- Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
- Amazon Eero 6, 6 Plus, Pro 6E, Eero 7, Pro 7, Max 7, PoE 6, and PoE Gateway
- Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen), Echo Show 15 (second-gen), Echo Show 21 (second-gen), and Echo Hub
- Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
- Apple HomePod Mini
- Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen and 3rd Gen with Wi-Fi + Ethernet)
- Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
- Google Nest Hub Max
- Google Nest Wifi and Nest Wifi Pro
- Google TV Streamer 4K
- Samsung SmartThings Station, Hub v3, and Hub Dongle
- Samsung Sensible TVs (CU8000, CU7000, NEO QLED 8K and 4K)
- Aqara Smart Hub M3
- Homey Pro
A Temporary Historical past of Thread
Initially developed by Nest (earlier than the Google acquisition), Thread has existed since 2011. Devised as a power-efficient mesh networking know-how for internet-of-things (IoT) merchandise, Thread gathered tempo after the 2014 formation of the Thread Group, which develops the know-how and drives its adoption as an business commonplace. Founding members like ARM, Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm have been joined by Apple, Amazon, and lots of different massive firms through the years.
The Thread specification is obtainable without spending a dime, however there’s an end-user license settlement (EULA) for adopters. Thread has advanced, with new variations and options rolling out each couple of years. New variations are backward suitable, so new units can work alongside older ones. Generally older Thread units could be upgraded to the newest model, however not at all times.
The most recent model, Thread 1.4, landed in 2024, bringing credential sharing, which permits for networks fashioned in numerous ecosystems (comparable to Apple Dwelling, Google Dwelling, Amazon Alexa) and totally different Thread Border Routers to kind one massive mesh, as a substitute of a number of separate meshes. Sadly, though the Thread 1.4 specification is obtainable, it takes some time for producers to undertake it and undergo certification.
To study extra about Thread, try the official Thread Group website.
How Does Thread Work With Matter?
Thread is what allows units to attach to one another, and Matter is the language they use to speak. Thread really helps varied software layers, like Matter, that sit on prime. It could possibly even assist a number of software layers concurrently. Matter makes use of Thread, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet for gadget connectivity. If the gadget is battery-powered and bandwidth necessities are low, it should choose Thread. For prime-bandwidth and always-on (plugged-in) units (like safety cameras), it should select Wi-Fi. Matter additionally makes use of Bluetooth LE for the preliminary setup of some units. You will discover out extra in my Matter guide.
Thread vs. Zigbee
Zigbee has been round longer than Thread and is predicated on the identical wi-fi know-how. It could possibly additionally create sturdy mesh networks, options safe encryption, and is nice for low-power units. As a result of Zigbee has its personal software and community layers, it requires a proprietary hub that acts as a gateway for connections, whereas Thread is IPv6, so it will possibly seamlessly combine with current IP-based networks by any Thread Border Router. Thread can also be decrease latency than Zigbee, so good house units reply extra rapidly.
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