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Android 15 Will Support Matter Smart Home Devices with Thread Protocol Support

Posted on by darion

Android 15 adds support for Thread, a low-power networking protocol designed specifically for Matter smart home devices. This opens the door to potentially seamless smart home experiences, as Matter enables smart home devices to communicate with each other, regardless of brand. Matter doesn’t replace communication protocols like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but rather acts as a universal language, standardizing how devices communicate with each other. Thread, with its networking capabilities, offers unique advantages over traditional protocols. It’s highly energy efficient, a key advantage for battery-powered devices, and it allows devices to transmit signals and route data more efficiently. The result is a more reliable connection that’s also easily scalable, solving common problems in smart homes.

While Thread isn’t yet as widespread as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, its adoption is growing. Major tech players are integrating Thread into their devices, with Google enabling some TVs to act as Thread border routers, connecting Thread networks to Wi-Fi. Interestingly, Apple has already included Thread radios in iPhone 15 Pro models, showing its commitment to the technology.

Android 15 Thread Network Settings | Image Source – Mishaal Rahman (Android Authority)

According to the research results, Android 15 Not only will it include support for the Thread network stack, but it will also introduce a “Use Thread” toggle in its settings, as seen in the images above. This allows devices with Thread radios to communicate directly with other Thread network devices, bypassing the need for a separate Thread border router. This direct communication can increase the speed and responsiveness of smart home operations, and even enable local service without internet access.

While it has not yet been confirmed which specific Android phones will feature Thread radios, the addition of Thread support in Android 15 marks a significant step towards greater interoperability and better performance in smart homes. This has the potential to revolutionize the way smart devices interact, providing users with a more connected and seamless experience. I’m definitely looking forward to being able to incorporate more smart technologies into my home without worrying about what ecosystem they’re in.