Enhanced connectivity and heightened security for your smart home, courtesy of the Matter 1.4.2 upgrade.
The latest Matter 1.4.2 update, now available for smart homes, introduces a series of key features and improvements designed to enhance security, simplify device setup, and optimize smart home performance.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of Wi-Fi-only commissioning. This allows devices to join a Matter network directly over Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for Bluetooth Low Energy radios. This not only lowers hardware costs but also enables older Wi-Fi-only devices to be compatible with Matter via software updates.
Security has been a primary focus of the update, with three main enhancements: Vendor ID verification, Access Restriction Lists, and Certificate Revocation Lists. Vendor ID verification ensures that only authentic vendors control devices, while Access Restriction Lists limit which users or controllers can modify device settings. Certificate Revocation Lists block compromised devices, providing an additional layer of protection.
The update also improves the functionality of smart lights in case of internet connection loss, ensuring a smoother user experience. Certified scenes now support time-based actions and require fewer commands, resulting in faster, more reliable automation across different brands.
Optimized reporting reduces redundant network updates, decreasing network traffic, improving battery life, and speeding up responses in busy smart homes. Standardized firmware announcements allow devices to automatically reveal new features after updates, avoiding the need to remove and re-add devices in apps.
Each controllable endpoint now receives a permanent universal ID, simplifying smart home app organization by eliminating duplicate device listings. The update also introduces stricter security measures such as Access Restriction Lists, Vendor ID verification, and Certificate Revocation Lists, all designed to make smart homes more secure.
The Matter 1.4.2 update also improves device reporting to reduce unnecessary notifications and better supports timed schedules or actions in scene automation. Older Wi-Fi only products can now support Matter with a simple software upgrade.
These improvements are part of a broader focus on enhancing interoperability, security, and user experience rather than introducing entirely new device categories. The update could be a sign that Matter is preparing for something bigger in future updates.
The Matter 1.5 update is expected to release later this year, promising to continue the momentum of improvements and advancements in the smart home industry. Until then, the Matter 1.4.2 update provides a welcome addition to smart home setups, offering long-term benefits in terms of security, efficiency, and user experience.
- Upcoming smart home devices in the 'home-and-garden' and 'home-improvement' categories may benefit from the Matter 1.4.2 update, as they can take advantage of its features designed to enhance performance and security.
- The latest update to smart home systems, Matter 1.4.2, brings a new level of 'security' to smart homes by integrating vendor ID verification, access restriction lists, and certificate revocation lists, ensuring authenticity and limiting unauthorized modifications.
- As a result of the Matter 1.4.2 update, smart home technology, including 'gadgets' like smart lights and other home automation devices, can now offer improved functionality even during internet connection losses, offering a smoother 'lifestyle' experience for users.
