Google TV Streamer update brings major Google Home upgrade

The first update of the year for the Google TV Streamer has arrived with support for Thread 1.4, representing a major upgrade for Google's smart home platform.

The update's changelog only lists bug fixes and improvements, but 9to5Google has confirmed that it also adds support for Thread 1.4.

Thread 1.4 was released back in 2024, but it has taken some time to make its way to consumer devices. Apple is also adding Thread 1.4 support with iOS/tvOS 27 this fall.


Will Thread finally work?
If you are unfamiliar with Thread, it is the new mesh networking protocol for Matter-based smart homes backed by all the major players, including Amazon, Apple, Google and Samsung. It is separate from WiFi and a Thread network becomes stronger – and more reliable – the more Thread devices you add to your home.

Thread 1.4 finally solves the issue of separate, overlapping Thread networks when you add Thread-compatible devices from different brands to your Matter-powered smart home. The devices will now join a unified mesh network, provided that all devices are updated to Thread 1.4 – which may take some time.

 Also read: Review: Google TV Streamer


Thread 1.4 supports Thread-over-Infrastructure, meaning that WiFi and Ethernet connections can also help extend the mesh network and improve coverage throughout your home.

Lastly, it lets you share Thread network keys between devices from different brands, making it easier to add new devices. With the new firmware, the Google TV Streamer can share these using QR codes.

Thread 1.4 should also significantly improve the battery life of smart home devices, although this obviously does not apply to the Google TV Streamer.


A major Google Home upgrade
Thread 1.4 is more in line with what the industry had envisioned for Matter and Thread as a new communication system underpinning Matter-based smart homes. It is a major upgrade to the Google TV Streamer's role in the smart home or Google Home.

A Thread network requires at least one Thread Border Router to connect it to the rest of the home network. The Google TV Streamer is one such device.

- Source: 9to5Google