Apple and Google are updating their smart home streaming devices to Thread 1.4. As first spotted by Matter Alpha and 9to5 Google, the latest spec has arrived on compatible Apple TVs in the tvOS 27 developer beta and the Google TV Streamer through a software update.

This lays the groundwork for these devices, which serve as Thread Border Routers, to implement Thread credential sharing, enabling them to connect more easily to an existing Thread network rather than creating their own.

Thread is one of the connectivity protocols the interoperability standard Matter runs on. The original plan was for Thread Border Routers to all work seamlessly …

Read the full story at The Verge.

The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is marked down to $179.99 ($100 off) at multiple retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and directly from Google. This weather-resistant outdoor camera captures 1080p video across a 130-degree diagonal field of view, with snappy notifications and great customization options.

Google Nest Cam with floodlight (wired)

A Google Nest Cam attached to two bright, adjustable floodlights, this camera has free video recording, powerful lights, and on-device processing of smart alerts for people, vehicles, and animals. There’s no siren, but there is 24/7 recording and facial recognition. Read our review.

Where to Buy:

• $279.99 $179.99 at Amazon
• $279.99 $179.99 at Google
• $279.99 $179.99 at Best Buy

Even without a subscription, the camera can store the past three hours of video, and offers notifications when it detects motion from people, vehicles, or animals. You can enable continuous recording and 30 or more days of saved video with a Google Home Premium plan, starting at $10 per month. While the field of view isn’t as wide as some competitors, the Nest Cam with Floodlight shoots clear video, even in the dark thanks to its color night vision. 

You can easily adjust the camera and floodlight behavior from the Google Home app, including settings for different timing and motion-sensing responses, and incorporate them into your smart home routines for when you’re home or away. Even if the power goes out, its backup battery will let the camera keep recording, and it has enough internal storage to log up to one hour of events.

Read our Google Nest Cam with Floodlight Review.