Lighting maker LIFX has launched a public beta that lets owners of existing Matter lights switch their devices from Wi-Fi to Thread – with no new hardware at all. The Thread radio was in the lights all along.
Thread without new hardware
Every LIFX product that shipped with Matter support already contains a chip capable of both Wi-Fi and Thread – until now it only ran in Wi-Fi mode. After joining the beta and installing a firmware update, a new “Switch to Thread” option appears in the LIFX app, moving the device onto the home’s Thread network.
A fresh setup is required
During the switch the device is not simply toggled over but set up again. Users should therefore keep the Matter QR code or the 11-digit setup code for their lights handy. The payoff: Thread forms a more stable, low-power mesh network, takes load off Wi-Fi and improves response times in the smart home.
