Category: Stories

Q&A: SmartThings x Eve on Making Connected Living Smart, Safe, and Convenient

July 17, 2023 / / No Comments

Picture this, you’re coming home from a long day at work and the only thing that’ll get your spirit up is sitting down to watch your favorite comfort show. You walk in the door and BOOM, the lights dim, and that Friends episode you love begins to play. It’s truly the perfect start to your wind-down routine. 

The idea isn’t far-fetched. We’ve partnered with Eve to make living easier (and smarter), giving you the tools you need for instant comfort the second you get home. With products like the Eve Door & Window sensor and SmartThings automations, just open the door and watch your connected devices activate. 

We gave attendees a taste of the smart life at our SmartThings Home Tour featuring Eve in May. With the state-of-the-art Smart Home setup on the top floor of the Samsung 837 store, guests were able to see firsthand how Eve products work with SmartThings and connected home devices anywhere—from the kitchen to the living room or bedroom (even the kiddo’s room, too!).

In case you missed it, we collaborated with Eve again in a recent LIVE Twitter Q&A to talk more about our partnership and their smart home initiatives. Check out the highlights and full Q&A below.

The Highlights

SmartThings: We want to know what type of products Eve offers and what makes them a Smart Home game changer. 

Eve: Eve Home builds connected home products such as smart plugs, sensors, and switches that help increase energy efficiency, comfort, and safety. 

SmartThings: Tell us how Eve products work best with your SmartThings devices.

Eve: With a Matter-enabled Eve Door & Window contact sensor, simply open your door and automatically have your connected comforts activated – such as any mood lights connected to an #EveEnergy smart plug and your Samsung TV. Learn more here: https://www.evehome.com/en-us/matter.

Eve: Let’s talk about Eve x Matter connectivity. Originally, the Eve product line was compatible with Apple Home only. Spearheaded two years ago, we started transitioning our low-power product line from Bluetooth to Thread, getting it ready for Matter. And our customers who already have those Thread-enabled devices in their home can upgrade to Matter via a free firmware upgrade. Eve Energy, Eve Motion & Eve Door & Window are the first Matter-certified Eve products, and firmware for many more is underway!

SmartThings: And Matter also makes it easier to connect Eve products with SmartThings and other devices! The integration of Matter allows our partners, along with Samsung’s Galaxy devices, TVs, and Family Hub appliances, to have the most versatile connectivity options through the SmartThings app.

Our full conversation with Eve 

SmartThings: Thank you for joining us, we’ve got some burning questions for you! First up, we want to know what type of products Eve offers and what makes them a Smart Home game changer. 

Eve: Eve Home builds connected home products such as smart plugs, sensors, and switches that help increase energy efficiency, comfort, and safety. 

Did you know that there are tons of benefits to using Eve products with SmartThings? Just connect Eve products to SmartThings to create custom routines catered to YOU! With our Eve Door & Window sensor, simply open your door and automatically have your connected comforts activated. 

SmartThings: Now let’s talk about how you can get your Eve products connected in the SmartThings app! Did you know that you can effortlessly create routines that rely on Eve sensors to notify the user once motion is detected or a door is opened? Or, if you’re all about comfort, turn on a light that is connected to an Eve Energy plug when you enter the house or a room and set the mood. 

Eve: It’s also super easy to get started and pair any Matter-enabled smart device with SmartThings. Simply download SmartThings on your device, make sure your Eve product is switched on, locate the device and connect. You’re all set.

SmartThings: Tell us how Eve products work best with your SmartThings devices.

Eve: With a Matter-enabled Eve Door & Window contact sensor, simply open your door and automatically have your connected comforts activated – such as any mood lights connected to an #EveEnergy smart plug and your Samsung TV. Learn more:  https://www.evehome.com/en-us/matter 

Eve: But now let’s talk about Eve x Matter connectivity. Originally, the Eve product line was compatible with only Apple Home. Spearheaded two years ago, we started transitioning our low-power product line from Bluetooth to Thread, getting it ready for Matter. And our customers who already have those Thread-enabled devices in their homes can upgrade to Matter via a free firmware upgrade. Eve Energy, Eve Motion & Eve Door & Window are the first Matter-certified Eve products, and firmware for many more is underway!

