Thread Direct Aims to Simplify Smart Home Device Setup
A new feature named Thread Direct is being added to the smart home networking protocol Thread. This update is designed to simplify the setup of Thread-powered devices, allowing users to onboard smart plugs, smart locks, and similar gadgets directly from a compatible phone or mobile device equipped with a Thread radio. This development is intended to eliminate the prior requirement of a Thread border router for initial device configuration.
The smart home networking protocol Thread is introducing a new feature called Thread Direct, designed to simplify the setup process for smart home devices.
Thread Direct will enable users to configure Thread-powered devices, such as smart plugs and smart locks, using only a mobile phone or device equipped with a Thread radio. This means that a separate Thread border router will no longer be necessary for onboarding these devices. Compatible mobile devices that feature Thread radios include many iPhone models, newer Pixel phones, and the latest Samsung flagship devices.
Thread is a low-powered, low-latency mesh networking protocol that allows devices to communicate locally. It is also one of the core networking technologies utilized by Matter, the smart home interoperability standard.
According to The Verge, this advancement seeks to address a significant challenge in the setup of Matter-compatible devices.
