CSA Offers User Friendly Features with Matter 1.4.1
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has today released Matter 1.4.1, a ‘minor’ update, but with some major usability improvements aimed at making device setup simpler and more seamless – not just for manufacturers, but for everyday users too.
Whether you’re adding a smart bulb, plug, or thermostat to your setup, these latest changes are all about reducing friction and improving reliability. And for those of us who’ve dealt with the occasional QR code dance or app-switching faff, this update is a welcome one.
ENHANCED SETUP FLOW (ESF): TERMS & CONDITIONS WITHOUT THE HASSLE
One of the standout additions in Matter 1.4.1 is the Enhanced Setup Flow (ESF), which lets smart home ecosystems (like Apple Home of course) display a manufacturer’s terms and conditions directly in the setup app. That means no more hopping over to a separate app just to tick a few boxes.
For manufacturers, it’s a straightforward way to meet legal requirements like GDPR without disrupting the user experience. For users, it’s one less app to download at the least.
If the commissioner app doesn’t support ESF yet, the system will still fall back to the traditional Custom Commissioning Flow – but as support grows, we should see fewer and fewer detours during device onboarding.
MULTI-DEVICE QR CODES: SETUP IN ONE GO
Setting up multiple Matter devices also just got a whole lot easier. The new Multi-Device Setup QR code feature allows you to commission multiple devices from a single scan – particularly handy for multi-packs of smart plugs, lights, or sensors.
Rather than scanning individual codes one after the other, Matter 1.4.1 lets supported apps handle everything in one go, significantly speeding up the process.
NFC TAG SUPPORT: TAP TO ONBOARD
Not every device is easy to scan – think bulbs already in fittings or wall-mounted switches with QR codes hidden away. The new Onboarding Info in NFC Tag feature solves this by allowing manufacturers to embed onboarding data into NFC tags, so users can just tap their phone to the device to get started. It’s another layer of convenience alongside the existing QR and manual code methods, and it’s especially useful for fixed installations or harder-to-reach products.
WHAT ELSE IS IN 1.4.1?
This marks Matter’s first “minor” update, but there’s more here than bug fixes. The release also expands the certification programme to cover the newly finalised ESF and NFC features, and brings a range of small refinements to help improve reliability across the board.
Looking ahead, the CSA says these minor point releases will continue to deliver features that are ready to ship – without waiting for major version milestones – helping manufacturers bring products to market faster while keeping the Matter experience moving forward.
While Matter 1.4.1 doesn’t add brand new device categories (yes, we’re still waiting for camera support…), the focus on refining the setup process is a strong signal that the CSA is listening to both users and developers. For HomeKit users, the hope is that Apple and other platforms adopt these updates quickly, helping streamline the experience across a growing number of Matter-supported accessories.
