SmartThings Gets a Big Boost with Matter 1.4 Integration
SmartThings, Samsung’s popular smart home platform, has just taken a huge leap forward with the integration of Matter 1.4, the latest interoperable smart home standard. This upgrade opens the door to a wide range of new devices and features, making it easier for users to control and automate their homes like never before.
- Matter 1.4 enables compatibility with devices like water heaters, heat pumps, and solar panels, which were previously not supported by SmartThings.
- The platform now also supports smart home automation triggers and a broadcast feature for SmartThings-connected speakers.
The Matter 1.4 specification allows users to control their smart home devices using a single device across multiple platforms. This means that with Matter 1.4, you can use one device to control your smart home devices on different platforms, such as Samsung, Amazon, or Google. For example, if you have a smart thermostat on Samsung’s platform, you can also use it to control your smart lights on Amazon’s platform, all from one central location.
One of the key benefits of Matter 1.4 is its ability to add more granular control over smart home devices. For instance, while the 1.3 specification added support for controlling robot vacuums, the 1.4 specification allows your smart home platform to direct the robot vacuum to clean a specific room, giving you more precise control over your smart home devices.
However, not all devices support Matter 1.4, so it’s still a work in progress. Home Assistant is the only other platform that currently supports Matter 1.4, with Amazon, Apple Home, and Google still lagging behind.
| Features | SmartThings Connected Speakers |
| Broadcast Feature | Allows users to broadcast voice messages through SmartThings-connected speakers from the SmartThings app, whether they’re in or out of their home. |
| SmartThings Routines | Allows users to create recurring events to trigger specific actions, such as a smart bulb changing colors on someone’s birthday. |
| Automation | Allows users to set specific automation rules, such as turning off lights or opening curtains based on their actual sleep and wake times, using devices like the Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring. |
SmartThings has also introduced a new broadcast feature that allows users to send voice messages through SmartThings-connected speakers. This feature is available to all users, regardless of their location, and can be controlled through the SmartThings app.
The company has also updated its SmartThings routines to allow users to create recurring events that can trigger specific actions, such as a smart bulb changing colors on someone’s birthday. This feature is a great way to automate tasks and make your smart home experience more convenient.
Another exciting development is the ability for SmartThings to automatically adjust lighting and temperature settings based on the user’s actual sleep and wake times. This can be controlled using devices like the Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring, which can detect the user’s sleep patterns and wake them up at the right time.
Overall, the integration of Matter 1.4 into SmartThings is a significant upgrade that opens up new possibilities for smart home users. With this upgrade, users can expect a more seamless and automated smart home experience, with greater control and flexibility over their devices.
As we continue to explore the capabilities of SmartThings with Matter 1.4, we’ll be learning more about how Samsung is implementing this standard and what other features and devices will be supported in the future. In the meantime, users can expect a more integrated and user-friendly smart home experience.
“We’re excited to bring Matter 1.4 to SmartThings, as it will enable users to control their smart home devices more easily and efficiently,” said a Samsung spokesperson. “This update will also provide more granular control over devices, allowing users to tailor their smart home experience to their specific needs.”
“Matter 1.4 is a significant step forward for smart home interoperability, and we’re proud to be one of the first platforms to support it,” said another Samsung spokesperson. “We look forward to seeing how users will use this technology to create new and innovative smart home experiences.”
With the integration of Matter 1.4, SmartThings is well-positioned to become the go-to smart home platform for users who value interoperability and flexibility. As the smart home market continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how SmartThings and other platforms will innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of users.
For now, users can expect a more seamless and automated smart home experience, with greater control and flexibility over their devices.