That’s a question many people still ask when they hear about smart home technology. Samsung’s SmartThings platform now connects millions of users around the world[1] and supports products from thousands of partner brands[2]. Yet for many people, the idea of a connected home can still feel a little abstract.

Maybe you’re not sure whether your devices are compatible. Maybe setting everything up sounds complicated. Or perhaps you’re wondering whether connecting your appliances will make any meaningful difference in everyday life.

The answer may be simpler than you think.

For many Samsung products, getting started is quick and calm. If a Samsung appliance includes a SmartThings QR code, simply scanning it and following the on-screen instructions will quickly connect the product to the SmartThings ecosystem.[3]

And once connected, a whole new side of the home begins to open up.

The Virtual Home: Try Before You Connect

For people who are still unsure whether a connected home offers long-term value, Samsung offers a way to experience SmartThings before setting up a single device.

The Virtual Home website is an interactive online experience that lets visitors explore a SmartThings-connected home without downloading an app or connecting any products[4]. Accessible through web browsers, Virtual Home offers a glimpse into how SmartThings can help simplify daily life.

Upon entering Virtual Home, visitors are greeted by a SmartThings dashboard featuring Home, Devices, Life, and Routines tabs.[5]

The Home screen provides an overview of a connected household. Users can check the status of devices connected to SmartThings throughout the home, from the air conditioner in the bedroom and the curtains by the window to the robot vacuum in the living room. Then, 3D Map View allows users to navigate the virtual home and explore devices room by room.[6]

It’s a simple way to understand not just what SmartThings is, but what it feels like to use.[7]

The Life tab is designed around these kinds of practical benefits. The tab provides easy access to features and services like Energy,[8] and Pet Care[9]. For example, right at the top is SmartThings Energy, which helps users monitor energy consumption across connected devices, providing visibility into power usage, estimated utility costs and savings generated through AI Energy Mode[10].

Sometimes, a connected home isn’t about controlling devices. It’s about staying connected to the people who matter most. Family Care4 in the Life tab, can help users keep an eye on loved ones from afar by using activity data from connected Samsung appliances and mobile devices.[11]

Within Virtual Home, for example, users can see that “Mum” has started her day normally, while “Father-in-law” has not shown expected activity patterns. In this way, the feature can provide additional peace of mind and encourage users to check in when something seems unusual.

SmartThings: A Home That Helps Out Behind the Scenes

The real value of a connected home often comes from the small conveniences that add up throughout the day.

Imagine relaxing on the sofa on a warm afternoon. Sunlight is streaming through the windows and the room is beginning to heat up. You’d like to close the blinds or lower the air conditioner temperature, but you’re comfortable exactly where you are.

Instead of getting up, SmartThings lets you manage connected devices directly from your compatible phone. With a few taps, your smart blinds can be adjusted and the room temperature can be changed without leaving your seat. These may seem like small moments, but they are exactly where connected experiences can make everyday living feel easier.

Connected Convenience Is Just One QR Code Away

Smart home technology is often discussed in terms of ecosystems, connectivity and platforms. But for most people, the question is much simpler: Will it make my life easier?

SmartThings is built to answer that question with an emphatic “yes,” through practical user experiences that help save time, reduce everyday hassles, and provide greater visibility into the home.

Whether it’s adjusting the temperature from the sofa, checking in on a loved one, or monitoring energy use, the benefits become easier to understand once they’re experienced firsthand.

The washing machine still washes clothes. The dishwasher still cleans dishes. But now, SmartThings simply helps those appliances do more, and do it better. Explore SmartThings to spend less time managing your home and more time living in it.

https://www.samsung.com/au/smartthings/

[1] SmartThings operates in more than 200 countries with over 3.5 million users in Australia as of 6 August 2026. For more information, visit https://www.samsung.com/au/smartthings/

[2] Full list of compatible devices available here https://www.samsung.com/au/smartthings/compatible-devices/

[3] A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. For a list of compatible connected devices, visit https://www.samsung.com/au/smartthings/

[4] Requires Samsung Account, internet connection and SmartThings enabled devices. Please visit www.samsung.com/au/apps/smartthings/ for a list of current compatible devices.

[5] For demonstration purposes only. UX may vary.

[6] A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Third-party devices must be SmartThings compatible.

[7] For demonstration purposes only. UX may vary.

[8] The SmartThings App, a Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required to use AI Energy Mode. Feature may vary by country, region or compatible device and the available saving options may vary by region.

[9] The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

[10] The SmartThings App, a Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required to use AI Energy Mode. Feature may vary by country, region or compatible device and the available saving options may vary by region.

[11] Remote control is available when the caregiver has been set up to remotely control the care recipient’s devices. Availability may vary depending on product, model and region.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that its smart home platform, SmartThings[1], now supports Matter 1.5,the global smart home standard, enabling it to support Matter-compatible cameras.

From January 2026, Samsung will roll out SmartThings updates to expand its existing list of Matter devices, including lights, door locks, switches, and various sensors, by adding cameras. With this update, the SmartThings smart home platform continues to expand its support for hundreds of Matter devices.

“Samsung aims to ensure that products and services built on different brands and protocols deliver a unified experience through SmartThings,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings Team at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to expand our support for industry standards, including Matter, and further strengthen collaboration to drive new customer experiences.”

Enhanced Security and Safety with Matter 1.5 Camera Support

Matter 1.5, announced by the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) in November, adds camera support as well as enhanced features for closure operations, including compatible blinds, awnings, and garage doors -along with improved energy management.

The industry is particularly focused on the inclusion of a camera standard, as cameras are an essential part of any smart home ecosystem. Matter 1.5 supports a wide range of camera use cases including indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, and more. It may also support features such as live video streaming, two-way communication, motion detection, event history, and pan-tilt-zoom controls on select devices.

Expanded User Choice and Enhanced Developer Convenience

With SmartThings supporting the Matter standard, camera manufacturers can now launch Matter-based cameras that seamlessly integrate with SmartThings without the need to customise a separate API (Application Programming Interface).

Samsung has collaborated with leading global IoT device makers, including Aqara, Eve, and Ulticam, to develop Matter cameras. These products are expected to roll out in select global markets starting in March 2026[2].

SmartThings has already partnered with Aqara, Arlo, Hue, Ring, and others to provide a wide array of smart home camera experiences across various protocols and connection methods. With this update, users will have even more options, as Matter cameras can now be integrated easily into the SmartThings ecosystem.

Integrating cameras with SmartThings helps users build a safer and more convenient smart home tailored to their lifestyle. This integration enables essential functions such as monitoring the home environment while away, checking on the well-being of pets, and configuring customised routines by connecting with smart doorbells.

Strengthening Industry Leadership With the Broadest Support for Matter Devices

Samsung SmartThings continues to expand its global partnerships under an open-platform strategy. Through the WWST (Works With SmartThings) certification program, SmartThings now supports more than 4,700 models from over 390 partner brands. By rapidly adopting the Matter standard, Samsung has also helped bring 58 Matter device types into users’ everyday lives.

For more information on Samsung SmartThings, visit www.samsung.com/au/smartthings/

[1] Requires Samsung Account, internet connection and SmartThings enabled devices. Please visit www.samsung.com/au/apps/smartthings/ for a list of current compatible devices.

[2] Availability in Australia is yet to be confirmed.