The first big Google TV Streamer of 2026 is here – yes, six months into the year. Timing aside, though, one of the bigger improvements here is support for Thread 1.4, which gives the Google TV Streamer more power as an anchor to your smart home.
Something that’s been popping up in more smart home devices in recent years is support for Thread, a low-energy networking solution for “internet of things” devices. In other words, an optimized way for wireless smart home devices to connect. But, to do that, you need devices capable of acting as a Thread border router.
One of those devices is the Google TV Streamer.
The Google TV Streamer has included Thread support from day one, but the June 2026 update that rolled out this week improves that. The update delivers Thread 1.4 support, a version of the spec that was released back in 2024. Thread 1.4 includes support for network credential sharing over QR codes, something you’ll now see in the Google TV Streamer’s settings. A “Share Thread network credentials” button has been added that, when used, will pull up a QR code and the following message:
To add a device to your Google TV Streamer Thread network, use the device app to scan this QR code or enter the sharing code.
Note: Using these codes allows the device app to administer, manage, and add devices to this Thread network. Do not share codes with apps you do not trust.
During this process, you’ll also be asked to confirm your identity, either through a PIN or a prompt on your phone.
Other updates in Thread 1.4 include standardizing how devices can connect to cloud-powered infrastructure via a border router, the ability to use Ethernet and Wi-Fi in tandem with Thread networking, and better troubleshooting. That’s all in the Thread 1.4 update, at least. The only visible change on Google TV Streamer is the ability to share network credentials, but the update should make the Streamer that much better of a smart home anchor for other devices.
The latest Google TV Streamer update is rolling out now.
More on Google TV:
- Walmart now sells Google TV sets starting at $250, including ‘The Fresco’ art TV [Gallery]
- Google TV hits 300 million active devices as growth stalls
- Google TV is adding YouTube Shorts to the homescreen, new Photos screensaver, more
Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments