(Telecompaper) The Thread Group has released the first version of its IP-based wireless networking protocol designed for low-power connected home devices. Product developers who are members of the Thread Group can access the Thread technical specifications and documentation to build products compliant with the protocol. Started almost a year ago, the Thread Group now has over 160 member companies working to develop a standard for communication between consumer devices over a low-power, wireless mesh network. Its first technical specification has now completed extensive interoperability testing and can start being integrated in products. Freescale Semiconductor announced separately that it already has a pre-certified Thread networking stack available. Compliant with the R1.0 specification available to Thread Group members, the stack is architected to support a range of microcontrollers, microprocessors, connectivity solutions and sensors. The Thread Group also announced that Qualcomm is joining the group's board of directors. In addition, the industry group hired Thomas Sciorilli to lead the Thread product certification program launching in September. He will oversee testing to ensure that Thread products work together effortlessly and securely, right out of the box. Thread-certified products can bear the Thread logo, indicating they have been certified for quality, security and interoperability. The first Thread-certified products are expected to be available to consumers in late 2015.