Google has rolled out a notable software update to its Google TV Streamer this week, one that quietly expands the device’s usefulness well beyond streaming movies and TV shows. The update brings Thread 1.4 compatibility to the device, a meaningful upgrade for anyone using — or planning to build out — a connected smart home, according to a report from 9to5Google.
Thread is a low-energy wireless networking protocol designed specifically for smart home devices, giving gadgets like sensors, locks, and thermostats a more reliable and efficient way to communicate. For Thread to function in a home, at least one device needs to act as a border router — essentially a gateway that bridges the Thread network with the broader internet. The Google TV Streamer has supported Thread since its original launch, and this latest update deepens that capability.
Thread 1.4, the version of the specification that debuted in 2024, introduces several improvements over its predecessors. Chief among them is the ability to share network credentials using a QR code, which simplifies the process of adding new devices to an existing Thread network. With this update, Google TV Streamer users will find a new option in the device’s settings that generates a scannable QR code along with a sharing code. When another smart home device needs to join the Thread network, its companion app can scan that code to gain authorized access.
The update also includes a security layer to prevent unauthorized access. Before credentials can be shared, users are prompted to verify their identity through either a PIN or a confirmation sent to a connected phone. This ensures that only trusted applications and devices are granted permission to join or manage the Thread network — an important safeguard as smart home setups grow more complex and carry more personal data.
Beyond credential sharing, Thread 1.4 brings several under-the-hood improvements. These include a standardized method for devices to connect to cloud infrastructure through a border router, the ability to use both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections simultaneously alongside Thread networking, and better tools for troubleshooting connectivity issues.
While many of these improvements will be invisible to the average user in day-to-day use, they represent meaningful progress for those building out more sophisticated smart home environments. Thread has become an increasingly important protocol in the connected home ecosystem, and compatibility with the latest version helps ensure the Google TV Streamer remains relevant as a central device in that ecosystem rather than simply a television accessory.
The Google TV Streamer sits in an interesting product category: it competes as both a media streaming device and a smart home hub, with Thread border router capability setting it apart from simpler streaming sticks. By contrast, devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick lack comparable smart home networking features, giving Google a meaningful point of differentiation.
The upgrade arrives as Google TV continues to grow as a platform. The company recently announced that Google TV has surpassed 300 million active devices globally, and the software ecosystem around it is expanding with features like YouTube Shorts on the home screen and a refreshed Photos screensaver mode.
For existing Google TV Streamer owners, the Thread 1.4 update requires no additional hardware and is rolling out automatically. Those who want to take advantage of the new QR code credential-sharing feature can find it within the device’s settings menu. The update is a reminder that modern streaming devices are increasingly pulling double duty — serving as the entertainment center of the living room while simultaneously acting as the backbone of a smart, connected home.
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