The CSA has released updates to the Matter Standard version 1.1 after seven months. The main points of this update are improved support for IoT devices and simplified device certification.

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) announced on the 18th that it had released version 1.1 of Matter.

Matter is an open smart home interoperability standard and an IoT protocol for connectivity and interoperability between smart devices. As an open-source SDK publicly available to developers, Matter continues to evolve through collaborations with big tech companies including Google, Amazon, and Samsung.

Version 1.0, released last October, includes 30 to 40 products such as lighting, switches, plugs, lamps, blinds, and door locks. CSA announced that 1,135 Matter certified devices have been registered so far.

According to the CSA blog, Matter version 1.1 has improved support for smart home IoT devices along with fixes for some SDK bugs.

Smart home IoT devices are battery-operated devices, so power optimization is essential. Matter 1.1 adds support to improve connectivity for 'Sleepy Devices (ICDs)' that require optimal operation and power saving.

The settings for the ICD have been changed to prevent it from switching to offline mode, addressing the issue where the door could be locked when the device is not in use.

In addition, this update enables device manufacturers and developers to deliver products to users more quickly by simplifying the certification of Matter-supported devices.

CSA announced that it has opened the Interoperability Testing Facility (ITF) for Matter products in Portland, Oregon.

The testing here aims to improve product quality and enhance the user experience. By expanding product lines from various brands, testing hubs and controllers in actual operating environments, and verifying the user experience, feedback can be provided to device, app, and platform manufacturers when configuring various networks. It also provides a test environment for Zigbee products.

Meanwhile, CSA aimed for two releases per year when version 1.0 was announced. It stated that the next update is scheduled for release at the end of this year.

If this update incorporates overall improvements based on developer requirements, it is expected that participation from home appliance manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics will further expand in the future, including for robot vacuums, home appliances, and electric vehicle charging devices. Expansion into the IoT device sector for health and wellness is also anticipated.