In this second article, we’re exploring how SmartThings has been enhanced to become a built-in feature of your Samsung Smart TV and Smart Monitor,¹ so read on to learn more about how the 2022 lineup lets you take total control of your devices and your smart home — right from your sofa.

SmartThings, Opening Up an Era of the Smart Home Previously Only Dreamed of

As the devices we use at home have become more diverse, so, too, have the methods necessary to connect them. From Cloud to Cloud (C2C) connectivity, wireless (WiFi) connections and the Zigbee method, a variety of different systems available for us to control our homes with have emerged — a diversity that resulted in it taking a while for Internet-of-Things (IoT) to be cohesively applied within the home.

Previously, you would need a separate device, or hub, to act as a connecting bridge for these devices, ultimately impacting accessibility. Therefore, in order to help mitigate this inconvenience, Samsung, for the very first time in 2022, has integrated a built-in SmartThings Hub directly into the 2022 screen lineup, providing reduced latency and total control for more immediate smart home control experiences.

The Samsung Home IoT Hub — your SmartThings hub — is now built directly into your TV or Smart monitor, making it possible to easily connect, monitor and control all the connected devices in your house, all without a separate hub device.² This advancement is the first step towards Samsung’s fully-realized home IoT ecosystem.³

This innovative SmartThings Hub is not only compatible with hundreds of millions of devices, but has also been further expanded thanks to the introduction of an all-new interoperability standard. As the premier technology enabling connected living and driving the future of IoT, SmartThings recently announced the addition of a new smart home interoperability standard named Matter,⁴ which has been developed by Apple, Google, Amazon and others and allows for users to control Matter-enabled devices using their Samsung products.

With these innovative advancements in your SmartThings home control system, you are set to enjoy the utmost convenience with your 2022 screen — like never before.

Anywhere, Anytime and as You Wish With the 2022 SmartThings Hub

Thanks to the fully-integrated SmartThings Hub, your 2022 screen is a central hub from which you can conveniently control the smart devices you have around your home.

To make the smart home experience more enhanced than ever before, Samsung made sure to develop SmartThings Hub to be the most streamlined platform it could be for ultimate user convenience. Along with the greater screen real estate available on your 2022 screen for monitoring, making the process easier on the eyes, SmartThings Hub features an intuitive Map View interface that not only shows all your devices and their current status, but also where they are located in your home.

1. Map View: Locate IoT Devices in Your Home at a Glance

When you launch your TV or smart monitor for the first time, ‘rooms’ can be created automatically for you based on the location of your connected devices through SmartThings, and this will be displayed on-screen for you in Map View. If you want to further customize the layout of your devices, you can use your remote control to change the location of the device within the interface to match your actual room layout, and if you have the SmartThings mobile app, you can easily add rooms or change its location using Touch & Drag. You can even change room shapes to be polygons, if desired.

Say you’re settling down to relax in the living room with a good film after a long day, but suddenly realize you’re not sure if the lights are on or off in the garage, simply pull up SmartThings Hub’s Map View on your smart TV or monitor. Now, you can check and manage the status of your smart devices and then click back into your film for a truly hassle-free end to your night.

2. Voice Control: Manage All Your Devices With a Single Word

As well as streamlining the smart home management experiences that SmartThings brings to users, you can also enjoy smart experiences that may have previously seemed impossible with SmartThings on your 2022 Samsung screen.

For example, the always-on Voice Control capability provides you with next-level connectivity and control over your devices, no matter what you are doing and whether your screen is on or off. Thanks to Bixby, Samsung’s AI voice assistant, you can verbally switch your lights on or off or control a connected device, even while in the middle of a movie, just by saying ‘Hi Bixby’ to your screen.

