Android's Possible Embrace of Thread Protocol: Why It's a Big Deal
Major tech players may embrace Matter by supporting the Thread protocol, in a move that could revolutionize the industry.
Recently, Android 15 Developer Preview added a Thread Network Stack, allowing Android smartphones with Thread radios to directly control Thread smart home devices. Additionally, Apple has already incorporated Thread radios into the iPhone 15 Pro models, iPad, and MacBook, demonstrating its commitment to this technology.
The decision of Apple and Google is undoubtedly a recognition of the performance and potential of Thread technology, and will further promote the popularization and application of Thread technology. Samsung, a key member of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, may also upgrade its smartphones to keep up with the trend.
Thread is an IPv6-based, low-power mesh networking technology. It was often used as a transport for Matter (the combination being known as Matter over Thread), the protocol has seen increased use for connecting low-power and battery-operated smart-home devices, such as smart light bulbs, door locks, and thermostats. Moreover, Thread is also applicable to other scenarios, including connecting peripheral devices such as smartwatches, medical equipment, fitness equipment, trackers, keyboards, and mouses to computers, smartphones, or tablets.
Thread in China: The peril and the promise
It is speculated that Google Mobile Service may provide a technical framework for Thread network service. Still, Chinese mobile phone manufacturers do not support using Google services in Chinese Mainland. Therefore, applying the Thread protocol on mobile phones might face considerable uncertainty in the Chinese market. If, in the future, Google Mobile Service is decoupled from Thread and the technical framework is open-sourced to the Android developer community, it may be possible to solve the difficulty of Thread adoption in Android phones.
In addition, the Matter protocol has not yet become the mainstream choice for ecosystems in mainland China. For example, Xiaomi and Huawei have both developed their own IoT ecosystems. Suppose there is potential for promoting Thread in mobile in China. In that case, manufacturers might prefer to integrating Thread into their proprietary technology standards rather than adopting Matter over Thread.
Moreover, there is still uncertainty about the implementation of Thread on mobile phones, as Thread has not yet launched a certification scheme for mobile phones.
Technical Issues Pending Resolution
Imagine you are listening to music on your phone via Bluetooth and earphones while also wanting to control smart devices through the Thread network. Of course you would expect the music to play smoothly and the devices to respond promptly. This places higher performance demands on both the phone and its chipset.
Built-in antennas now need to handle communication tasks across multiple networks, including Wi-Fi, cellular, and Thread. Efficiently and rationally allocating these tasks with low-power consumption has become a new challenge. Chip suppliers also need to work with device makers to enhance the chip's compatibility and Thread network performance.
User Experience Set to Improve
Good news for Android users! Once Thread is integrated into Android phones, users will be able to directly connect to Thread devices using their phones. This will make phones a new sleep-capable border router for pairing and controlling smart devices, enabling a seamless smart home experience.
And it's not just good news for users, manufacturers will also benefit from this integration, as it will attract more Android phone users to buy smart devices! Integrating Thread into mobile phones can allow more users to experience smart devices before considering the purchase of IoT gateway devices. Challenges and opportunities coexist. The protocol stack on IoT chips within smart devices will become more complex, requiring solution providers with strong R&D capabilities to adapt and upgrade the Thread modules.
Both Apple and Google are confident in the future of Thread technology, with products already on the market. Providing an excellent user experience remains the goal for smart device manufacturers, so the addition of Thread support in smartphones marks a significant step towards greater interoperability and improved performance in smart homes. This could potentially revolutionize the way smart devices interact, fostering a more connected and seamless user experience.
This article presents our analysis of the potential development of Thread in mobile devices. As an early advocate and promoter of Thread in Mobile, HooRii Technology focuses on the developing, testing, certification, and mass production of Matter over Thread products, helping developers and manufacturers successfully complete the market entry process for Thread products.
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