Apple and Google are updating their smart location streaming devices to Thread 1.4. As first spotted by Matter Alpha and 9to5 Google, the latest spec has arrived connected compatible Apple TVs successful the tvOS 27 developer beta and the Google TV Streamer done a package update.
This lays the groundwork for these devices, which service arsenic Thread Border Routers, to instrumentality Thread credential sharing, enabling them to link much easy to an existing Thread web rather than creating their own.
Thread is 1 of the connectivity protocols the interoperability modular Matter runs on. The original scheme was for Thread Border Routers to each activity seamlessly down the scenes, but that didn’t cookware out.
In 2024, the Thread 1.4 spec introduced a standardized measurement for separator routers to stock credentials. Two years later, pinch 1.4 connected board, the streamers should connection a much straightforward measurement for users, manufacturers, and ecosystems to stock the credentials truthful they subordinate your existing Thread network. Think of it for illustration sharing a Wi-Fi password.
However, it looks for illustration I’ll still person to hold for a unified Thread network. While the Google TV Streamer now offers the action to make a QR codification to subordinate a Thread network, it didn’t activity for me. And though DNS find devices show my Apple TV is connected Thread 1.4, location aren’t yet immoderate options to stock credentials successful the existent iOS and tvOS 27 dev betas. It’s worthy noting that 1.4 appeared successful a tvOS 26 beta, but sewage pulled earlier the last release.
Since there’s still nary dev beta for HomePod Software 27, the smart speakers aren’t joining the statement yet, either, and Google’s Nest Hubs still haven’t sewage a 1.4 update. My conjecture is the Google Home Speaker will onshore later this month pinch Thread 1.4.
The truth that the Apple TV and Google TV Streamer person Thread 1.4 astatine each is simply a large measurement successful the correct direction. To beryllium fair, Apple and Google already handled this credential-sharing rumor amended than immoderate different ecosystem — but unity present is only a bully thing. And, considering Samsung added support for credential sharing connected its SmartThings hubs past October, and Ikea’s Dirigera hub is connected Thread 1.4, we’re now conscionable waiting for Amazon to get connected committee and update its smart speakers to the latest spec. The company has said that will hap this year.
Once Amazon updates, the awesome ecosystems will each beryllium connected the aforesaid type of Thread, which could bring important improvements to Matter/Thread smart homes.
I, for one, can’t hold to spot my 9 different Thread networks unified into 1 giant, meshy goodness.
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