Samsung and Aqara boost Matter with significant support expansions

In recent weeks, Samsung and Aqara have significantly enhanced their support for Matter, a protocol designed to improve smart home device interoperability. Samsung's SmartThings update incorporates compatibility with Matter 1.4, which broadens the range of energy-focused devices it can support, including water heaters, solar inverters, and battery storage systems. This development positions Samsung ahead of other major platforms like Apple Home and Google Home that have yet to fully adopt the 1.3 standard. Concurrently, Aqara has made strides by offering compatibility for over 50 Matter device types introduced in earlier updates, which include various smart appliances, home automation devices, and energy management systems. These advancements are key to fulfilling Matter's promise of cross-platform compatibility and smart integration. Beyond simply adding more device types, Aqara introduced its Advanced Matter Bridging feature, which enables its hubs, both new and older models, to implement automations into various platforms, even for devices that lack native support. This functionality allows users to incorporate Matter-enabled gadgets, like robot vacuums, into routines on platforms such as Google Home or Apple HomeKit, showcasing Aqara's commitment to an integrated user experience. Furthermore, Aqara has updated its border router hubs to support Thread network sharing, allowing them to connect to existing Thread meshes, thereby improving the overall stability and responsiveness of Matter setups. This brings significant enhancements that require collaboration with other platform providers for widespread effectiveness. Similarly, while not exclusively tied to Matter, Samsung's SmartThings update now includes innovative features like sleep-aware automations that utilize data from devices such as the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring. This aims to create a seamless ambient smart home experience for users. Additional features include more complex periodic automation triggers and deeper health integrations across its devices. As both companies continue to innovate and expand their support for Matter, they are taking important steps in addressing consumer demands for greater connectivity and ease of use in the smart home sector. Overall, these updates reflect a strong commitment from both Samsung and Aqara to pave the way for improved cross-platform collaboration in smart home technology. The enhancements not only address consumer needs but also underscore the ongoing importance of evolving smart home standards in an increasingly interconnected world.