Matter 1.4: The New Standard for Smart Home Energy Management
Smart homes are becoming increasingly intelligent, but until recently, managing multiple devices has been a messy, fragmented, and platform-dependent process. Now, Matter 1.4 drastically improves device compatibility and reduces network fragmentation. It also introduces smart energy management across solar, batteries, EV chargers, HVAC systems, and appliances, regardless of the platform. This article explores what’s new in the Matter protocol and how its smart automation and cross-platform compatibility benefit homeowners.
What Is Matter Protocol?
Matter Protocol is an industry-standard smart home energy management protocol that allows devices to work together in a smart home network. It was developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) to ensure simplicity, security, and compatibility.
It allows users to connect their devices to multiple smart home ecosystems controlled via different platforms (Google Home, Alexa, etc.) without being locked into a single system. It’s kind of like a translator for smart home devices, enabling them to work together seamlessly.
What’s New in Matter 1.4?
Matter 1.4 updates focus on stabilizing network infrastructure and expanding its energy management capabilities. Here are some of the most significant updates:
Home Routers and Access Points (HRAPs) can be upgraded to ensure the necessary Matter infrastructure is in place.
It’s easier for users to set up Thread networks, and using a unified mesh reduces network fragmentation.
Enables autonomous coordination to support Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS), including AI-driven energy management with forecasting consumption to automatically adjust usage.
Supports solar integration, battery storage, virtual power plants (VPPs), heat pumps, and water heaters.
EV chargers now support user-defined preferences to specify charge times based on cost or convenience.
Enhanced multi-admin allows devices to automatically connect to multiple smart ecosystems with a single consent.
New device type setup for in-wall switches that control non-smart devices, like fans.
Support for customizable radar, visual, and ambient sensing technologies.
The Long Idle Time protocol enables intermittently connected devices to “sleep,” thereby optimizing battery life.
How Matter Enables Smart Energy Coordination at Home
This newest Matter allows for better smart energy coordination by transitioning from simple energy reporting to autonomous management and automation. It allows devices to communicate their energy needs and abilities to a central Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and optimize energy use based on costs, preferences, and demand.
For even more efficiency at home, smart panels like the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 support smart energy management and simplified battery and solar integration.
Use Cases: Smarter Energy Flow with Matter 1.4
EV Charging Optimization
EV charging has been significantly optimized, allowing you to set charging times based on cost or personal preferences. It easily integrates with VPPs, so your utility can pause it during extreme demand (like heat waves), preventing power outages. It also enables easy solar integration, including only charging when the sun shines.
Battery + Solar Prioritization
New support for solar and batteries lets you truly optimize your whole-home backup power. When demand is high, batteries send energy to the home or grid. You can also optimize solar use, for example, send excess solar energy to the water heater in the morning, then to the HVAC system once the water is hot, and then use stored battery backup power at night.
Appliance Scheduling
Smart appliances and EcoFlow Smart Devices already enhance efficiency and convenience. However, Matter 1.4 allows for device management with multi-platform compatibility. Now you can schedule appliances to run at a specified time, and multiple family members can control them via the app of their choice. You can even toggle between three levels of optimization: device-specific, home balancing, and grid-wide.
Why Matter 1.4 Is a Win for Homeowners
Matter 1.4 is a huge win for homeowners because it makes smart home systems more practical and usable. For instance, you save money with automation when you shift your energy use based on power costs, sign up with a VPP, use it with battery storage, or use it to prioritize and direct solar use.
The new hassle-free multi-platform compatibility is a huge bonus. The single consent simplifies the tedious process of connecting devices across multiple ecosystems. It also allows any family member to use the app of their choice.
Another significant benefit is improved connectivity enabled by a unified mesh that eliminates fragmented, patchy networks previously created by Thread devices. It also makes setup easier by using a secure directory to store and share Thread credentials, so users only have to enter the information once.
Finally, the new Long Idle Time protocol allows devices to sleep longer, extending battery life and reducing network traffic.
To protect your home from blackouts, consider a whole-home generator. When connected to your electrical panel and configured to act as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), it will even protect your sensitive electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Matter 1.4 Replace Other Energy Protocols?
No. Matter 1.4 isn’t a standalone smart home system but rather a translator that integrates with existing network protocols like Wi-Fi and Thread, enabling devices to work together seamlessly across different home ecosystems like Google Home and Alexa.
Can My Existing Smart Plugs or Appliances Work With Matter 1.4?
Some existing smart plugs and appliances support Matter 1.4, but it depends on the hardware and manufacturer support. However, newer Wi-Fi and Thread devices are more likely to work with updates, while older devices might require a compatible hub to work.
Is Matter 1.4 Only for Apple or Google Ecosystems?
No, a major benefit of Matter 1.4 is that it works like a universal ecosystem translator, designed for cross-platform compatibility. It works seamlessly across Google Home, Apple Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and others.
Matter 1.4 Reduces Costs and Improves Energy Reliability
Matter 1.4 is a breakthrough in smart home energy management, allowing multiple devices to communicate across platforms and automate energy efficiency. This helps homeowners reduce costs, improve reliability, and optimize solar, battery storage, and EV charging. With features like unified Thread networking, long idle device support, and HEMS integration, paired with EcoFlow Smart Devices, it lays the foundation for a more resilient and efficient home.