3. Smart Doorbell: Check Out the Front Doorstep While Watching TV

Furthermore, the Smart Doorbell feature lets your smart home control radius expand as far as your front doorstep. Even if content is playing on your 2022 Samsung screen, a notification will appear on-screen when someone rings your doorbell, allowing you to see right through to who is waiting at the front door and even talk to them directly from your screen.⁵

With such convenience-first capabilities, the future of the truly connected smart home, something that Samsung has been working diligently towards, is getting closer and closer each day.

The Hub of Smart Home Life: Your 2022 Smart Screen

Although smart homes have been around for quite some time, the process of building a smart home ecosystem that allows all kinds of IoT devices to interoperate is still underway. Samsung intends to develop a smart home that is optimized for your in-home activities and that lets anyone easily build their own connected home, making it easy to harness the power of IoT for device control anywhere in the house — using just your screen.

The first step of this next-generation smart home ecosystem has been taken with the 2022 Samsung screen lineup. With your Neo QLED 8K or Smart Monitor M8, you can now enjoy easy and convenient control of all your smart home devices directly on-screen thanks to the all-new SmartThings Hub. Take a look at the video below to learn more.

Be sure to stay tuned for the final article in this series where we will be diving into even more smart features offered by the 2022 screen lineup, including those capabilities that let you manage your aesthetic and even your workouts more intelligently — directly from your screen.

¹ Models that support the SmartThings Hub include: QN900B/QN800B/QN700B/QN95B/S95B/QN90B/QN85B/Q80B/Q70B/Q60B/BU8/The Serif/The Frame/The Sero/Smart Monitor(M50B and above), released in 2022.

² Make sure to log in to the same Samsung account on your TV or monitor and your mobile SmartThings app.

³ To use products with Zigbee protocol, you must purchase a SmartThings Dongle (VG-STDB10A) separately.

⁴ Samsung also joined over 200 global companies in support of MATTER, a new standard for simplifying smart homes.

⁵ Ring Doorbell is currently the only solution supporting the 2-way talk function. It is set to be available on more solutions soon.

It’s no surprise that many of us spend more time these days working, studying and relaxing at home. But what if there was a way to make that time more comfortable, meaningful and efficient?

In line with the new era of home life that we’re experiencing today, Samsung Electronics has launched the 2022 Smart Monitor M8 — an all-in-one screen that combines key advantages of both a monitor and a smart TV. Allowing users to work and study even without a PC, and enjoy OTT services without a TV, the Smart Monitor M8 has emerged as a must-have item for the new era of working from home and streaming content.

The Smart Monitor M8 is enhanced for users’ convenience and features an even slimmer design than past models. Recently, Samsung Newsroom unboxed the device to see all the new features and details up close. Let’s take a deep dive into the new, all-in-one experience.

Easy To Install

After opening the box, we found that the 32-inch monitor’s neat white color really stands out. The device features a vertical herringbone pattern on its back that creates a sophisticated vibe, as well as an eye-catching attachable camera. The box also includes a simple yet sturdy-looking stand, a USB-C cable, a micro HDMI cable (micro HDMI to HDMI) and a tiny remote control that fits comfortably in your palm — a rare addition for today’s monitors. The monitor comes with a battery-free remote control that conveniently charges via a USB-C port. There are three external ports in all: one micro HDMI port, one upstream USB-C port and one downstream USB-C port. The middle USB-C port also supports 65W charging.

With a simple assortment of items, installation is easy. First, connect the stand’s neck to its base and fasten the bolts at the bottom. Next, connect the assembled stand to the monitor by sliding it into place top edge first and then pushing down until you hear a click. To disassemble the device, simply push the button that disconnects the stand from the monitor.

An Ultra-Slim Design That’s Easy on the Eyes

After assembling the monitor, we immediately noticed just how simple, neat and slim its design really is. Measuring just 11.4mm thin, the device is less than one-third the thickness of the previous version. Its warm white hue gently radiates a soft vibe, complementing any design or space. The organic herringbone pattern on the back adds a sophisticated touch that stands out even more when the monitor is installed in an open room setting.

