SmartThings Expands with Matter 1.4 Support and New Automation Features

Samsung's SmartThings now supports Matter 1.4, enhancing smart home automation with new features for energy management and device control. This update allows for seamless integration across platforms and introduces new automation triggers and speaker features. QuarkyByte offers insights to help businesses leverage these advancements for smarter home ecosystems.

Samsung's SmartThings platform has taken a significant leap forward by integrating Matter 1.4, the latest version of the interoperable smart home standard. This update enhances compatibility with a variety of energy management devices, including water heaters, heat pumps, and solar panels. Matter 1.4 not only facilitates the use of a single device across multiple platforms but also introduces more detailed control options. For instance, while the previous version allowed for basic control of robot vacuums, the new update enables directing them to clean specific rooms. Despite the optional nature of much of the spec, Samsung's implementation promises to streamline smart home management.

In addition to Matter 1.4 support, Samsung has unveiled new automation triggers and a broadcast feature for SmartThings-connected speakers. Users can now broadcast voice messages through these speakers from the SmartThings app, regardless of their location. The platform's routines have also been updated to allow for recurring event triggers, such as changing a smart bulb's color on a birthday.

A notable enhancement is the ability for SmartThings to automate actions based on sleep and wake times, utilizing data from paired Galaxy Watches or Rings. This means lights can be turned off or curtains opened automatically, aligning with the user's daily routine. Currently, Home Assistant is the only other platform with partial Matter 1.4 support, while major players like Amazon, Apple Home, and Google are yet to catch up.

QuarkyByte recognizes the potential of these advancements in smart home technology. By leveraging Matter 1.4, businesses and developers can create more cohesive and user-friendly smart home ecosystems. QuarkyByte's insights and solutions empower tech leaders to harness these innovations, driving efficiency and enhancing user experiences.