According to The Verge, the Thread smart home networking protocol is getting a new feature designed to simplify device setup. It's called Thread Direct, and here's what it does: you can now set up Thread-enabled devices—like smart plugs and locks—directly from your phone, without needing a separate Thread border router. For smart home fans, this is huge. Border routers have always been the barrier to entry for Thread devices—you had to buy one just to get started. Thread Direct removes that friction by letting your phone do the job instead. It's a small change that makes a real difference in how accessible Thread becomes.

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