The monitor’s Height Adjustable Stand (HAS) is particularly convenient. When a monitor is aligned below a user’s eye level, it forces them to constantly look down, which can cause neck pain. The Smart Monitor M8 can not only be tilted at different angles, but also allows users to adjust its height to match their eye level. This means there’s no need to use other items or stands to elevate the screen. The height of the monitor — measured from the surface of the table to the bottom bezel — is 3.6cm at its lowest setting and 15.6cm at its highest setting.

SlimFit Cam Makes Video Calls More Satisfying

The Smart Monitor M8 also comes with a wireless SlimFit Cam (1920×1080, 30p) that makes it perfect for video conferencing and online classes. The camera can be conveniently attached or detached from the monitor at any time. It connects to the device using pogo pins, which means there’s no need for wires. This keeps the monitor’s back uncluttered and streamlined.

Creating the Perfect Home Office Environment, Even Without a PC

In the work-from-anywhere era, it can be quite daunting to manage urgent tasks without access to a PC. The Smart Monitor M8 removes that worry by making it possible to work PC-free as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection. The device’s Workspace feature combines all work-related services into one screen, while the included Microsoft 365 cloud service¹ allows users to manage files using programs such as Word and PowerPoint even without a PC.

The Smart Monitor M8 also supports Samsung DeX, which allows Galaxy smartphones to support a PC-like experience, making it easy to connect to the monitor and start multitasking. Additionally, the monitor is equipped with Eye Saver Mode and Flicker Free technology to minimize eye strain and prevent flickering.

Enjoy OTT Services to the Fullest

When you feel like sitting back and enjoying a show or movie, the Smart Monitor M8 transforms into a TV thanks to the built-in Smart Hub, which features various OTT services such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and more.² You can also view a variety of movies, TV series, sports matches and other content on demand — completely free — using Samsung’s proprietary smart OTT service, Samsung TV Plus.

* Remote control shortcuts vary by country.

But that’s not all. The monitor’s included remote control makes finding and managing content a breeze. Other features and enhancements that make the viewing experience even more satisfying include the device’s UHD (3840×2160) resolution, HDR10+ support, 99% sRGB color gamut, 400nit brightness, 2.2 channel stereo speakers and Adaptive Sound+, which automatically analyzes the monitor’s surroundings to optimize sound effects. The result is a rich content experience filled with detailed visuals and sound.

A Home IoT Hub for SmartThings

With built-in support for SmartThings Hub, users can easily connect their IoT devices to their Smart Monitor M8 and monitor their devices at a glance. The SmartThings app’s Map View function allows users to check on the status of devices including Samsung smart home appliances and Bluetooth, IR (infrared spectroscopy) and IoT devices. Plus, with voice recognition technology, users can even control the lights, home appliances and more while in the middle of watching a show or other content.³

The monitor’s built-in microphone enables its Far Field Voice feature, which recognizes voices even from afar, enabling you to control voice assistants like Bixby and Amazon Alexa.⁴ If users talk to Bixby while the monitor is turned off, the Always On Voice feature springs into action, allowing users to interact with Bixby and displaying the information they want on screen. Users can also use Bixby to switch from one app to another and manage videos or home devices.

With our homes even more central to our lives, Samsung’s Smart Monitor M8 is the all-in-one screen that complements modern consumers’ lifestyles. Combining smart and practical features with a sophisticated design, while offering consumers the ability to use their monitor wherever they want, the Smart Monitor M8 is the perfect choice for consumers who are looking for a new monitor this spring.

* The content was revised on Feb 28, 2024 to provide more accurate information.

※ Some images have been edited to help readers’ understanding of the product.

¹ Requires users to log in to their Microsoft 365 account.

² Streaming service availability varies by country. Subscriptions may be required.

³ A separate SmartThings Dongle (VG-STDB10A) is required to connect to Zigbee devices (connection to Z-Wave device is not supported). VG-STDB10A can be purchased within April.

