Matter was introduced in 2022 as the next big thing by the big three: Apple, Google, and Amazon. Matter version 1.3 has added support for electric vehicle (EV) chargers, microwaves, clothes dryers, and more.
Prior Matter Standards and Engagement
I like to think I’m a rather connected person, but so far, Matter has never been properly introduced to me, despite multiple smart home devices and IoT devices.
I have several Apple devices and a few Amazon as well. I assumed Matter would quickly become part of my life, as it was supposed to be a universal standard that several tech companies adhered to. The companies do adhere to it, but it just hasn’t been in devices that I have or would use.
Devices added to the previous Matter version include refrigerators, room air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, robot vacuums, and other home appliances. I haven’t bought new appliances in a few years, so this standard has not been introduced to me yet, but I have no doubt I will approach it at some point.
Tip: learn how to call 9-1-1 with virtual assistants.
Matter Version 1.3 Additions
With about a year and a half under its belt, Matter is now on version 1.3, usually getting an update every six months. Each new version allows Matter to be implemented into more devices. The newest list includes:
- EV chargers
- Clothes dryers
- Microwaves
- Ovens, cooktops, extractor hoods
- Leak and freeze detectors
- Rain sensors
- Water valves
- Media players/TVs
These additional appliances were added to make Matter more helpful to users around the home, specifically the kitchen and laundry, energy and water management, and EV charging. The hope is that efficiency and safety will be added around the home as well.
Additionally, “Scenes” and “Command Batching” are now supported. The former allows product manufacturers and smart home platforms to create scenes on devices and manage them as well. Multiple devices, rooms, or a whole house can be triggered via one command. Alexa can already do that, but that’s confined to only Alexa-enabled devices.
This is something to keep in mind as you buy new appliances and devices. If having them all connected is important to you, you’ll want to check to see whether your new devices and appliances are Matter-certified, as not all EV chargers, clothes machines, rain sensors, etc. will work with Matter – just the ones that are certified by that standard.
If you want a better idea of how Matter works in a home, check out our review to learn how AiDot and Matter make homes smarter together. If you don’t want any part of it, learn about these “dumb” TVs that leave smart features behind.
Image credit: Unsplash
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