Samsung has announced updates for its SmartThings platform for 2019. Along with changes to the SmartThings App, allowing for increased functionality and an easier user-interface, Samsung has also launched its new Smart Plug and a range of new compatible third-party devices to open the Connected Home to more users than ever before.
Speaking about these updates, Director of Connected Living for Samsung (UK), Teg Dosanjh, said, “Our vision is to provide more value to consumers, by enabling connections between Samsung and third-party products, creating experiences that make their lives simpler, safer and a little more playful. These updates bring us a step closer to realising that vision.”
The 2019 SmartThings App has been updated and is better than ever before, with a host of key updates ranging from user-interface changes, to major functionality changes, including:
- Device Cards – an updated and improved range on the home screen, allowing consumers to control their devices from the home screen;
- Lighting Groups – the addition of lighting groups into a single device card and turn lights on, off, or dim lights with a single tap;
- Greater Options for Custom Automations – users can now set automations to run once per day, for example enabling the app to turn your coffee maker on when motion is first detected in the morning;
- Easier Device Setup – during the setup process, users will be able to check network compatibility and signal strength for improved functionality when using the app.
In addition, on 5 August the new SmartThings Smart Plug launched, giving consumers the ability to connect their non-connected products and control and schedule them from their phone with ease.
The new Smart Plug comes with a range of functions allowing greater user control when turning products on and off. Users can also monitor power usage through the SmartThings app to enable more energy-efficient decision making. Additionally, Smart Plugs can be timed or automated to work around consumers lives and daily schedules and controlled remotely.
The Smart Plug adds a new level of control to home devices. Consumers can use the SmartThings app on their phone or Samsung TV, or with their voice using Bixby, Alexa or Google to interact with their devices. The new Smart Plug also uses Zigbee repeater technology which expands and strengthens home Zigbee networks, so signals stay strong between devices within the home network.
Ring video doorbell compatibility
The SmartThings offering has been expanded to include more products from Ring, with two of the best-selling products, the Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell 2 devices now compatible with the SmartThings app. These models work to provide instant alerts direct to a user’s phone when visitors press their doorbell or trigger the built-in motion sensors. In addition to this, users can talk to visitors and answer the door all from the app. Ring Doorbells are also compatible with the 2019 Samsung QLED range, allowing users to view the camera on their TV.
Netatmo Thermostat compatibility
Finally, another new offering for 2019 is the certification of compatibility between Samsung’s SmartThings and the Netatmo Smart Thermostat. This Smart Thermostat allows users to control heating via their smartphone via the SmartThings app. Users can create heating schedules based on personal habits and lifestyle preferences, allowing easier monitoring of energy consumption and temperature control.
