Home LivingSmart HomeMatter smart home tech is coming for your kitchen and EV tooThe smart home standard gets a big update that adds support for EVs, scenes and many more appliancesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingSmart HomeMatter smart home tech is coming for your kitchen and EV tooThe smart home standard gets a big update that adds support for EVs, scenes and many more appliancesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The smart home standard gets a big update that adds support for EVs, scenes and many more appliances
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Nanoleaf)
(Image credit: Nanoleaf)
Matter, the smart home interoperability standard that makes it easier for different bits of smart home kit to talk to each other, has just been upgraded to version 1.3. The new version makes Matter even more useful, with support for a range of domestic appliances such as ovens and tumble dryers. And it adds energy management to the mix in order to help you keep a lid on your utility bills and an eye on your EV.
So what can you expect when support finally arrives?
Matter 1.3: key features
Matter 1.3 expands its appliance support, so for example where Matter 1.2 worked with washing machines Matter 1.3 adds support for tumble dryers.
One of the key changes this time around is energy reporting. Compatible devices will be able to tell you how much electricity they’re consuming – useful if you’re charged different prices at different times of day – and how much they’re generating (where appropriate), and that applies to EVs as well as appliances. That means you’ll be able to change the charge level target or check in on charging progress.
Matter now also supports home plumbing, enabling you to use sensors that’ll tell you if there’s a leak or a freeze. That of course requires you to install those sensors, so that one’s probably best suited to new home buyers.
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In addition to new device support Matter 1.3 also introduces support for scenes, much like we’ve seen in smart home apps such as Hue or Apple Home, and you can now stack multiple commands together so they’ll be processed sequentially. There are also improved smart home notifications for TVs.
Matter 1.3 is official now, but requires manufacturers to add support to new or existing devices.
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