The largest open-source smart home platform, Home Assistant, released an update to its Matter Python Server add-on last week, featuring more device types and features.
The update, version 8.0.0, marks a major version change and introduces mounted device types included in the Matter 1.4 specifications, along with two vendor-specified clusters from Inovelli.
Why do mounted devices matter?
Mounted device types typically refer to “fixed devices” that can supply power to a light, control on/off functions, and adjust levels. They include the following two types with related feature clusters:
• Mounted On/Off Control
• Mounted Dimmable Load Control
These two device types are for any wall-mounted or hardwired load controller, while the On/Off Plug-in Unit is intended for devices that can be unplugged from their power source.
There is a concerning issue on the market, as the On/Off Plug-in Unit is often overused. Vendors use it for light switches, fan switches, relays, and even garage door controllers, leading to misaligned device types between software and hardware forms, and consequently confusing all parties involved.
For instance, the Matter platform will display a corresponding device icon and card as it reads information from the distributed compliance ledger (DCL) and the device. When you add a light switch to the Matter platform and your app shows a socket, that’s already a downgrade in user experience. The voice command “Turn on all the lights” won’t turn on a socket, obviously. Home Assistant makes a good lead here, so vendors can have more options when developing a Matter device with fewer concerns about compatibility.
Other changes in Home Assistant
The newly added device types, along with the previously introduced Water Heater, were a community contribution from Ludovic. For the Inovelli VTM31-SN dimmer, the update allows adjusting the LED bar built on the device via vendor-specific Matter clusters.
The update also includes dozens of updated dependencies for a better experience and to support more features.
Usually, Home Assistant’s various components are maintained separately, so some features may require proper updates to the core to function correctly. Matter Alpha has tested the mounted devices with the Matterbridge project, and both newly added types work well with Home Assistant in the latest supervised installation.
(Source: GitHub, CSA)
