SmartThings: Bringing Your Home to Life

It came as no surprise that one of the biggest areas of focus at this year’s IFA trade show in Berlin was the Internet of Things (IoT), a proposed development of the Internet in which everyday objects—from lights to locks to cars—have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data.

Connectivity between smart devices was one of Samsung’s main topics at its own pre-event Press Conference, held on September 3, and was the central focus of the majority of all of its new products and services on display at its exhibit.

Of particular interest was Samsung SmartThings’ upgraded SmartThings Hub and accompanying sensors to connect such smart devices, as well as its expanded “Works with SmartThings” program to offer deeper integration with the platform to third-party developers. With these advancements, the potential of the IoT now seems infinite, and with over 200 devices already compatible with SmartThings, the possibility of a connected home is quickly becoming a reality.

Just imagine. A house that wakes you with the soft illumination of lights and a freshly brewed pot of coffee. A house that communicates with you when your daughter arrives home from school, or it detects smoke in the kitchen. A house that makes life more convenient by turning off the lights and locking the doors for you when you leave. A house that takes care of you by analyzing your sleep patterns or by letting you look into your living room, no matter where you are in the world. With SmartThings, home is no longer a place where you live, but is rather a place that lives with you.

The latest version of the SmartThings Hub, which is currently available for purchase in the United States and online, and will launch in the UK September 10, has been designed not only to make life more convenient, but also with improved privacy features. For example, video is only recorded when the Smart Home Monitor detects unusual activity, such as someone at the door or if the dog knocks over a potted plant. When this happens, the video clip is sent to the user via text message so action can be taken immediately, if need be.

With added security and easy-to-use control settings, the new Samsung SmartThings Hub will give consumers peace of mind, control and flexibility all day, everyday. Take a look at some other ways this impressive innovation in IoT technology is bringing your home to life.