Setting Up Matter-Certified Smart Home Devices to Get Easier Soon

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced an update to the Matter protocol, unveiling version 1.4.1 to improve the ease of setting up and using smart home devices. This update introduces several user-friendly features to streamline the onboarding process and expand compatibility across a wider range of products. Matter is an open-source, royalty-free connectivity standard designed to unify the smart home ecosystem by allowing devices from different manufacturers to work together securely and reliably. It supports major ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.

One of the key highlights of the Matter 1.4.1 update is the multi-device setup QR code. This new feature enables users to scan a single QR code to configure multiple devices simultaneously. This is especially useful for products sold in bundles, such as smart light bulb packs, which previously required scanning and setting up each unit individually. However, this functionality is dependent on the manufacturer implementing support for it.

Another significant addition is the NFC-based setup, now offered as a standard feature in Matter. Although Apple devices have already supported NFC pairing, this update broadens the scope to include a wider range of devices from other manufacturers. With this, users can simply tap their phone to an NFC-enabled smart device to initiate the setup, making the process faster and more intuitive.

The onboarding flow has also been enhanced to simplify user interactions. Now, users can accept a manufacturer’s terms and conditions directly within the setup app, rather than being redirected to a separate web browser. This change reduces interruptions and makes the entire process smoother and more integrated.

The Matter protocol was developed to address long-standing issues with compatibility among smart home devices. Traditionally, users had to stick to products within the same brand or ecosystem to ensure compatibility. Matter eliminates these limitations by standardizing how devices communicate across platforms. For example, a smart bulb made by one brand can work seamlessly with a smart speaker from another, as long as both are Matter-certified.

The protocol is governed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, which includes prominent tech companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung, and Huawei. These companies have pledged to adopt and support Matter in their devices, giving consumers a broader selection of interoperable smart products without being locked into a single ecosystem.

To use Matter-certified devices, users need a Matter controller that corresponds to their chosen smart home ecosystem. For example, Apple users can use a HomePod or Apple TV, Google users can use a Nest Hub, Amazon users can rely on Echo devices, and Samsung users can use the SmartThings Hub. Additionally, users must install the respective mobile app, which serves as the Matter commissioner to pair and manage the devices.

In conclusion, Matter 1.4.1 represents a major step forward in making smart homes more accessible and less fragmented. With new features like multi-device QR code setup, NFC pairing, and streamlined onboarding, users can expect a more unified and hassle-free experience as the smart home market continues to evolve.