Wave farewell to some of the challenges associated with smart homes. A variety of new user-friendly features are being introduced to Matter, making it simpler than ever to set up your smart home and navigate the more frustrating aspects of adding new devices. These enhancements are part of the 1.4.1 specification, which was announced today by the Connectivity Standards Alliance.
One of the standout new features is the Multi-Device Setup QR Code. Previously, users had to scan each smart bulb or device individually for setup, which can be quite tedious and often requires the device to be powered on for the scan. Given that QR codes are typically located at the bottom of devices, this process could be challenging.
With the new update, users can scan just one QR code to configure multiple devices at once—provided that manufacturers enable this functionality in their products.
Another enticing addition is the capability to set up devices via an NFC connection. Although this isn’t a brand-new concept—companies like Apple HomeKit and LIFX have implemented it—it has not been widely adopted across the industry. By integrating it into the Matter protocol, this feature can reach a broader array of devices.
The final notable improvement is the Enhanced Setup Flow (ESF). When using the Google Home app to set up a new device, users often face interruptions to accept the manufacturer’s terms and conditions in a separate app. With the ESF, you can now agree to those terms without leaving the Google Home app, streamlining the process.
The 1.4.1 update is the first minor release under Matter, and while the changes may be incremental, they effectively tackle some of the primary concerns users have expressed about the protocol. Any enhancements that simplify the management of a smart home are certainly beneficial.
