gm! Hope you’re keeping cool amidst the scorching heatwave in Ireland! While the temperatures continue to rise, we’ve got some exciting news to share that will help you elevate your smart home experience and stay in control, no matter the weather. In this week’s newsletter, we’re thrilled to bring you the latest updates on four fascinating stories that are sure to pique your interest:
Matter 1.1 Unleashes Supercharged Developer Experience and Unforgettable User Journeys in Smart Home Revolution
In a groundbreaking announcement, the Connectivity Standards Alliance proudly presents Matter 1.1, the product of countless brilliant minds. This release usher in a new era for developers and promises a slew of mind-blowing user experiences, rocketing us into the stratosphere of Matter’s extraordinary journey.
Let’s unpack the key highlights of this remarkable release:
Matter 1.1 is a developer’s dream, offering an effortless entry point and a speedier certification process for their ingenious creations. No longer will developers be caught in the labyrinth of red tape, for we have created a magical shortcut that delivers their products to users with lightning speed.
Battery-operated devices, those brave heroes with limited power, receive a much-needed power-up in Matter 1.1. These sleepy devices, including sensors, locks, and switches, can now conserve energy more effectively, reducing the chances of being labeled “offline” during user interactions. It’s time to give a standing ovation to the improved user experiences that these enhancements will bring.
The superheroic feature of Matter lies in its publicly available specification and open-source Software Development Kit (SDK). We’ve listened to our members and early developers, vanquished the villains of confusion, and made the specification clearer than a polished crystal ball. Now developers can dive in, comprehend, and utilize the specification with ease. Plus, contributing to the Matter specification is a walk in the park, thanks to better guidance for supporting new device types.
Testing and certification have undergone a transformation of epic proportions. Our automated testing enhancements have bestowed device makers with the power to pre-qualify their products swiftly and guarantee certification success. Even the Authorized Testing Laboratories (ATLs) have been bestowed with the gift of improved automation, making their testing endeavors more efficient and comprehensive.
In the grand tapestry of smart home products, Matter 1.1 shines its spotlight on the Intermittently Connected Devices (ICDs), those mysterious battery-powered marvels like sensors, locks, and temperature gauges. These improvements ensure that these devices remain connected and avoid any unnecessary bouts of solitude when users or platforms come calling. The result? Developers can optimize their products with ease, weaving a tapestry of unforgettable user experiences.
These enhancements, now embedded within the Matter SDK and API, reaffirm our relentless pursuit of excellence for Matter products and the ultimate developer experience.
In the wake of the Majestic Matter 1.0 released in October 2022, our empire has witnessed a staggering 17,991 downloads of the specification and the certification of 1,135 new products by the esteemed Alliance. This unprecedented success has attracted over 60 new members to their ranks, as we march forward towards an IoT utopia. A future awaits where Matter will combat security issues, connect us all, inspire innovation, unravel complexity, and instill unwavering trust.
Yale Assure SL Embraces Matter with a Twist: Introducing the Smart Lock that Speaks the Language of the Future
In a valiant effort to support the struggling smart home standard known as Matter, Yale has decided to join the party with a delightful twist. Enter the Yale Assure SL smart lock, now equipped with a Matter-compatible module, ready to bring a dash of much-needed compatibility to your humble abode.
Yale, the ingenious minds behind the popular Assure SL door lock, has added another gem to the ever-expanding treasure trove of Matter accessories. But fear not, dear homeowners, for the lock itself remains untouched, retaining all its charm and reliability. What’s new, you ask? Well, now you have the option to bundle it with a shiny new module.
Yale has always been the master of versatility, offering locks with interchangeable modules that let you customize their connection method. It’s like having a lock with multiple personalities, giving you the freedom to choose how it communicates with the world.
In the past, Yale has delighted us with modules for Apple Home, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and more. But now, the star of the show is the Matter module, ready to converse with a compatible border router via Thread, promising seamless connectivity and an effortless smart home experience.
