With less than a month away from the event, the Pixel 9 was spotted and approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As spotted by the 9to5Google, the entire slew of devices were certified at the agency along with its certifications, also showcasing key connectivity features in these devices.

As seen in the labels, the Pixel 9 will arrive in four models (standard, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold) and will feature the usual suite of connectivity options. This includes a 5G mmWave for a couple of models, perhaps the Pixel 9 Pro duo, as well as Bluetooth, UWB, and Thread for the entire lineup.

Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google’s Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL sized up / © Rozetked Image source: Rozetked

What’s interesting here is the addition of Thread radio, which is the first time we’ve seen in any of Google’s Pixel devices, although the company has already equipped some of its Nest smart home devices with said radio. This also makes the Pixel 9 the first smartphone from the company to feature this technology.

Apart from the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, last year’s iPhone 15 Pro (review) and iPhone 15 Pro Max (review) were the first smartphones to include Thread radio. It is expected the iPhone 16 will also arrive with the same connectivity option. Why you should care about Thread?

What are the advantages and uses of Thread?

Basically, Thread is a new mesh network protocol developed for IoT or smart home devices. Matter is a known smart home standard that runs on Thread in addition to offering Wi-Fi support.

As for Google, the presence of Thread in its smartphones means it will leverage the technology in a few ways. The most obvious is support for existing and upcoming Thread devices, such as smart plugs and bulbs, with the Pixel 9. With Thread, the Pixel smartphones will be able to directly control Thread accessories without a dedicated Thread hub or router.

Beyond the use for controlling smart devices, Thread has many advantages as a wireless connectivity. For example, the mesh network design of Thread makes it faster compared to Bluetooth. It also draws less power while the utilization of Internet Protocol (IP) makes it more secure when communicating directly with other Thread devices.

There is great potential for Thread to be an alternative wireless protocol to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when connecting smartphones to wearables, like a Pixel 9 to a Pixel smartwatch or headphones. However, Thread has certain limitations like having lower data bandwidth. Regardless, Thread is becoming a wireless standard similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Google has scheduled the event for August 13 at Google Bay View. In addition to the Pixel 9, the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 3 XL could be unveiled as well.

Do you think more manufacturers will eventually add Thread radio to its devices? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.

We mark partner links with this symbol. If you click on one of these links or buttons–or make a purchase through them–we may receive a small commission from the retailer. This doesn’t affect the price you pay, but it helps us keep nextpit free for everyone. Thanks for your support!