SmartThings: Matter also makes it easier to connect Eve products with SmartThings and other devices! The integration of Matter allows our partners, along with Samsung’s Galaxy devices, TVs, and Family Hub appliances, to have the most versatile connectivity options through the SmartThings app.

SmartThings: Now tell us why privacy is so important to Eve. How are products designed with consumers’ safety and privacy in mind? 

Eve: Yes, let’s talk about it! Your home is your most private space – it’s paramount that we make products that protect it. All data is fully encrypted and only transferred directly between your Eve accessory and Matter controller. Strong encryption verification makes sure that only you hold the key to your home. There is no registration, no tracking, and no Eve cloud.

SmartThings: Amazing. Now, let’s see Eve in action!

Eve: All you have to do is place your smartphone on the SmartThings Station in your bedroom to activate a good night scene: turn on your bedside lamps connected to Eve Energy and switch off all other lights in the house – and while pressing the button on your SmartThings Station, it will turn off your bedroom lights too! 

SmartThings: Before we wrap up, we want to know where SmartThings sees the smart home space heading in the next 5-10 years.

Eve: We see the future of smart home and smart products evolving with more powerful automations that simply just work, without any manual controls needed!

Thanks again Eve for chatting with us. Stay tuned for more Q&As with our partners on Twitter! 

Q&A: SmartThings and Nanoleaf on How We Keep Smart Homes Simple

May 11, 2023 / / No Comments

The popcorn’s ready, and everyone’s gathered around the TV. It’s movie night, but tonight you’re taking it to the next level. With the tap of a button, your “movie night” routine activates in the SmartThings App, and then the magic happens. The movie starts, and your Nanoleaf Bulbs begin to dim, the Lightstrips mimic the surround sound, and the colors change to match the mood. It’s the perfect backdrop to family fun and a night of immersion.

That’s only the beginning of how Nanoleaf works with SmartThings. Dedicated to transforming home lighting through innovative smart lighting products, Nanoleaf offers a line of Matter-certified Bulbs and Lightstrips compatible with the SmartThings App—making your movie night setup, or any at-home experience, that much better. 

To share more about our partnership—and teach our users about Matter—we hosted a live Twitter Q&A with Nanoleaf’s CEO, Gimmy Chu. Check out the highlights below, or keep reading for the full conversation.

The Highlights

SmartThings: How can you customize your space with Nanoleaf through the SmartThings app? 

Nanoleaf: The SmartThings app lets you easily control your Nanoleaf lights, change their color and even set schedules! For example, you can customize your bedroom lighting by setting a “goodnight” routine, so your lights automatically change to a warm yellow at night to help your mind and body get ready for sleep. 

SmartThings: How does Nanoleaf prioritize sustainability?

Nanoleaf: Nanoleaf’s Essentials products are manufactured using solar energy, and the LED Bulbs help to save over 29,000 gallons of water over a usage span of 10 years.

SmartThings: Where does Nanoleaf see smart home technology heading in the next 5-10 years?

Nanoleaf: The future of the smart home will evolve with more powerful automations that simply work, without any manual controls needed. Nanoleaf’s upcoming Sense+ Controls line creates a hands-free lighting experience with your lights turning on exactly when and how you need them. 

Our full conversation with Nanoleaf

SmartThings: Thank you for joining us. Let’s jump right in. What are Nanoleaf lights and what makes them a Smart Home game changer? 

Nanoleaf: We create smart lighting to customize your space. Our light panels and light bars are completely modular with 16M+ color options, giving you the freedom to personalize your lighting exactly how you want it. We also recently launched our Essentials Matter-certified line of Bulbs and Lightstrips to make smart home controls and automations much more seamless.

