CSA Releases Another Matter Update
The CSA (Connectivity Standards Alliance) issued an update to the Matter specification in May and has recently sent a new update. Matter 1.4.2 is not focused on new device types, but instead concentrated on connection reliability and security. One improvement, Wi-Fi only commissioning, helps devices gain connectivity without needing Bluetooth. With regards to security, Matter controllers can now be authenticated, ensuring the admin devices on a system are genuine while a new certificate revocation system will flag and block suspect devices from joining the network.
The Circana Take:
- Regular updates to the Matter specification keep the standard top of mind for consumers and ensure the protocol works as new devices come to market.
- Improvements to Matter’s security protocols help to build trust among users as privacy and security are among the top reasons consumers do not invest in smart home devices.
Enter The Smart Home Adapters
Home Assistant, the open source platform for automating and controlling smart home devices, recently the Connect ZWA-2, a smart home adapter that seeks to connect long range Z-Wave devices up to a mile away to a smart home network. The ZWA-2 is formatted with the latest Z-Wave 800 series chipset in order to precisely reach products tuned to Z-Wave’s sub 1GHz frequency band.
The Circana Take:
- For users building their own smart home systems or for custom commercial networks, the Connect ZWA-2 will help tie in legacy Z-Wave products and connect products over long distances.
- As smart home systems seek to connect multiple domiciles over a larger property, systems such as these could be useful.