Matter 1.4.1 brings a better setup experience

It’s been a while since Matter 1.4 released last November, with a branch of new device support and some important features in home network infrastructure.

Things have been quiet since, but today, Matter 1.4.1 has been announced, bringing more features to the device setup experience.

As the first minor version release of Matter, it packs three new features: Enhanced Setup Flow (ESF), Multi-Device Setup QR code, and Onboarding Info in near-field communication (NFC) Tag.

Enhanced Setup Flow

The new ESF is a feature to localize terms and conditions in devices, so you won’t need the vendor app to set up a Matter device due to certain requirements like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European region. Previously, you may have been asked to use the vendor app instead when setting up certain devices on a Matter-enabled ecosystem like Apple Home.

With ESP enabled, these manufacturer terms could be displayed on compatible Matter platforms for user acceptance.

This is another step to smooth the unified setup experience for Matter devices without the need of a vendor app, while achieving regional regulatory compliance.

Multi-device setup QR code

Another highlight is the introduction of multi-device setup QR code. This allows you to scan a single onboarding QR code to set up several devices at once. This feature offers great convenience, especially for devices like light bulbs and plugs that often come in packs of three or four.

The feature will require efforts from both the device vendors and the various Matter ecosystem platforms to work.

Setup via NFC

For HomeKit users, this is nothing new. There have been some notable vendors shipping devices with NFC tags on them for easier setup like Wemo and Nanoleaf.

This new setup method is now an official feature for Matter, providing assistance in challenging conditions, such as narrow and dark wire boxes where phone cameras struggle to capture QR codes, or when the code is obscured, as with installed filament lightbulbs.

It becomes the third method available for setting up Matter devices, alongside QR and numeric pairing codes.

When can we expect the upgrade?

For software-wise features, you usually won’t need to buy new hardware. But it could be months before vendors get a new certification and roll out the OTA update. Some platforms may move faster (like Home Assistant and SmartThings have in the past). If you are interested in earlier testing, look for beta programs from Matter device makers and platforms’ sites.

However, some features would require specific hardware kit, like the NFC setup, for such devices, you will have a longer wait. It takes time for chip vendors and solution providers to such features ready for device makers.

Looking ahead, minor updates signal a delay of the major version 1.5. That larger iteration of the Matter specification is expected to bring more features to energy management, and support for new device types like IP cameras and video doorbelsl. On the other hand, a slower release pace ensures final quality, preventing vulnerabilities in sensitive devices like cameras.

(Source: CSA)