Google’s latest releases make it clear that the company sees Matter and Thread as key pieces of the smart home ecosystems of the future. The company implemented Thread radios in the Pixel 9 series and Google TV Streamer for future proofing. The latter could become the ideal control hub for your devices at home. Now, a new finding suggests deeper integration of Thread networks into Google Play Services.
Android Authority spotted some Thread-related strings in the latest Google Play Services beta (v24.38). The strings mention things like “Thread Networks” and “Thread Networks Control Center,” which are pretty explicit about Google’s plans. The Mountain View seems to be working on letting you set up and manage Thread-supported networks using Google Play Services as a hub.
Google reportedly integrating Thread networks support into Google Play Services
Currently, Google has smartphones and a set-top box with built-in Thread radio. So, you could use any of those products as a “control center” for all of your Thread-supported smart products at home. The company has been working on making the process of setting up Thread networks easier by developing a Thread credentials cloud backup feature. Furthermore, Google is also embracing the Thread credentials sharing feature, which was announced by the Thread Group earlier this year.
There’s still no ETA for Thread networks integration into Google Play Services. However, it’s possible that you’ll still have to wait a while to enjoy the full benefits of the protocol. After all, you’d have to upgrade your current devices to Thread-supported ones. The work on Google and Thread Group is all about the medium and long term. It is possible that in the coming years most smart home products (and many phones) will integrate a Thread radio.
What are Thread and Matter?
If you’re not aware, Thread is a protocol that ensures faster communication between supported devices in a Matter smart home ecosystem. It offers better performance than the classic WiFi and Bluetooth protocols. However, products must integrate a dedicated Thread radio to take advantage of its benefits. On the other hand, Matter is a “common language” that enables interoperability between all compatible devices.
If you’ve ever tried to shop for smart home products, you’ll have noticed that there’s a noticeable fragmentation in terms of platform support. You’ll find devices that support Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple’s HomeKit, or Samsung’s SmartThings. Some devices include support for two of those smart home platforms, but many only support one. What Matter wants is for all those products to communicate. That would open up a plethora of possibilities, such as managing smart light bulbs designed for Alexa from Google Home.