The beta version of Home Assistant 2026.10 introduces new features related to Matter, a standard designed to allow smart home devices from different manufacturers to work together seamlessly. This update adds specific settings for leak sensors, locks, and electrical measurements. The stable version of the software is expected to be released on October 7. Matter aims to create a universal language for smart home devices, but the exact features available depend on the platform and how it chooses to present them to users. Home Assistant, an open-source platform for managing smart home devices, continues to expand its capabilities with each monthly update. Previous versions introduced features like managing lock PIN codes and organizing vacuum cleaner cleaning tasks by zones, and the 2026.10 beta continues this trend by adding new settings that were previously unavailable through its Matter integration. In the beta, compatible Matter leak sensors now offer two separate switches: one for the audible alarm and one for the visual alarm. These switches allow users to adjust the sensor's behavior independently, meaning changing one does not affect the other. According to early testers, some existing models, such as the IKEA KLIPPBOK, already benefit from this feature. The update also includes several improvements to pairing and stability. For example, Bluetooth pairing now prioritizes the latest announcement from a device, making it easier to add new devices without going through a list of previous discoveries. Additionally, a cache that could have delayed Google Assistant from recognizing Matter device identifiers has been removed, and new safeguards help prevent issues caused by devices sending unexpected data. Beyond Matter, the 2026.10 beta also brings changes to the Map dashboard and automation features. The Map dashboard now includes a view that groups people, devices, and zones, displayed alongside the map on computers and in a sliding panel on mobile devices. People are shown with their photos, and zones have their own icons and colors. Automations, which are sets of instructions that trigger specific actions, have also been simplified. A new "Triggered by" condition allows users to select triggers directly without needing to create an identifier manually. This means a leak notification and an alert end notification can coexist in the same routine, each with its own trigger and action. The beta version is currently available to users of Home Assistant OS through the Settings menu, under System, Updates, and by clicking the "three dots" button before selecting "Join the beta." However, since some features may still change or be removed before the stable release on October 7, waiting for the final version may be the best option for users who want a more stable experience. The update highlights Home Assistant's ongoing efforts to improve its smart home management capabilities while ensuring compatibility and usability for its users.