⁴ Amazon Alexa availability varies by country.

As versatile as it is powerful, the 2022 Smart Monitor M8 comes packed with enhancements that cater to consumers’ evolving needs. These include a choice of four colors that go well with any space (Warm White, Sunset Pink, Daylight Blue and Spring Green); an ultra-slim design, which is less than one-third the thickness of the previous version; a monitor stand that allows users to freely adjust its height; and the device’s Workspace feature, which lets users manage all their work-related services on one screen. Small enough to fit in one’s hand, the SlimFit Cam is a particularly handy feature that can be easily attached or detached, allowing you to utilize your space in versatile ways, such as a home office.

With support for new levels of connectivity, the Smart Monitor M8 is a landmark release for the home office era. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the monitor’s exciting features.

Samsung Electronics today announced its latest Smart Monitor series, the M8, featuring an upgraded, stylish design. The versatile new M8 delivers Samsung’s iconic slim design in four new colors — Warm White, Sunset Pink, Daylight Blue and Spring Green — available in 32-inches with UHD resolution and a SlimFit Cam.

First launched in November 2020, Samsung’s Smart Monitor series is a family of world’s first do-it-all screens designed for modern day users who demand a product that offers both functionality and entertainment at home. Not only being a traditional monitor, but the M8 also allows users to enjoy a variety of OTT services,¹ including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV via Wi-Fi without having to connect to a PC or TV.

When it comes to style, the Smart Monitor M8 offers both space and work efficiency in an ultra-stylish design. The thinness of the new model is 11.4mm, about three-quarters slimmer than the previous models.

Featuring a sophisticated flat-back design, the M8’s range of colors developing on stylish warm white complements any environment based on the user’s personal preferences.

“We aspired to create a product capable of matching the lifestyles of all kinds of people and preferences,” said Kyounghoon Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Design Team, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “The M8’s color palette composed of four different colors was inspired by the theme ‘Shades of Nature’. Gazing at the clear blue sky on a bright sunny day, recharging in the lush green forest, or finally bathing in the glow of a sunset,” he added.

When it comes to productivity, the Smart Monitor M8 has it all. The M8 provides a perfect home office environment without using a PC by connecting to various IT devices through the upgraded Smart Hub. The Workspace User Interface offers all services needed to work on one screen, helping users wirelessly connect to a Windows or Mac PC and efficiently use an extensive range of useful features, including Samsung DeX, Apple AirPlay 2 and Microsoft 365² cloud service, as well as mirroring content from smartphone to the M8.

On top of that, the Smart Monitor M8 has a magnetic and removable SlimFit Cam that can attach to the monitor while keeping desk space neat without any unsightly wires. The SlimFit Cam also features Face Tracking and Auto Zoom functions, swiftly identifying a person’s face when on screen and automatically focusing on the subject. In other words, it can follow and capture an individual speaker, a perfect option for active presentation or livestreaming.

The Smart Monitor M8 has an IoT hub called SmartThings Hub, where users can connect all their IoT devices wirelessly. The SmartThings app allows users to track IoT devices throughout the house easily with the app’s intuitive control panel highlighting all information provided by other devices connected to the M8, including light switch and plug power.³

Equipped with a high-sensitivity Far Field Voice microphone, the assistant controls devices such as Bixby and Amazon Alexa⁴ using voice commands. Additionally, the microphone uses an Always On Voice function, displaying conversation information on screen when Bixby is activated, even if the monitor screen is turned off.

To accompany the monitor’s wide array of features, the display offers adaptive picture technology, enhancing viewer comfort by automatically adjusting display brightness and color temperature. The M8 also includes a height adjustable stand (HAS) and tilt functionality, allowing users to find the perfect position for every project, movie night or study session.

The Smart Monitor M8 earned CES Innovation Awards Honoree from the CTA (Consumer Technology Association) in recognition of a wide array of its display technologies.

