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Home Assistant’s Matter Server 1.5.0 beta upgrades to the Matter.JS 0.18.0 engine and adds a dedicated camera API with two-way audio, custom support for Aqara and IKEA hardware, and faster offline detection. The release lays groundwork for Matter 1.6.1 group messaging, but is not yet stable and some features need Home Assistant Core work to become accessible.
Home Assistant’s Matter Server 1.5.0 beta adds a dedicated camera API with two-way audio, custom support for upcoming Aqara and IKEA devices, and the protocol foundation for Matter 1.6.1 group messaging. The update, described in the Matter.JS Server changelog, is aimed at improving how Home Assistant manages cameras, sensors, thermostats and other Matter-connected equipment; it has not yet reached the stable release.
The server update moves to the Matter.JS 0.18.0 engine and introduces WebSocket Schema version 14, including an API that manages camera stream negotiation and WebRTC sessions for connected clients. A new talkback: true parameter allows users to speak through compatible Matter cameras and video doorbells from supported dashboards or client apps. The report names the Aqara Camera Hub G350 as an example. It also cites fixes for dropped WebRTC sessions and more specific error codes for stream troubleshooting.
For the Aqara Spatial Multi-Sensor FP400, the server adds definitions and Python client support for three vendor-specific clusters. The changes are intended to expose functions such as sensing configuration, detection zones and real-time target-position events over Matter. For IKEA’s LILJEBAGGE radiator thermostat, the update adds a custom ValveCalibration cluster and a server-dashboard control panel for calibrating compatible valves without an IKEA hub.
Other reported changes include removing a fixed three-minute offline grace period, so a device can be marked unavailable once Matter.JS determines it cannot be reached. Network graph labels are updated to match Thread 1.4 terminology. The server also adds guest PIN and expiration controls for door locks, commissioning details for sharing devices with other platforms, and new interactive command panels for several device categories.
More Matter Devices, Fewer Workarounds
The changes could make Home Assistant more useful for households combining equipment from different smart-home brands. Camera talkback gives compatible users a way to speak through a Matter camera or doorbell from supported clients, while the Aqara and IKEA cluster work exposes manufacturer features that standard Matter functions may not cover.
Matter 1.6.1 support also sets up a change to how groups of devices can respond. The report says Home Assistant has handled group actions through sequential commands, which can cause lights to switch at slightly different times. Native IPv6 multicast group messaging is the protocol-level foundation for sending group commands together, but the beta’s groundwork should not be read as confirmation that every group action will immediately become faster. Device, network and Home Assistant Core support will affect what users can access.
Home Assistant Matter camera with two-way audio
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From Matter Groups to Device-Specific Features
Matter is a connectivity standard for smart-home devices, while Matter Server is the controller component used by Home Assistant to communicate with Matter equipment. The report says the Open Home Foundation is preparing the server update and identifies version 1.5.0 as the release in beta. The headline’s reference to Matter 1.6.1 concerns support and protocol groundwork in that server release, not a claim that the server itself is version 1.6.1.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance released Matter 1.6.1 in September, according to the report. It moved Groupcast out of provisional status and added independent volume and mute controls for doorbell chimes. Separately, manufacturers can use custom clusters for functions beyond Matter’s standard device capabilities. The server’s Aqara and IKEA additions are aimed at handling those vendor-specific features in Home Assistant.
“The server is upgrading to the Matter.JS 0.18.0 engine to introduce official support for Matter 1.6.1.”
— Matter Alpha report on the Matter Server 1.5.0 changelog
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Beta Status and Support Limits
Version 1.5.0 is still in beta, and the source says a stable rollout is expected soon without giving a date. It is not clear which features will be available immediately through Home Assistant’s interface: the report says most new features still require changes in Home Assistant Core to become more accessible.
The source does not specify the full list of compatible cameras, IKEA thermostat models or client apps for talkback and calibration. Nor does it establish how quickly group messaging will improve real-world response times across different networks and devices. Users should check the release notes and compatibility details for their particular setup before relying on a feature.
IKEA LILJEBAGGE radiator thermostat
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Stable Release and Core Integration
The next milestone is a stable release of Matter Server 1.5.0. The report says users can opt into the beta through the Matter Server settings, while those who prefer a stable installation can wait for the add-on rollout. Home Assistant Core changes may also be needed before some of the new server functions are available through everyday controls.
Release notes and implementation details should clarify the final rollout timing, supported devices and which features require separate Home Assistant updates. Until then, the reported additions describe beta capabilities and foundations rather than a guarantee that every Matter 1.6.1 or vendor-specific feature is ready for all users.
Matter-compatible smart door lock with guest PIN
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Key Questions
Is Matter Server 1.5.0 available as a stable release?
No. The report says version 1.5.0 is in beta and that a stable rollout is expected soon, but it gives no release date.
What does camera talkback add?
A new camera API supports WebRTC session management and a talkback: true stream parameter for two-way audio on compatible cameras and supported clients.
Which Aqara and IKEA devices are named?
The report names the Aqara Spatial Multi-Sensor FP400 and IKEA’s LILJEBAGGE radiator thermostat. It does not provide a complete compatibility list.
Will Matter 1.6.1 make grouped lights respond together?
The update adds the protocol foundation for native multicast group messaging, which could reduce staggered responses. The report does not confirm the real-world effect for every device or setup.
How can users try the beta?
The report says users can enable the beta option in Matter Server settings. Some functions may still need Home Assistant Core changes before they are accessible in normal use.
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