Apple and Google are updating their sensible house streaming units to Thread 1.4. As first noticed by Matter Alpha and 9to5 Googlethe most recent spec has arrived on appropriate Apple TVs within the tvOS 27 dev beta and the Google TV Streamer via a software program replace.
Thread is likely one of the connectivity protocols the interoperability normal Matter runs on. The unique plan was for Thread Border Routers to all work seamlessly behind the scenes, however that didn’t pan out.
In 2024, the Thread 1.4 spec launched a standardized approach for border routers to share credentials. Two years later, with 1.4 on board, the streamers ought to provide a extra simple approach for customers, producers, and ecosystems to share the credentials in order that they be part of your present Thread community. Consider it like sharing a Wi-Fi password.
Nonetheless, it appears like I’ll nonetheless have to attend for a unified Thread community. Whereas the Google TV Streamer now affords the choice to generate a QR code to hitch a Thread community, it didn’t work for me. And though DNS discovery instruments present my Apple TV is on Thread 1.4, there aren’t but any choices to share credentials within the present iOS and tvOS 27 betas. It’s value noting that 1.4 appeared in a tvOS 26 beta, however acquired pulled earlier than the ultimate launch.
Since there’s no dev beta for HomePod Software program 27, the sensible audio system aren’t becoming a member of the occasion but, both, and Google’s Nest Hubs nonetheless haven’t acquired a 1.4 replace. My guess is the Google Home Speaker will land later this month with Thread 1.4.
The truth that the Apple TV and Google TV Streamer have Thread 1.4 in any respect is a giant step in the correct path. To be honest, Apple and Google already dealt with this credential-sharing difficulty higher than another ecosystem — however unity right here is simply factor. And, contemplating Samsung added support for credential sharing on its SmartThings hubs final October, and Ikea’s Dirigera hub is on Thread 1.4, we’re now simply ready for Amazon to get on board and replace its sensible audio system to the most recent spec. The company has said that may occur this 12 months.
As soon as Amazon updates, the foremost ecosystems will all be on the identical model of Thread, which might deliver important enhancements to Matter/Thread smart homes.
I, for one, can’t wait to see my 9 totally different Thread networks unified into one large, meshy goodness.