The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is now available to pre-order globally⁵ in a variety of colors and specifications. For more information, please visit: https://displaysolutions.samsung.com/monitor/why-smart-monitor.

Specifications

* The content was revised on Feb 28, 2024 to provide more accurate information.

¹ Streaming service availability varies by country. Subscriptions may be required.

² Microsoft 365 Account required.

³ A separate SmartThings Dongle(VG-STDB10A) is required to connect to Zigbee devices(Connection to Z-Wave device is not supported). VG-STDB10A can be purchased within April.

⁴ Amazon Alexa availability varies by country.

⁵ Pre-order schedule varies by country.

Consumers are more willing than ever to embrace connected experiences within their homes, resulting in explosive growth and mass industry adoption. According to the “2021 Connectivity and Mobile Trends Survey”¹ issued by Deloitte, U.S. households own an average of 25 connected devices, and consumers are increasingly prioritizing ease-of-use, interoperability and cost savings when making a purchase decision.

“Historically, consumers relied on dedicated hubs to connect each of their devices,” said Mark Benson, Head of Product and Engineering at Samsung SmartThings. “By integrating SmartThings Hub technology into select Samsung products, we are eliminating a barrier to entry and streamlining the entire process to enable consumers to create the connected home of their dreams.”

With billions of devices already compatible with SmartThings’ rich ecosystem of partnerships, along with future support for the groundbreaking smart home interoperability standard, Matter, SmartThings is at the center of creating a unified connected home experience.

The integration of the SmartThings Hub empowers users to get the most out of their Samsung devices by leveraging various smart home communication protocols. In addition to Matter, the built-in software will support connection over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, which will enable communication among a wide range of smart devices. Additional connectivity to Zigbee devices will also be possible through an optional USB accessory.

“SmartThings’ mission has always been to create experiences that can make people’s lives better. To bring this mission to life, we have doubled down on enhancing SmartThings technology and this is the next step in Samsung’s vision to make all homes connected,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Vice President at Samsung Electronics and Head of SmartThings. “With the breadth of the Samsung portfolio and the open, versatile and flexible platform offered by SmartThings, we are uniquely positioned to deliver on the increasing demand for connected home devices that has been building since the start of the pandemic.”

SmartThings Hub capabilities will be available in select Samsung products throughout 2022. For more information about SmartThings, please visit www.smartthings.com.

For more information, including images and videos of the products Samsung is announcing at CES 2022, please visit news.samsung.com/global/ces-2022.

About SmartThings

SmartThings is the premier technology enabling connected living and driving the future of IoT. Its open platform already supports thousands of devices across hundreds of brands and offers endless possibilities to innovators and developers seeking seamless connectivity in a vast IoT ecosystem. The company is committed to bringing smart functionality and capabilities everywhere consumers want to be, while enhancing the user experience. There are currently millions of people in more than 200 countries accessing SmartThings technology daily to create automations and control facets of their smart homes via the SmartThings App and through a range of Samsung products such as phones, TVs and digital appliances. SmartThings offers the most flexible amount of protocols, including the new IoT standard, Matter.  Launched in 2012, SmartThings is headquartered in Mountain View, CA and is a founding board member of Connectivity Standards Alliance, an organization of hundreds of companies creating, maintaining and delivering open, global standards for the IoT. For more information, please visit www.smartthings.com.

¹ https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/telecommunications/connectivity-mobile-trends-survey.html

During the event, Samsung highlighted its consumer-centric approach to innovation. In particular, the company showcased how advancements in AI, IoT and security work alongside the breadth of Samsung’s portfolio to create experiences that fit into how people live, ultimately unlocking a new era of connectivity and collaboration.

“We are proud of the pioneering work we are able to do in partnership with the creative developer community,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “As society becomes more closely connected through new tools and devices, we want to make people’s lives easier and smarter – wherever they are.”

