Apple HomeKit becomes mesh-capable: With the HomePod mini, the manufacturer is launching the first device with thread support this week. The small version of the loudspeaker is not only a “home hub” via which HomeKit devices in your own house can be controlled while on the move, but also serves as a “border router” for thread – it connects the mesh network to the Outside world in order to automate and group the devices connected in this way and control them via Siri voice command or the Home app.

HomeKit via thread at Eve and Nanoleaf The HomePod mini only supports thread on devices that also speak the HomeKit protocol, as Apple previously announced. With Eve and Nanoleaf, the first third-party manufacturers have now announced compatible products.

Eve wants to update its window and door contact sensors by firmware update in November ( Eve Door & Windows) and the networked Eve Energy socket (EU version) with thread support. Thread updates are to follow for other devices, including the Eve Thermo radiator thermostats. The updates will only be available for devices from the year of manufacture 2020, as Eve announced, only these would have the chipset required for thread support.

The company Nanoleaf has announced new LED lamps (A 19 and light strips with thread support, a specific date for the start of sales is still pending. Just like the Eve sensors, Nanoleafs accessories also work via Bluetooth.

Mesh network for better smart home HomeKit via Thread promises to eliminate typical problems with networked home devices: The mesh network should make multiple hubs and / or Bluetooth extenders superfluous because the devices communicate directly with each other. Thread also promises faster response times and higher reliability.

The HomePod mini is currently the only way to connect Thread with HomeKit hardware use. Whether Apple thread support will also be retrofitted to the “large” HomePod or existing home hubs such as Apple TV via software or whether it will only be supported with new generations of devices remains open for the time being.

(lbe)