When Apple launched the HomePod Mini late last year, a lot of attention was paid to making the smart speaker compatible with Thread. Until Apple's launch, Thread was a little-known smart home technology that certainly wasn't a catchphrase on everyone's lips. Now, it has become a term that is being heard more and more when it comes to smart home devices. But what is Thread and why do smart home devices need it? Here is everything you need to know.
What is Thread?
Thread is a wireless standard for smart home devices that, like Zigbee and Z-wave, allows smart home devices to work together. Unlike Zigbee and Z-wave, Thread devices create a mesh network in which each device acts as an access point or node and communicates with each other instead of just the main access point. The more Thread-enabled devices you install in your home, the bigger and stronger the mesh network will be. It also means there's no need for a third-party hub or service, be it Alexa, IFTTT or Siri, to allow different devices to work together.
How is Thread different from existing protocols?
Thread is different from existing protocols in several respects.
If a Thread smart home device drops the connection, other Thread-enabled devices provide a connection so that it can still be monitored. It is low latency, which means it responds to your commands faster. No more delays between pressing the app and turning on your smart bulbs, or asking your voice assistant to turn a smart plug on or off.It is low power so if your smart home devices are battery powered they will last much longer between charges or require battery replacement.
![HomePod mini]()
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Who created Thread?
The nonprofit Thread Group developed the technology. The group is made up of engineers and developers from big names in smart home like Apple, Amazon and Google, as well as LG and Samsung.
What do I need to use Thread?
You will need a smart home device that works as a Thread Border router so that the different devices can communicate with each other. The HomePod Mini is the first smart home device to offer this functionality. However, more are expected to be available throughout 2021. Threaded devices can be associated with the front-end router in seconds.
What devices does Thread support?
There are currently only a handful of devices that support Thread, but the list is growing. These include:
![Google Nest Hub Max]()
(Image credit: Future) Nanoleaf and Eve have committed to launching more Thread-enabled devices in 2021.
How do I know if a smart home device is Thread compatible?
Products supporting the technology will carry a "Built on Thread" or "Thread Certified Component" badge. These badges indicate that the products have been rigorously tested.
How many Thread devices can I connect at the same time?
Thread Group claims that more than 250 devices can be connected to each other using this technology.
Is Thread safe?
Thread uses AES encryption (the same protocol used by Zigbee and Z-Wave) combined with standard banking cryptology. This means that each device creates a secure connection with the others, which, according to the Thread Group, is more difficult to hack.