SmartThings: How can you customize your space with Nanoleaf through the SmartThings app?

Nanoleaf: The SmartThings app lets you easily control your Nanoleaf lights, change their color and even set schedules! For example, you can customize your bedroom lighting by setting a goodnight “routine,” so your lights automatically change to a warm yellow at night to help your mind and body get ready for sleep. 

Now, we have a question for you. What are some benefits of using Nanoleaf with the SmartThings app?

SmartThings: We want users to connect Nanoleaf to our app to create custom routines catered to them. Looking for that extra layer of security at night? Set your living room lights to turn on at 10pm every night before bedtime to signify someone is home. Convenience and safety matter deeply to us!

Nanoleaf: And you recently unveiled the SmartThings Station! How does this differ from the SmartThings app?

SmartThings: SmartThings Station and the SmartThings app work together to create simple, smart home experiences. SmartThings Station is a hub and fast wireless charger, and the SmartThings app manages and controls your smart devices for seamless everyday living.

SmartThings: Sustainability is hugely important to us and our SmartThings Energy initiative. How is Nanoleaf prioritizing this? 

Nanoleaf: Sustainability is at the core of who we are; we believe this should be a standard for all businesses. Our Essentials products are manufactured using solar energy, and the LED Bulbs help to save over 29,000 gallons of water over a usage span of 10 years.

SmartThings: We completely agree! For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, activate SmartThings Energy for energy-saving and cost-lowering tips.

Now, let’s chat about Matter! How has Nanoleaf recently made an effort to work with all Matter-certified devices, and why is that so important?

Nanoleaf: Nanoleaf’s new Essentials Matter Bulbs & Lightstrips are the first Matter-certified lighting available to customers today. Building this new foundation with Matter will make smart living easier for users and enable more powerful automations in the future. 

How will SmartThings and Matter, along with Connectivity Standards Alliance, work together to simplify the lives of smart home owners? 

SmartThings: We truly believe Matter is the foundation and future of IoT! With this new standard, Matter-enabled devices will join numerous products and brands already available within our ecosystem, like Nanoleaf, to simplify the smart home. The integration of Matter allows our partners, along with Samsung’s Galaxy devices, TVs and Family Hub appliances, to have the most versatile connectivity options through the SmartThings app. You can learn more about that here: https://smartthings.com/matter. 

We see smart home technology as a way to uplift your everyday living and meaningful moments. Where do you see the space heading in the next 5-10 years?

Nanoleaf: We agree! The future of the Smart Home will evolve with more powerful automations that simply work, without any manual controls needed. With our upcoming Sense+ Controls line, we envision a hands-free lighting experience with your lights turning on exactly when and how you need them. 

Where does SmartThings see the smart home space heading in the next 5-10 years?

SmartThings: Smart Homes have gone from a niche market to an everyday experience, with most homes having between 5-7 connected devices. It’s so important that these devices connect to one another easily! The next 5-10 years will mean working with Matter partners like Nanoleaf to streamline and advance the future of smart living.

Thanks again, Nanoleaf and Mr. Chu for chatting with us. Stay tuned for more Q&As with our partners on Twitter! 

SmartThings Energy: Empowering Users to Manage Their Energy and Earn Rewards

April 21, 2023 / / No Comments

As more of us connect more things to the power grid, from appliances and TVs, to smart blinds and cars, energy demand keeps going up. And when many of us use energy at the same time — like when we all turn our coffee makers on in the morning, plug in cars after work, or run the dishwasher after dinner — that demand can be more than the grid normally supplies. 

To deal with this, utility providers may have to generate that additional electricity using older or more carbon-intensive methods. Or they will sometimes charge more for energy during these “peak” demand periods to encourage people to reduce their energy. This is often called “Demand Response”. Most consumers want their utility bills and carbon footprints low, but it can be hard for the average user to keep an eye on their energy use, let alone control it!

This is where SmartThings Energy comes in. As a first-of-its-kind ENERGY STAR-certified Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS), our service allows users like you to reduce demand on the grid during peak and emergency situations, lower your energy costs, and manage and automate the energy use of any compatible smart devices within your home.

