The latest update to the Matter smart home standard has launched today: Matter 1.5. The headline news is that smart cameras get support for the very first time.
This effectively brings HomeKit compatibility to a much wider range of cameras, and this is not the only new product category included in today’s launch …
A quick recap on Matter and HomeKit
Originally, brands wanting to offer HomeKit compatibility had to comply with an Apple-specific standard, and submit their devices for approval.
The Matter standard eliminates both steps, with any Matter-compatible device automatically compatible with HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung Smart Things. As of the beginning of this year, all Matter devices get the Works With Apple Home badge without any further testing.
Matter 1.5 adds cameras
Cameras had been the most requested product category when it comes to adding support for the Matter standard. Their inclusion means that developers will no longer need to use custom APIs or integrations in order to interact with compatible cameras.
Matter cameras support live video and audio streaming using established WebRTC technology, permitting two-way talk and both local and remote access through standard STUN and TURN protocols. The specification also defines support for multi-stream configurations, pan-tilt-zoom controls, detection and privacy zones, and flexible storage options, including continuous or event-based recording to local or cloud destinations.
Blinds, garage doors, gates, and more
Another product category to gain Matter support is the diverse one under the heading of “closures.” This includes window shades, drapes, awnings, gates, and garage doors.
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