The Z-Wave Alliance launched the 2024B Z-Wave Specification and, at the same time, the introduction of a new Accelerator Membership Level aimed at startups and young companies in the IoT ecosystem.
The 2024B Z-Wave Specification Package includes documents that have undergone an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) review and includes updates that significantly enhance the Z-Wave Certification program, introduces new and updated Z-Wave Command Classes, and unlocks exciting new tools for developers. These updates to the overall Z-Wave Specification have been implemented to ensure improved functionality, regulatory compliance, and provide a seamless path forward for developers and manufacturers.
Highlights of Z-Wave 2024B include:
- Command Class Updates: the updated Z-Wave specification introduces several significant advancements to Command Classes, further enhancing device interoperability, customization, and security. Notable 2024B updates include the User Credential Command class which is used to manage various user credentials for gaining access to properties, typically through unlocking or opening doors.
- Updated Certification Requirements: The robust Z-Wave certification process has been further elevated through the adoption of the latest Compliance Test Tool (CTT) version 3.9.1. The latest version further ensures rigorous validation of device performance and includes SmartStart, S2, and Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) support.
- New Certification Tool Features: The 2024B-2 Certification Program and Tools update was released on January 15, 2025. Key additions include enhanced range testing benchmarks, streamlined cross-portal cloning for seamless recertifications, updated emulator support for ZWLR, SmartStart, and User Credential Command Classes (UCCC), along with IP-based devices.
- The upcoming Z-Wave 2024B-3 update addresses a frequency change proposal for ZWLR in the EU. Due to ETSI regulatory requirements, the frequencies for ZWLR-EU will transition from 864.4 MHz and 866.4 MHz to 864 MHz and 866 MHz. This change ensures compliance with regulatory standards and includes updated PHY specifications, and updated product and protocol certification for vendor software. Members can expect to see the final update made to 2024B and the opening of ZWLR EU certification by April of 2025.
In addition to the updates found within the 2024B Specification package, the Alliance announced the launch of its Accelerator Membership Level. This new membership tier is specifically designed to empower startups and emerging IoT companies, providing them with affordable access to the resources, support, and collaborative environment of the Z-Wave Alliance.
The Accelerator Membership Level offers a tiered fee structure and access to all Z-Wave Alliance materials and working groups, ensuring new members have the tools and knowledge to succeed. Companies can join in Year 1 for a discounted fee of $2,500, with gradual increases in subsequent years as they progress through product development, certification, and market launch. By Year 5, Accelerator Members transition to the standard manufacturer membership level, fully integrated into the Z-Wave ecosystem. The Accelerator Membership program has been structured to encourage engagement and participation. As part of their commitment, members under this program are asked to participate in the working groups of the Alliance to qualify for discounted membership.