How do we do it? SmartThings-enabled Samsung appliances, along with a growing number of Works With SmartThings devices, allow you to measure and manage your energy use through the SmartThings app. To take this to the next level, we’ve partnered with utility providers and grid-service programs to help you manage your energy costs, earn rewards, and help reduce energy demand across the grid. 

SmartThings users in eligible areas can now get real-time insights and suggestions on how to manage their consumption during peak demand periods — and earn cash rewards for participating in demand response programs.

Unlock Energy Savings and Improve Grid Reliability 

If you’re a New York or California resident, activate SmartThings Energy in the SmartThings app and enter your zip code to see if you’re eligible to participate in our demand response programs with Logical Buildings and Enersponse. By participating, you’ll receive cash payments, save on your utility bills, and reduce the carbon footprint of your connected home devices. And, as a plus, you’ll provide measurable support to your community via demand response services such as load shedding during peak demand, helping to reduce the need for carbon-intensive peak energy generation. 

Once registered, you’ll be notified in real-time if you’re using energy during peak hours and can take action to reduce your consumption immediately. Think: delaying the use of your dishwasher or switching to a more efficient mode. While you may not realize it, these actions can significantly offset your overall energy costs— and can lower demand across an entire zip code!

The Future of Energy Management is Here

We’re working hard to enable additional demand response and utility programs to connect our users to, with the goal of empowering you with more visibility and control over your energy use. SmartThings Energy is more than a service – it’s a powerful tool that makes it easy for you to take control of your energy usage, reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Ready to take action? Visit https://www.smartthings.com/smartthings-energy to learn more about our energy initiatives.

Everything You Need to Know About Matter 

April 3, 2023 / / No Comments

Matter, a new industry protocol created by hundreds of leading and innovative companies (including Samsung), marks a new era for the smart home and its users. With a mission of simplifying the connected living experience, Matter makes it easy for users to buy, set up, and control smart devices. And while the new protocol is stirring a lot of buzz, many are wondering “how does it work?”

Our Marketing and Strategy Consultant, Daniel Moneta, who is also one of the leads of the Matter working group, let us in on everything you need to know about Matter (and how you’re likely already prepared to use it!).

Thanks for chatting with us, Daniel. Can you explain Matter in one sentence or less to someone who’s never heard of it?

Sure! Matter is an open-standard, common language for smart home devices that makes it way easier to get them set up and working together.

What devices connect with Matter?

Matter supports many of today’s most common smart home categories, with more to come in the future! Look for lights, plugs, blinds, door locks, thermostats, sensors, and other devices that have the Matter logo.

That’s exciting! Is Matter a new kind of radio technology?

Nope. Matter is an “application layer”, which means it can run over technologies already in your homes or devices — like Wi-Fi or Thread. Think of it like this: you and I can both have the same radio, but unless we speak the same language, we can’t really do anything interesting together. Technologies like Wi-Fi and Thread let you connect your devices, and Matter is the language they speak to each other.

What is Thread, and how is it related to Matter?

Matter devices can talk to each other over Ethernet (wired network), Wi-Fi, a new technology called Thread, or any combination.

Thread is a new, wireless networking technology. Like Wi-Fi, Thread is based on Internet Protocol (or IP), so Thread devices join your home network just like any other kind of device. Thread is low power, and uses mesh networking to extend devices’ range, so it’s commonly found in battery-powered devices or ones that might be placed farther away from your home router. 

In order to join your network, Thread devices connect through a “Thread Border Router”, a kind of bridge device that joins your Thread network to your Wi-Fi or wired network (just like an access point or router does for Wi-Fi). Thread Border Routers from any brand can be used to connect Thread devices, and many are built-in to devices including smart home hubs, smart speakers, and lighting. The latest SmartThings Hub, SmartThings Station, Samsung TVs, and Samsung Family Hub refrigerators have Thread Border Routers built in.