Platforms Designed for Connected Experiences

A strong platform of technologies across AI, IoT and security enhances the consumer experience and accelerates the ability of developers to build creative applications. Samsung detailed its plans to strengthen core platform technologies such as Bixby, SmartThings and Samsung Knox.

During the SDC21 keynote, Samsung announced improvements to Bixby, which has become a central part of the user experience for more than 300 million Samsung devices. Bixby now uses on-device AI and deep neural networks to process commands on devices themselves. Thanks to on-device AI, this development makes the service up to 35% faster than before.

For developers, Samsung also announced the Bixby Home Platform, which serves as an intelligent layer between Bixby’s natural language processing and SmartThings. With the platform, voice commands can now be executed more intelligently, taking into account the state and context of various devices.

Samsung made further announcements with regard to SmartThings, including how the platform will be fully integrated with Matter, the newest standard in smart home compatibility. Matter solves developer interoperability challenges and with an expansive list of partners, will be the catalyst that makes smart home connectivity nearly effortless. SmartThings Hub software will also be embedded into the Samsung product portfolio, which includes Samsung Smart TVs and Family Hub refrigerators.

Samsung believes that consumer data and personal privacy is just as important as the experiences they enable. Samsung is committed to providing a seamless consumer experience, and to ensuring that its devices and services are secure from beginning to end. Samsung Knox, the company’s defense-grade security platform, offers built-in protection for more than 100 million Samsung devices. To further secure consumer data, the Samsung Knox Vault comes in a combination of security-specific hardware (a new secure processor and isolated secure memory) and new integrated software that shields the most secure data from the Android OS and applications. During the SDC21 keynote, Samsung highlighted the importance of collaboration and its philosophy of open innovation to improve security and privacy, reiterating its work to continue releasing security analysis tools as open source projects.

Samsung also outlined its Privacy Principles at SDC21, highlighting the three commitments that guide all innovation at the company: Protection, Choice and Transparency. With these principles, consumers, developers and partners are given the information needed to make decisions about how data is managed. The company offers users the option to review and manage their permissions from the privacy setting on their Galaxy devices and Smart TVs and discloses Samsung’s privacy policies through the Privacy Portal. Going forward, Samsung will collaborate with global security experts while continuing to release open source security analysis tools to make its ecosystems more secure.

Tizen Takes Smart TV to New Heights

Based on its ‘Screens Everywhere, Screen for All’ vision, Samsung continues to build on its position as the world leader in TVs by developing new experiences that enhance connectivity, functionality and immersive entertainment. At SDC21, Samsung introduced various ways that Samsung TVs are enabling new experiences, including:

• Video communication based on partnership with Google to allow users to enjoy better video calling on TVs via AI-enabled focus and zoom features.
• Samsung Health on Smart TVs that connects with a webcam to analyze movements and provide real-time feedback during a workout.
• More realistic gaming thanks to HDR10+, with automated settings for low latency and HDR calibration.

For enterprises, Samsung will launch Tizen for Business. This service supports interactive e-boards in schools, kiosks in malls, and even displays in restaurants, airports and subways. With new management portals, businesses can conduct real-time monitoring and control screens remotely, easily applying settings to multiple devices with one simple touch.

With the Tizen TV Platform Licensing, manufacturers who want to introduce a premium TV platform like Tizen can do so quickly with minimal cost. This enables them to use the Tizen TV presence to promote their products in the Smart TV market, and ultimately, help more consumers enjoy Tizen.

Innovating Across the Galaxy Ecosystem

Samsung provides a user experience that meets the needs of all users and devices. And with an expanding range of device types and form factors, developers have a breadth of opportunities to innovate in new ways.

At SDC21, Samsung introduced the new One UI 4, the latest version of its user interface for mobile devices. One UI 4 will provide new levels of customization to enable users to create an experience and a device that is truly theirs. It combines Samsung’s leading privacy and security features with options for users to personalize permissions so that they are always in control of their data when using a Samsung device.

