-pay, but for smart home setup.
If a device supports the new NFC option you’ll be able to tap your phone to it and onboard it without ever scanning a QR code.
This will be especially handy for devices where the QR is hidden once installed, like in-wall light switches or bulbs that are already in fixtures.
The NFC tag carries the same info as the QR code and works alongside existing setup methods.
The biggest change, although one that might not be as noticeable for users, is the new Enhanced Setup Flow (ESF), which basically allows device makers to show their terms and conditions right inside whatever app you’re using to add the product, whether that’s Google Home, Apple Home, Alexa, Homey, or SmartThings.
Previously, some brands had to shove you into their own apps just to handle legal prompts, a workaround known as Custom Commissioning Flow. That’s gone now, or is at least optional; making the whole setup experience feel less fragmented.
It’s an easier way for brands to navigate the choppy waters of regulatory compliance, trying to tick all the boxes for things like GDPR, as it can now be handled directly in the setup journey without forcing users to jump through extra hoops.
So while Matter 1.4.1 might not grab headlines, these behind-the-scenes updates are exactly what the emerging smart home standard needs right now… less complexity, fewer failed pairings, and better compliance out of the box.
The CSA tells us that the twice-a-year update plan for Matter is still very much the plan, despite the new naming convention, so hopefully we’ll see a meaty 1.5 update with some new device types in December.