How will Matter impact the lives of people who use multiple smart home devices on a daily basis?

Matter makes smart home devices more responsive and reliable because devices connect to each other directly within the home instead of going through the cloud. And its simple, standard setup process makes it easy and consistent to add new devices to your home, no matter the brand.

Does Matter need to be installed or will existing smart home devices be updated to support the protocol?

Odds are you’re already set for Matter! Major smart home platforms — including SmartThings of course — have already updated most of their hubs (or products with hubs in them like TVs or smart speakers) to support new Matter devices. 

As for the devices, a number of existing smart home devices can be updated to Matter. Check with your favorite brands to find out how. But don’t worry: your existing non-Matter devices won’t stop working, and you can still control and automate Matter and non-Matter devices together in SmartThings.

Tell us more about smart home hubs. Do users need a hub to use Matter?

Yes, but you probably already have one! Matter devices connect locally, so you need a controller (or “hub”) from your favorite smart home platform to connect to and control devices when you’re at home, or away. Most smart home platforms — including SmartThings of course — have already updated devices like hubs, TVs, and smart speakers to be Matter controllers for their users.


Thank you, Daniel. Visit our website to learn more about Matter and how it works with SmartThings.

SmartThings Partner Spotlight: How Aeotec Keeps Customers Connected

March 9, 2023 / / 1 Comment

Since 2013, we’ve proudly partnered with Aeotec, the leading maker of high-quality, everyday smart home products. What’s even more exciting is that their products, like the Aeotec Smart Home Hub, are exclusive and compatible with the SmartThings App, and connect to Works with SmartThings-certified devices, including Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Wi-Fi devices. We sat down with Aeotec to discuss how their products work with SmartThings — and how they keep users connected to their homes. Here’s what we learned.

Aeotec Smart Home Hub

First things, first. What do you need in order to set up a smart home with Aeotec and SmartThings?

All you need is the Aeotec Smart Home Hub, which acts as the brain of your smart home, and Aeotec devices such as Actuators – light switches, cameras, smart doorbells, alarm systems, etc. – and Smart Sensors for security, home energy-use monitoring, and more. Simply download the SmartThings app and follow the app’s step-by-step instructions for connecting the device.

That’s great! What are the benefits of using Aeotec and SmartThings?

A solid and reliable smart home! Using the SmartThings app, you can automate and control all of Aeotec’s smart devices and products from hundreds of other brands to build a system that works for you and your needs.

Can Aeotec-connected devices be controlled from anywhere? 

Our app lets you easily control and monitor Aeotec devices no matter where you are. You can also do so with other smart home appliances like Samsung TVs, refrigerators, cooktops, washers and dryers, AC, air purifiers, and more.

What about compatibility? Can you control devices from various manufacturers with SmartThings? 

Yes! The SmartThings app lets you personalize your smart home. For example, you can use Aeotec products with Samsung devices or Z-Wave sensors with Zigbee light bulbs.

Last question. Will the Aeotec Smart Home Hub support Matter in the future?

Yes, the Aeotec Smart Home Hub supports Matter and is certified as a Thread border router. Matter will be the de-facto standard in every home, offering consumers interoperability between devices, flexibility, and more choices when purchasing connected home devices.

Thank you, Aeotec! 

Learn more about how Aeotec works with SmartThings here, and stay tuned for more partner spotlights on our blog and Q&As with our innovative partners on Twitter! 

Samsung “Does the SmartThings” at CES 2023

January 20, 2023 / / No Comments

We brought “Calm” to CES 2023, with an up-close look at how SmartThings can seamlessly integrate into your daily lives through our latest innovations. While many of our announcements stood out among exhibitors, the new SmartThings Station received the most buzz and excitement from both the media and industry. Want to know more? Read on for all of our highlights and stand-out announcements.

