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Google has released a new update for the Google TV Streamer device, which at first glance looks like an ordinary patch package. However, in reality, it brings one of the most important changes for users of smart home systems. The update introduces support for Thread 1.4, which is the latest version of the communication protocol developed by the largest tech companies.
Smart home of different brands is finally supposed to work better
Thread is a modern network protocol used by devices compliant with the Matter standard. Its main task is to create a stable mesh network that operates independently of Wi-Fi and becomes stronger with the addition of more compatible devices. Until now, one of the biggest problems has been separate Thread networks created by devices from different manufacturers. In practice, this meant that devices from Google, Apple, or other brands did not always cooperate as smoothly as users expected. Thread 1.4 is supposed to solve this problem, allowing devices to create one shared network. However, the condition is to update all compatible devices to the latest version of the standard, which may still take a few months.
Larger range and simpler setup
The new version of Thread also introduces the feature Thread-over-Infrastructure, which allows existing Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections to be used to extend the smart home range. The Google TV Streamer has also gained the ability to easily share Thread network keys using QR codes. As a result, adding new devices to the smart home should be significantly simpler than before. Additionally, the Thread 1.4 standard has been designed to reduce energy consumption by smart home devices, which may lead to longer operation of battery-powered equipment.
Although the Google TV Streamer update does not introduce any spectacular changes visible on the screen, it may prove to be one of the most important for smart home users. Support for Thread 1.4 is expected to improve the collaboration of devices from different manufacturers, increase network stability, and simplify the configuration of the entire Matter ecosystem. For those developing a smart home, this is definitely one of the more interesting updates in recent months.
source: flatpanelshd