So, if you’ve been eagerly waiting for Matter to spread its wings and soar, Yale’s Assure SL lock with its new Matter module might just be the match made in heaven for your smart home aspirations. Embrace this whimsical blend of security and compatibility, and unlock a world of possibilities with a touch of Yale’s ingenious craftsmanship.
Meross Unleashes Socket Thermostat MTS960HK: Heat Up Your Smart Home with Style and Control
Meross has kicked off the presales for their latest innovation, the Socket Thermostat MTS960HK, and it’s heating up the smart home scene with its witty charm. This clever device slides effortlessly between your socket and heating or cooling appliances, giving you full control using its integrated temperature sensor.
For those looking to integrate a plug heating or cooling device (with a maximum power of 16A / 3,680W) into the realms of Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Samsung SmartThings, Meross has your back.
Equipped with a nifty display, this thermostat showcases both the current room temperature and the desired target temperature. Setting the target temperature is a breeze, whether you prefer adjusting it directly on the device itself, via the Meross app, or through one of the numerous smart home integrations. And let’s not forget the icing on the cake – the Meross app allows you to create a temperature schedule with up to 12 time periods per day, because who doesn’t love a well-timed blast of warmth or coolness?
But wait, there’s more! This thermostat is a jack-of-all-trades, featuring a plethora of functions to cover any scenario. From timers and alarms for extreme temperatures to sensor error alerts and temperature calibration, it has all your temperature-related worries covered. Oh, and did we mention the time-delayed safety function for cooling? Talk about staying cool under pressure.
Ready to get your hands on this temperature-controlling marvel? The Meross Socket Thermostat MTS960HK can be pre-ordered from their online store with an enticing 20% discount, for a cool €39.
Aqara Unveils a Quartet of Smart Home Marvels: Illuminate, Automate, and Elevate Your Living Space
Aqara Makes a Splash with Four New Smart Home Products: Light Strip, Ceiling Light, Curtain Motor, and Wall Switch. Aqara, the innovative smart home company, has unveiled an exciting lineup of new products to enhance your smart home experience. Let’s dive into the details:
- Aqara Light Strip T1: Designed with customers in mind, this addressable LED light strip brings vibrant colors to your space. With Zigbee 3.0 connectivity and 20cm segments (extendable with options), it offers ten separate color zones. From warm to cool whites and Apple’s Adaptive Lighting feature to a built-in mic for music synchronization, this light strip creates a mesmerizing ambiance. Plus, it doubles as a Zigbee repeater.
- Aqara Colour Ceiling Light T1: Taking illumination to the next level, Aqara introduces a color ceiling light. It combines warm to cool whites with customizable colors, providing a versatile lighting experience. The added backlight adds a captivating touch to your ceiling. With an IP20 dust rating and Zigbee 3.0 connectivity, it delivers both style and functionality.
- Aqara Curtain Motor C3: Aqara’s new curtain motor, powered by mains, boasts an impressive weight capacity of 80kg. Featuring adjustable opening/closing speeds, it offers convenient control over your curtains. Uniquely, you can manually trigger the motor by pulling the curtains, and it responds to your touch, allowing precise positioning. Operating at a whisper-quiet 26dB, this curtain motor ensures a peaceful environment.
- Aqara Smart Wall Switch Z1: Breaking new ground, Aqara introduces wired wall switches with wireless buttons. While specific details are limited, these switches feature a unique design, including both horizontal and vertical options. The square shape suggests suitability for China, the UK, and potentially the EU markets. Stay tuned for more updates on these innovative wall switches.
Compatible with Apple Home and Zigbee-based for potential integration with Matter, Aqara’s latest products promise to elevate your smart home to new heights. Experience stunning lighting, effortless curtain control, and advanced wall switch functionality with Aqara’s cutting-edge offerings. Get ready to transform your home into a truly smart sanctuary.
This is it for today, See you soon 😉. If you have colleagues, friends, or neighbors that would benefit from knowing about smart home devices, please consider sharing them. They can sign up for the newsletter by going here.
– Gerard
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