Bringing Calm to Our Connected World

We believe your smart home should work for you — and create a sustainable, safe, convenient (and even fun) living environment. While we have big dreams for what a calm connected world looks like, we demonstrated it at CES through the onboarding experience. In 2023, when you buy a Samsung device, SmartThings will simply ask you if you want to add it to your connected home. Instead of several steps to onboard the device, you only need to answer yes or no, making it more convenient for you to experience connected, smart living.

Hub Everywhere

Furthering our mission for Hub Everywhere, we introduced two new Matter-capable hubs for 2023: our TVs and the new SmartThings Station, a compact, wireless charger that also doubles as a hub to connect your smart home devices and create routines. Ready for bed? Just program the Station to automatically turn off your lights and TV for a custom night routine.

Sustainability

Saving energy matters now more than ever, which is why we’re placing sustainability at the core of our user experience. At CES, we announced our initiatives for sustainable living and commitment to making Net Zero Homes a reality with SmartThings Energy — a tool that’ll give you real-time data on your energy, water, and natural gas usage to help you reduce your carbon footprint (and your monthly energy bill). Because of our sustainability efforts, our connected home experience is the first mass-market Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS) to earn Energy Star certification.

SmartThings in the News

With an emphasis on our innovative technology and smart home solution, we received many awards and accolades during CES 2023. One of the most notable is the “Best of CES” award from Engadget for our ability to control connected devices throughout the home seamlessly. We also earned the “CES Innovations” award from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) for making smart home technology more accessible and user-friendly.

The accolades didn’t stop there. Cementing our status as the most versatile and comprehensive smart home solution on the market, we were featured across top-tier, tech and consumer media outlets including Bloomberg, The Verge, CNET, TechCrunch, Men’s Journal, and USA Today’s Reviewed.

CES 2023 was a success, and we could not have done it without our partners, customers, and employees. Stay tuned for more updates on our latest products and innovations, as we further our commitment to creating one simple home system with a world of possibilities. 

How Creative Are You?

March 2, 2016 / / 1 Comment

A pillow that can make you a cup of coffee in the morning. A backpack that can tell you when your kid is home. A kitchen pipe that can call the plumber. These are a few of the creative ways people are using SmartThings to unlock the potential of their everyday things.

We know you’ve made magical moments in your home with SmartThings, and we’d love to inspire others with your creation. All you have to do is send us a brief description of the innovative way you’re using SmartThings, and what excites you about it.

Send an email to stories@smartthings.com with your story and include your name, the products you used, your city, and ZIP Code. If your story is chosen, we’ll reach out to you about featuring it with SmartThings.

Legal-ese (our lawyers made us write this):

The story you submit (the “Content”) can be new content or content that has already been posted on your own personal site/blog, or elsewhere (e.g., Facebook), so long as the Content that you submit is original work created by you (i.e., the Content is owned by you or you have the right to submit the Content and grant the rights granted herein) that does not defame, or infringe the rights of, any third parties, including copyrights, rights of privacy and publicity, and any other intellectual property rights.

By sending us the Content, you willingly (1) grant to SmartThings, Inc. and its affiliates, parents and subsidiaries, a non-exclusive, royalty-free (and no fee or compensation of any kind), perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide license to use (or, in our sole discretion, to not use in any way), modify and create derivative works of the Content to post on our Blog and website for promotional purposes and for any other advertising, publicity, business trade or art purposes (translation: you own the Content; but you give us the above license to use it.); (2) agree that, if your Content or any parts thereof are chosen by us for consideration to be further featured by us in connection with the marketing and advertising of SmartThings, that we may contact you to discuss this through the email address you have provided (don’t forget to exclude us from Spam filters!); and (3) release us, our parents and affiliates from any claims or damages of any kind related to our use of the Content hereunder.

You further agree to our requirement that the Content not include, and that you are solely responsible for any losses if the Content includes, any material that: (i) compromises the security of the SmartThings products featured in the Content (e.g., showing user identities or log in information, etc.), (ii) depicts any SmartThings products in a dangerous or unsafe manner; (iii) is indecent, illegal, pornographic, sexually explicit, harassing or similar.

 
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