Samsung demonstrated the possibilities of One UI 4 to developers at the event, particularly for foldable devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3. Thanks to One UI 4, users will be able to make use of features such as Flex mode and Multi-Active Window, which enable users to enjoy more intuitive and user-friendly experiences that are unique to the foldable form factor. SDC21 also included a Galaxy Watch session that showcased developer tools to help them build new apps in the new watch app ecosystem.

Samsung invites developers and partners on its journey to bring new and secure experiences to life. For more information about the Samsung Developer Conference 2021, please visit developer.samsung.com.

The IoT platform is currently compatible with more than 200 devices, a number that is continuously increasing thanks to the efforts of the more than 15,000 developers involved in the SmartThings community.

Relying on this growing community to refine and enhance the platform, the SmartThings founders have persistently reached out to and fostered developers to continue to expand the ecosystem. Ben Edwards, cofounder of SmartThings and Vice President of Community and Developer Advocacy, leads this initiative, and works to engage with and advocate for individual partners, developers and developer enthusiasts.

His work recently brought him to Seoul for IoT Week Korea 2015, where he spoke to developers about the SmartThings platform, as well as the company’s aspirations for IoT. During his trip, Edwards sat down with Samsung Tomorrow to discuss the importance of developers, the current state of SmartThings and the unlimited possibilities of a more connected world.

Connected Chairs and Talking Tables: The Near Future of IoT

The developer community, Edwards believes, is essential to the success of the ever-expanding ecosystem, and open IoT platforms like SmartThings make it easy for developers to get involved.

“Everything is going to be connected, even things we wouldn’t necessarily think of. Tables and chairs and couches and buildings, for example,” Edwards explained. “They’re all going to be connected in ways that we can’t even imagine right now.”

Although it might not happen immediately, object manufacturers, such as furniture companies, for example, are understanding that this level of connectivity, though it may seem novel at the moment, won’t be so unconventional a decade from now. Edwards used the example of a smart dining room table to illustrate how this may be possible.

“Imagine, a table display pops up that is unique to what I’m interested in because it knows that I am sitting here. Across the table in another seat, the display might show something different. Or, maybe there’s not a display at all. But the table knows that I have to catch a certain metro train, so it might notify me that it’s time to leave,” he stated, noting that the technology already exists, even though the use cases may not.

As such, Edwards encourages developers to envision what the future trends of IoT may be to better equip evolving platforms. “Developers shouldn’t focus on simple applications or devices but rather service platforms like SmartThings,” he added. Users and developers can easily create functions for the platform, enabling the advancement of the platform itself. These kind of activities will become more common as IoT expands.

Grasping the Opportunities of an Omnipresent IoT

Although there are many ways IoT will offer value to consumers in the near future, home automation still has a way to go. Part of this has to do with technical hurdles, and part of it has to do with the fact that some people who may not be enthusiasts or early adopters of technology might be a bit hesitant about it.

Edwards compares the dawn of IoT to the advent of smartphones, as many consumers were not immediately able to recognize the need for the technology at that time. Over the past couple years, however, smartphones have rapidly become so ingrained in our everyday lives that it has become difficult to function without them. In this way, IoT will rapidly become an essential part of life, as consumers will quickly recognize the convenience of IoT, just as they did with smartphones.

Increasingly, IoT will move beyond spaces like the home, across market verticals, and will eventually be present just about everywhere, Edwards claimed. “When I walk up to a take-out restaurant, the menu might rearrange itself based on my preferences, or the things I generally like. Or make recommendations based on the dishes that I’ve eaten and rated before.”

In due course, Edwards noted, we will no longer live in cities, but smart cities. We will no longer be citizens of countries, but smart countries. These changes, brought on by the growth of IoT, and driven by developers, will provide endless opportunities to other developers seeking to contribute to the ecosystem.

