The smart home landscape is evolving rapidly, and Samsung’s SmartThings platform is at the forefront of this transformation. With the recent announcement of the Matter 1.6 standard by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) Samsung is poised to enhance its smart home ecosystem significantly. As a member of the CSA, SmartThings already supports Matter 1.5, and the integration of Matter 1.6 promises to bring a host of new features and improvements.
Matter 1.6 is designed to streamline device setup, improve multi-ecosystem device sharing and control, enhance climate management, and bolster security. Let’s delve into the key features and benefits that this new standard brings to the table.
Simplified device setup with NFC technology
One of the standout features of Matter 1.6 is the introduction of two-way NFC-based device commissioning. Previously, setting up a Matter-compatible device required Bluetooth LE to complete the process, even if it started with an NFC tap. With Matter 1.6, the entire setup process can be completed using NFC alone.
This means users can simply hold their phone near a device to begin setup, making the process more convenient and efficient. For instance, you can configure a smart bulb before installing it in a light fixture, which is particularly useful when the fixture is mounted high on a ceiling. Bulk installations of devices such as smart lights and switches also become more straightforward.
Additionally, Matter 1.6 introduces Thread Direct a feature that allows users to set up a Matter device using a smartphone equipped with a Thread radio, even if they don’t have a Thread Border Router in their home. This simplifies the onboarding process for new users and makes smart home setup more accessible.
Enhanced multi-platform management with Joint Fabric
Matter 1.6 builds on the Enhanced Multi-Admin feature introduced with Matter 1.4, which allowed multiple smart home platforms to control the same device. The new standard takes this concept further with Joint Fabric enabling multiple smart home controllers to co-administer a single shared Matter network.
This means that Matter-compatible devices can be controlled through any compatible smart home platform or app, regardless of which platform was originally used to set them up. For example, if you set up an air conditioner using Google Home you can still control it through SmartThings as long as all Matter controllers are connected to the same Thread network.
Advanced climate control and improved security
Matter 1.6 standardizes how smart home ecosystems communicate climate-control recommendations. Instead of instructing devices such as air conditioners to switch to a specific temperature or fan speed, ecosystems can suggest changes while allowing the device to determine the best time to apply them.
For instance, if you are participating in a utility demand-response program and another app requests a temperature change, the air conditioner can postpone that adjustment until the event has ended. However, if you manually change the thermostat setting, the system recognizes that action as a higher-priority request and applies it immediately.
The new standard also introduces standardized sensor event history tracking for security devices such as intrusion sensors. It improves the way compatible devices communicate their hardware capabilities and operational limitations. Matter 1.6 adds support for an unmounted status for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, allowing users to know when those devices have been detached from a ceiling or wall.
Furthermore, Matter 1.6 introduces Product Security 1.1 which extends security coverage across the entire IoT ecosystem, including apps, devices, gateways, and cloud services. Earlier versions of Matter primarily focused on securing individual devices.
Troubleshooting with Thread Tools
As smart homes continue to grow, managing devices across platforms such as Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings can become increasingly complex. To address this challenge, the CSA has developed a new app called Thread Tools.
Now available in beta for Android and iOS, Thread Tools scans compatible devices, Thread Border Routers, hubs, and mesh extenders in your home and creates a visual map of the network. The app can help identify devices with connectivity problems, display signal strength information, and provide recommendations for resolving common issues.
The Thread Group has also signed a liaison agreement with the Broadband Forum. This collaboration is expected to improve compatibility between smart home networks and broadband routers, making device setup and management easier.
