San Ramon, California, July 14, 2015: Exactly a year after it opened up to the world, the non-profit Thread Group has released the Thread 1.0 specifications and documentation that will allow its members to build Thread-compliant products.
Thread is an IP-based wireless networking protocol designed for low-power connected products in the home. Starting today, product developers who are members of the Thread Group can access Thread technical specifications and documentation to build Thread-compliant products, said the Group in a statement.
What is even more important is the fact that Qualcomm, a leading backer of the AllSeen Alliance – Thread’s competitor – is also a participant in Thread. Which, many Internet of Things (IoT) analysts have interpreted as a doorway for future cooperation between the two bodies.
“Thread was designed to be the foundation of the Internet of Things in the home by allowing developers and consumers to easily and securely connect hundreds of devices within a low-power, wireless mesh network,” explained Chris Boross, President, Thread Group. “In the nine months since opening membership, more than 160 companies have joined the Thread Group, and now the group is launching the Thread technical specification, which has now completed extensive interoperability testing. Today’s announcement means that Thread products are on the way and will be in customers’ hands very shortly. I’m excited to see what kinds of products and experiences Thread developers will build.”
The group was created with seven founding companies, and since it started accepting new members in October, has attracted over 160 companies. Qualcomm Technologies previously was not a member but it has now joined the board of directors. The seven founding member organizations are Yale Security, Silicon Labs, Samsung Electronics, Nest Labs, Freescale Semiconductor, Big Ass Fans and ARM
The first Thread-certified products are expected to be available to consumers in late 2015.
“When it comes to easily and securely connecting the smart home, the work of industry alliances like the Thread Group are essential,” said Raj Talluri, Senior Vice President, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Collaborating with the Thread Group allows for the integration of this technology into the world’s leading brands of household appliances, and to thereby speed innovation and market transformation.”
Using proven standards like IPv6 and 6LoWPAN as its foundation, Thread offers product developers numerous technological advantages over existing wireless standards:
- Reliable networks: Thread offers robust self-healing mesh networks that scale to hundreds of devices with no single point of failure. Devices are ready when people need them.
- Secure networks: Thread networks feature secure, banking-class encryption. Thread closes identified security holes found in other wireless protocols and provides worry-free operation.
- Simple connectivity: Thread devices are simple to install with a smartphone, tablet or computer. Consumers can securely connect Thread devices in the home to each other and to the cloud for easy control and access from anywhere.
- Low power: Thread supports battery-operated devices as part of a home network. This allows the devices that people use every day – including thermostats, lighting controls, safety and security products – to be a part of the network without requiring constant charging or frequent battery changes.
Image Credit: Twitter/Thread
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