Honestly, the protocols that run our connected devices aren't exactly the most exciting parts of the technology world to write about. But they are important.
Take this announcement from Samsung, which proclaims that SmartThings is the first smart home platform to support Matter 1.5.
That may not mean much at first glance, but a deeper dive means that you will soon be able to view and control Matter home security cameras from within the SmartThings app.
The Matter 1.5 specification was released in November by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, and camera support was one of the most anticipated additions to the smart home standard. Previously, manufacturers had to build custom integrations for each platform, but now they can create cameras that work across different ecosystems using a single open standard.
At some point this month, Samsung will roll out SmartThings updates that expand the platform's existing support for Matter devices, which already includes lights, door locks, switches, and sensors, to now cover cameras as well.
This makes SmartThings the first major platform to support the new device category, beating the likes of Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa to the punch.
In practical terms, this means SmartThings will support live streaming, clip storage, two-way talk, motion detection, event history, and motion and privacy zones.
If you've got a compatible camera, you'll be able to pan, tilt, and zoom directly from the app, receive alerts when motion is detected, and even have a conversation through the camera's two-way audio.
Samsung has partnered with Aqara, Eve, and Xthings to develop the first wave of Matter-compatible cameras for the platform. These devices are expected to arrive in the Australian and global markets starting from March 2026. Xthings has already announced the Ulticam IQ V2 as its first Matter camera.
For manufacturers, this is a game-changer. Instead of needing to create separate APIs and integrations for every smart home platform, they can now build a single Matter-compatible camera that works everywhere. For consumers, it means more choice and less vendor lock-in.
It's worth noting that SmartThings already supports cameras from brands like Aqara, Arlo, Hue, and Ring through various other protocols. This Matter update won't replace those integrations, but it will expand the options available, making it easier to mix and match devices from different manufacturers in your smart home setup.
The Matter 1.5 update also brings improvements beyond cameras. The specification adds enhanced features for closure operations, including blinds, awnings, and garage doors, along with improved energy management capabilities.
Samsung's rapid adoption of Matter 1.5, just over a month after its official release, demonstrates the company's commitment to the standard. Through its Works With SmartThings certification programme, the platform now supports more than 4,700 models from over 390 partner brands, including 58 different Matter device types.
"Samsung aims to ensure that products and services built on different brands and protocols deliver a unified experience through SmartThings," said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings Team at Samsung Electronics. "We will continue to expand our support for industry standards, including Matter, and further strengthen collaboration to drive new customer experiences."
The updates will roll out to SmartThings Hubs, including the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2, Aeotec Smart Home Hub, SmartThings Hub 2018, and ThingsOne Smart Home Hub. The SmartThings Hub 2015 will receive support later in 2026.
So yes, this is a pretty dull protocol update, but it's a big one that should help simplify your home security future. And that matters.
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