Why SmartThings Could Soon Support Native Cameras with Matter 1.5

Matter 1.5 Smart Home Standard Expands Device Support with Cameras and Sensors

The smart home world just got a major upgrade. The Connectivity Standards Alliance has officially released Matter 1.5. This new version significantly expands what your connected home can do. It brings official support for popular device categories that were previously left out.

This update is a big step towards a more unified and interoperable smart home. According to Reuters, the Matter standard continues to gain industry-wide momentum. It aims to end compatibility wars between different tech brands.

Matter 1.5

Matter 1.5 Unlocks New Device Categories for a Smarter Home

Matter 1.5 now supports a wide range of cameras. This includes indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, and even baby monitors. The standard enables live video streaming and two-way audio communication. Users can also access motion detection and privacy controls.

These new Matter-compatible cameras can connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The Xthings Ulticam V2 will be one of the first security cameras to support this new standard. It is expected to launch in the USA by December 2025.

The update also brings support for closure devices. This category includes smart garage doors, gates, and window shades. These devices can now be integrated seamlessly into the Matter ecosystem.

Enhanced Automation and Energy Management Features

Gardeners and plant enthusiasts get a powerful new tool. Matter 1.5 introduces support for soil moisture sensors. These sensors can trigger automated watering systems. This ensures plants get the exact care they need based on real-time data.

Energy management sees significant improvements. The standard can now pull real-time energy pricing and carbon data from utility providers. This allows smart devices to optimize for cost and energy efficiency automatically. Households can track their consumption and environmental impact more accurately.

Samsung’s SmartThings platform adopted Matter 1.4 just five months after its release. A similar timeline is expected for Matter 1.5 support. This means users could see these new features on the popular platform within a year.

The release of Matter 1.5 marks a pivotal moment for smart home interoperability. It finally brings cameras and other complex devices into the fold. This move creates a more cohesive and powerful connected home experience for everyone.

Info at your fingertips

What is the main new feature in Matter 1.5?

The biggest addition is official support for security cameras and video doorbells. It also adds support for soil sensors and smart garage doors. This fills major gaps in the previous versions of the standard.

When will Matter 1.5 devices be available to buy?

The first compatible devices are expected to arrive in late 2025. The Xthings Ulticam V2 camera is slated for a December 2025 release. Other manufacturers will follow with their own products.

Will my old smart cameras work with Matter 1.5?

That depends entirely on the manufacturer. They would need to provide a software update. Many older devices may not receive this compatibility upgrade.

How does Matter 1.5 help save energy?

It allows devices to access real-time energy pricing from your utility company. Your smart home can then automatically shift energy use to cheaper, off-peak times. This can lead to lower bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Does Matter 1.5 support cloud video storage?

Cloud storage and video playback features are not directly handled by the Matter standard. Those services will still be managed by the individual device manufacturers and their respective apps.