All articles tagged with #thread
The M6 Mac mini reveals key specs not highlighted by Apple: memory bandwidth varies by RAM (16GB at 153GB/s, 24/32GB at 170GB/s; up to 307GB/s with M5 Pro), the inclusion of an Apple-designed N1 chip enabling Thread support, and preinstallation of macOS Golden Gate. Pre-orders start at $899 and the device is set to ship on September 22.
Apple and Google updated their streaming devices to Thread 1.4 (tvOS 27 beta for Apple TV and a software update for Google TV Streamer), enabling a credential-sharing workflow to join existing Thread networks. This sets the stage for a single Thread/Matter ecosystem, but user-facing credential sharing isn’t fully live yet (with limited functionality in tests) and a number of devices (e.g., HomePod, Nest Hubs) haven’t rolled out 1.4.
CNET tests Aqara’s P100 Multi-State Sensor, a palm-sized device under $50 that can monitor doors, drawers, windows, and even objects for tampering or vibration. It supports Thread (for Matter ecosystems) and Zigbee, works with Aqara’s app, and can trigger automations—offering a versatile, low-cost alternative to bulkier sensors. While highly capable, full features may require a Zigbee hub and occasional recalibration when switching modes.
Samsung SmartThings now supports IKEA’s 25 Matter-enabled devices via Thread, enabling direct connection to the SmartThings hub and broader compatibility with Samsung appliances and third-party products. The integration includes devices like bulbs, plugs, sensors, and a scroll wheel remote, and adds features such as Sleep environment insights and Family Care. Built on Matter and Thread 1.4, the update aims to simplify setup and expand the smart‑home ecosystem across brands, with availability varying by market.
The iPad Air M4 adds an M4 chip, a C1X cellular modem, and an N1 for Wi‑Fi 7/Bluetooth 6/Thread, delivering roughly 20–25% faster CPU and 10–15% faster GPU versus the M3 Air; the upgrade is noticeable but not transformative, Pro models remain the better choice for power users, and the $599 price with 128GB base storage is a caveat—upgrade if you’re on older iPads, otherwise you can likely skip this year’s bump.
Apple has introduced a new iPad Air powered by the M4 chip, promising up to 30% faster performance than the M3 and upgrading wireless with Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Cellular models use a C1X modem for up to 50% faster data and about 30% lower energy use. Preorders begin March 4 with shipping starting March 11; pricing starts at $599 for the 11-inch Wi‑Fi model (128GB, upgradeable to 1TB), $749 for the cellular variant, while the 13-inch Wi‑Fi starts at $799 and cellular at $949, in Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray.
Ikea’s Matter-over-Thread smart home devices—including lights, a smart button, and sensors—are facing onboarding and connectivity problems for some users, with multiple devices failing to pair or stay connected across major platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Ikea says it’s aware of the issues and is investigating with ecosystem partners and the Connectivity Standards Alliance to fix the problems as Matter deployments continue.
Apple's new M5-powered iPad Pro supports the Thread smart home protocol with the N1 wireless chip, potentially enabling it to serve as a smart home hub again and improve control of Thread devices, although its full capabilities and future implications remain to be seen.
IKEA is shifting from Zigbee to Thread for its smart home products, adopting the Matter standard, which is seen as more open but has limitations such as device incompatibility and licensing costs. The move has sparked debate over the openness and security of Matter and Thread, with concerns about closed ecosystems, device certification, and network fragmentation. Despite some frustrations with current smart home ecosystems, many users value the stability and flexibility offered by platforms like Home Assistant, which can integrate various protocols and devices, though they face challenges with device reliability and network complexity.
Ikea is relaunching its smart home line with over 20 new Matter-over-Thread devices, aiming to make smart home products more affordable, compatible across brands, and easier to use. The company is updating its Dirigera hub to support Matter and Thread, enabling seamless control of compatible devices from various brands, and maintaining backward compatibility with Zigbee. This move positions Ikea as a major retailer adopting Matter for broader interoperability and user-friendly smart home experiences.
Apple has included an unannounced Thread radio in many of its recent Macs and iPads, according to FCC reports. Although not listed in the device specifications, these radios could be for future smart home integrations, enhancing connectivity and reliability for smart home devices.
Eve Systems has announced the Eve Energy Outlet, a Thread-enabled, Matter-compatible wall outlet with energy monitoring capabilities. The outlet can be controlled individually and works with various platforms, including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. However, energy monitoring can only be accessed through Eve's app or the Samsung SmartThings app. The company also revealed plans for a Matter version of its Thread smart light switch and the launch of its own smart blinds collection. Matter is an interoperability standard developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung to provide a common language for smart home devices to communicate locally without relying on a cloud connection.
Austrian smart lock maker Nuki has launched its Matter-over-Thread smart lock, the Nuki Smart Lock 4.0, which is the first smart lock built from the ground up to work with the new smart home standard. The lock comes in two versions, with the Pro version having Wi-Fi built-in. The addition of Thread support brings longer battery life, increased reliability, and faster speed. Matter-over-Thread allows for remote access without using Wi-Fi, and the lock is compatible with major smart home platforms. Nuki is also launching a Pro version of its fingerprint keypad accessory. The lock is currently available in Europe but can be shipped to the US.
Aqara has released its first Matter-over-Thread sensor, the Door and Window Sensor P2, which can be integrated into existing Matter-enabled smart homes without the need for an Aqara hub. The sensor uses a magnet to detect if doors or windows are opened or closed, offering various applications such as enhancing security or alerting users to open freezer doors. Aqara's sensor features a nondescript design and comes with adhesive mounting options. The company plans to release a Hub M3 and update its Aqara Home app to support Matter, enabling additional features for the sensor. Aqara is also working on adding Matter support to its existing hubs and has a roadmap for more Thread-enabled smart devices.
Amazon's latest update brings support for Thread to its fourth-gen Echo smart speaker, iOS setup compatibility, and Matter support for older Echo devices. The update also includes a partnership with Eve, a previously HomeKit-focused company, to integrate with Matter-enabled Echo devices and the Works with Alexa universe. Matter is a smart home standard that aims to make smart home devices faster, more reliable, secure, and easy to use, while Thread is a purpose-made mesh networking protocol for smart home platforms and devices.