Roundups | SmartThings

SmartThings Tests Matter-Compatible Products in Anticipation of New Smart Home Standard

May 18, 2022 / SmartThings / No Comments

As the anticipation and excitement grows for the Matter standard, we have accelerated our progress, today announcing a Partner Early Access Program with select strategic companies to test their first-ever Matter-compatible products.

We’re thrilled to welcome Aeotec, Aqara, Eve Systems, Leedarson, Nanoleaf, Netatmo, Sengled, Wemo, WiZ and Yale into this exclusive program. As a founding member of Matter, we are excited about this development, as well as the opportunity for partners to test their devices and Matter interoperability with Hub-enabled devices and through the SmartThings app. Additionally, partners can use the SmartThings app for seamless onboarding of their devices.

As pioneers in the smart home industry from the very beginning, we strongly believe that Matter will become the de facto standard in every smart home in the world. This is why we have, and will continue to, invest heavily in Matter.

At our annual Samsung Developer Conference, we announced Matter will allow Samsung’s Galaxy devices, TVs, and Family Hub appliances to have the most versatile connectivity options through SmartThings. Integrating SmartThings hub functionality into these devices will make it easier for users to experience the benefits of connected living without the need for a separate smart home hub.

While the launch of Matter later this year remains a significant milestone for SmartThings and the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the Partner Early Access Program has created tremendous near-term excitement for SmartThings and select companies. It reflects the increasing demand for more interoperable, flexible, and private, smart home solutions that have the power to make mass smart home adoption a not so far reality.

Celebrating 10 Years of SmartThings

April 28, 2022 / SmartThings / No Comments

This month marks the 10^th anniversary of SmartThings as a company. Through our journey, we have laid the foundation for the next generation of the smart home, and we have made significant shifts all for the benefit of our users.

Since the early days, our goal of making a platform that every human being can use – and making every home a smart home – has remained the same. We’re driven by the idea of accelerating IoT adoption for everyone and helping consumers across the world realize the benefits of a seamless and simple connected life.

Looking Back the Progress We’ve Made

Years ago, the idea of a smart home was more of a novelty than a reality. In 2011, Alex Hawkinson developed the idea for SmartThings after his family’s house in Colorado was extensively damaged from a power outage, causing tens of thousands in repairs. While the idea of a “smart home” was depicted in movies and TV shows, there was no real solution that could give consumers an accurate depiction of what was going on inside their home.

This was the basis of the company’s Kickstarter in 2012. The campaign received over $1.2 million from 5,700 backers, due to a simple idea: adding intelligence to everyday things would make life more awesome. The company was committed to changing the mindset about smart home technology, demonstrating that data about how people live and what they do have the power to solve everyday problems.

This caught on, and others began taking notice. In 2013, Wired highlighted SmartThings as a key leader in the emerging smart home automation space, and we launched our first line of commercial products at CES in 2014.

The opportunity to bring SmartThings’ vision to hundreds of millions of customers truly came to life when Samsung acquired SmartThings in August 2014 to accelerate its connected appliance strategy. With the backing of Samsung, making every home a smart home was no longer a pipe dream – it was only a matter of time.

Moving Toward Mass Smart Home Adoption

Driven by the goal of achieving mass smart home adoption through a unified and intelligent home experience, we innovated from a single line of commercial products into one of the largest integrated ecosystems.

Today, SmartThings works with hundreds of compatible devices, including lights, cameras, voice assistants, locks, thermostats and more, through partnerships with leading brands like Amazon, Honeywell, Arlo, and Google Home Assistant. The company has also brought the groundbreaking smart home interoperability standard, Matter, into the SmartThings ecosystem.

In just ten years, we have risen to become the most robust smart home IoT platform in the market. We are proud that SmartThings now has:

200+ global partners and the ability to integrate with thousands of devices
800+ talented employees across Samsung who are dedicated to SmartThings
15 categories of supported devices, from voice assistants to window treatment and more
9 add-on services in the SmartThings’ app today, including Air Care, Clothing Care, Cooking, Energy, Home Care, Pet Care, Smart Lock Guest Access, Find, and Home Monitor
4.5 stars rating in the Google Play Store and a 4.3 rating in the iOS App Store

Looking back on all that we have accomplished, we’re grateful to our wonderful partners and developers. Good things happen when devices talk to one another, and without our strong partnerships, creating meaningful connecting living experiences would not be possible.

As we continue the path toward mass smart home adoption, we’re focused on creating experiences with consumers at the center. While solutions like SmartThings enable a more connected living experience, consumers are at the heart of our business – the ones who bring smart homes to life by supporting all their big life moments. We’re excited about the future and the opportunity to make smart home living the norm for consumers in the next ten years and beyond.

‘SmartThings Build’ Continues to Expand Globally with ABB Partnership

April 5, 2022 / SmartThings / No Comments

Last year at our annual developer conference, we unveiled our new partnership solution designed to help builders, property management companies, and real estate developers create and manage connected living experience across properties and homes at scale, called ‘SmartThings Build.’ Through this solution, SmartThings has continued to work with companies around the world to integrate our technology directly into commercial and residential properties. We’re pleased to share our partnership with ABB, a leading building automation and control technology company in the world.

ABB is shaping the future of electrification, delivering technology and digital solutions for customers across utilities, buildings, infrastructure, and mobility. From lighting products to HVAC, solar panels, smart meters, and EV charging stations, ABB has been at the center of innovation for more than 130 years.

