Matter 1.5 brings support for cameras, soil sensors, and closures to your smart home

Building on the capabilities introduced by the Matter 1.4.2 update earlier this year, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has launched the latest version of its smart home specification, Matter 1.5.

According to CSA, Matter 1.5 focuses on the functional expansion of the standard by adding some of the most requested device types and features. One of the highlights is support for cameras so that developers can build and certify cameras that work directly with Matter-enabled devices without needing custom APIs or integrations.

Matter-enabled cameras use WebRTC technology to support live video and audio streaming, enabling two-way communication and local and remote access. Alongside support for multi-stream configurations, pan-tilt-zoom controls, detection and privacy zones, the Matter 1.5 specification also considers flexible storage options, including continuous or event-based recording to local or cloud storage.

Those with a love of plants and gardening might be interested in Matter 1.5, as it supports soil sensors. Such devices can measure factors such as moisture and temperature to achieve optimal conditions for plants, gardens, and lawns. They can be paired with Matter-enabled water valves or sprinklers to automate watering and help save water.

Speaking of indoors, Matter 1.5 builds on the existing compatibility for closures, including window shades, awnings, drapes, gates, and garage doors. The Alliance said that Matter 1.5 brings support for different motion types (sliding, rotating, or opening) across configurations such as single or dual panels, and nested mechanisms.

Manufacturers can implement these through a modular cluster design. Meanwhile, consumers can expect "more consistent and flexible control of closures across apps and ecosystems" and a clear indication of whether their garage or door lock is closed.

Matter 1.5 includes advanced energy management features, enabling utilities, grid operators, and energy services to share real-time and forecasted pricing, tariff, and carbon data with Matter-enabled devices. This data can be used by devices to estimate energy costs and automatically adjust their operations according to user preferences, tariff schedules, or regulatory requirements.

The Matter 1.5 specification, SDK, and test tools have been released and made available to manufacturers who are members of CSA.