SmartThings remains devoted to developing relentlessly to best prepare for a future that isn’t so far away, and will continue to cultivate its relationships with developers around the world to enable an IoT of unlimited possibilities.

Yet, despite the low number of millennial home purchases, the majority of the demographic agrees that owning a home is necessary to live The American Dream and be a respected member of society. It is predicted that once the generation starts to tie the knot, home ownership will greatly increase.

Millennials already have a good idea of what they want from a home, so when they do start to buy, they will demand certain features, no doubt different from those desired by baby boomers and Generation Xers. So what exactly do millennials want in a home?

Smart, Safe and Secure

As the first generation to have had access to the Internet during their formative years, millennials value technology, and as such, tech-friendly homes will play a vital role in their lifestyles. The next generation of homeowners will set the pace for utilizing new technology in the home, making tasks such as running a load in the washing machine and lowering the temperature of the thermostat from a smartphone the new norm.

The majority of millennial women questioned in a recent survey believe that smart technology makes the home safer and more enjoyable. Participants of the survey report that indoor and outdoor lighting, door locks and security cameras are the areas in which they are most likely to adopt new technology, while identifying the kitchen, laundry room and living room as areas that would benefit most from smart tech. Despite the increased cost of such smart devices and services, millennials are more likely to view these as a good home investment for the long term.

Emerging devices such as Samsung’s SmartThings Hub and the corresponding free app make intelligent living possible, allowing users to easily customize the home to one’s personal preferences, another important determinant of millennial home buying. While homeowners of the past hoped to purchase new or newly remodeled homes, younger generations prefer fixer-uppers. This “entitled” generation is least likely to expect their next home to be recently built, instead opting for a house they can repair and improve on their own, incorporating their personal preferences into the home’s design.

Purposeful Places and Spaces

Among these customization projects is the desire to make each room serve a purpose fit for the homeowner’s lifestyle. For example, millennials are straying from jobs with traditional 9-to-5 hours and instead choosing to start their own businesses and side projects. As such, they want their living spaces to be places to do work, rather than places to go after work, and are transforming less frequently used rooms such as the dining room into their home offices. They value living environments that are conducive to creativity and encourage productivity.

Along these same lines, television, movie and sport watching to the demographic, as is space to entertain their social networks, who are value to the cohort that has, for the most part, delayed getting married and having children. And with multi-room services and devices, millennials can be entertained in just about part of the house. Additionally, Smart TVs satisfy millennials’ needs for immediacy and seamless social media access during their favorite programs and sports events.

While previous generations counted calories, millennials focus more on food that is fresh, less processed and has fewer artificial ingredients, as evidenced by their preference for specialty grocers and farmers’ markets. Their passion for local, sustainably grown produce has catalyzed a movement in urban gardening and a collective passion for food in general has been the foundation of a growing foodie culture that millennials will no doubt incorporate into their homes as much as they do their Instagram accounts.

The Samsung Chef Collection refrigerator, for example, has been designed with the millennial in mind, utilizing temperature control features to keep food fresher longer. Likewise, the collection’s microwave includes a quick-access commercial grade filter that captures 56 percent more oil than traditional filters. Appliances like these that cater to the healthier lifestyles of these foodies will be of upmost importance.

Energy Efficiency for Long-Term Savings

Finally, as a more eco-conscious generation, millennials see the importance in saving energy, both to do their part to help the environment, as well as save money, and are willing to pay a bit more for energy efficient appliances. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, one of the most desired features mentioned by millennial home builders is Energy Star-rated appliances, which help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent climate change. Respondents noted they are willing to pay more for such devices, so long as there is a long-term cost savings attached to their purchases.

Although millennials are delaying marriage and homeownership, it’s highly likely that their desire to own a home remains strong and their attitudes toward purchasing a house are optimistic. With a steadily improving job market, along with government sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lowering down payments to 3 percent for first-time home buyers, it is likely that millennials will soon have a place to call home, sweet (smart) home.