With ABB, SmartThings technology will be integrated into both residential and commercial buildings to provide joint technologies for energy savings, energy management, and the smart connection of both residential and commercial buildings. Through an open, centralized system controlled by either SmartThings or the ABB-free@home® home automation solution from ABB’s Smart Buildings Division, users will be able to increase their savings with seamless energy consumption monitoring and automation. Residents and owners will be able to monitor and manage the full suite of appliances, gas and smoke sensors, and energy, security, and temperature settings all from anywhere in the world using a single application.

For more information about ABB and its products and services, please visit www.abb.com.

Discover Even More Eco-Friendly Home Solutions with SmartThings Energy

November 11, 2021 / SmartThings / No Comments

In an effort to provide our users with more eco-friendly home solutions, SmartThings is expanding its SmartThings Energy platform with new features that will allow users to make greener decisions. These new features include whole home energy monitoring and individual device monitoring, as well as the ability to participate in an energy switching market place.

The new features build on the existing services to help manage household energy use, save money, and contribute to a lower carbon footprint.

Originally launched in the U.S. in July 2021, SmartThings Energy has revolutionized the home energy category and represents Samsung’s commitment to a more sustainable future. By combining the features on the SmartThings platform with Samsung energy-efficient products and intelligence, SmartThings Energy empowers users to make smarter decisions about their energy consumption, helping them make a difference and reduce their carbon footprint.

With the original release, SmartThings Energy allowed users to monitor energy usage from compatible Samsung appliances, discover consumption data, and get energy saving tips. Now, SmartThings Energy has expanded and partnered with Copper Labs, Eyedro and Wattbuy in the United States. With these new partnerships, SmartThings Energy now provides:

Whole energy home monitoring: Copper Labs offers wireless real-time energy monitoring management solutions by providing its customers with the data insights needed to optimize their energy consumption. Through SmartThings Energy, users are able to monitor and report whole-home energy consumption in real time through the SmartThings App. This integration also allows homeowners to set up automations based on energy costs or demand response events.
Individual device/disaggregated energy monitoring: Eyedro energy monitors measure energy consumption data from specific devices on a home’s energy meter, and allow users to measure energy consumption from specific, high-energy consuming devices, such as HVAC systems, pool pumps, and water heaters.
Energy switching marketplace: WattBuy provides a platform for SmartThings Energy users in relevant markets to save money or go with renewable sources by offering options with their home electricity. Users get personalized recommendations for the best suppliers available in their areas and can make a switch for services in a few clicks.

SmartThings Energy continues to attract users around the US and the world, empowering users to make smarter decisions about energy consumption and making it easier than ever to engage in eco-friendly habits.

SmartThings Edge Provides Reliable, Faster Smart Home Experiences

October 26, 2021 / SmartThings / No Comments

In August, we shared the beta release of SmartThings Edge – a new hub architecture that allows hub connected devices to execute locally. SmartThings Edge creates smart home experiences that are more reliable and faster. Now, developers and hobbyists can build and consume custom device drivers in a much easier way.

Since the beta launch, SmartThings has partnered with Aeotec, Leviton, Kwikset, Somfy North America, Yale, and August to transform connectivity and the smart home experience in a noticeable way. SmartThings Edge’s advanced technology increases the speed of automation for consumers by eliminating the need for cloud-based processing, bringing all the information directly to the Hub. This not only streamlines events and commands but also allows for local device support on a home network. This local device support decreases latency and increases reliability. All Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi devices can run locally on the Hub, with the ability to connect more protocols and standards, including Matter, in the future.

Previously, our developers were required to copy and paste code into their Samsung IDE accounts to distribute and leverage custom device type handlers for hub connected devices. With SmartThings Edge comes the introduction of the new driver sharing feature, an easy-to-use and time efficient alternative for community distribution and consumption. SmartThings users can now share custom device drivers with a simple web link – eliminating the need to copy and paste code.

While device manufacturers are still encouraged to submit their drivers to SmartThings for WWST certification and distribution via the SmartThings catalog, the Driver Sharing feature can also be used to distribute custom drivers that partners may want to test before officially releasing integrations.

New drivers are regularly being added. Our latest release includes Zigbee range extenders, Z-Wave buttons, water leak sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and humidity sensors.

SmartThings Edge is the latest innovation in SmartThings technology, representing the company’s commitment to developing solutions for global developer networks – thereby improving the next generation of smart home experiences.

SmartThings Introduces “SmartThings Edge”, allowing for Faster and Easier Home Automations

August 19, 2021 / SmartThings / No Comments

SmartThings is excited to announce SmartThings Edge, a new hub architecture that allows core functionality to execute locally, leading to smart home experiences that are more reliable, faster, and more secure.

While users will not see a change within the SmartThings app, on the backend, SmartThings Edge is transforming connectivity and the experience in a noticeable way. SmartThings Edge’s advanced technology increases the speed of automations for consumers by eliminating the need for cloud-based processing, bringing all the information directly to the Hub. This not only streamlines events and commands, but also allows for local device support on a home network, allowing users to run their Automations locally. This local device support decreases latency and increases reliability. SmartThings users will also be able to connect Zigbee, Z-Wave, and LAN-based integrations, with the ability to connect more protocols in the future, including Matter.

As part of SmartThings’ evolution to modernize and move away from the legacy Groovy platform, SmartThings developed a solution that would be able to deliver the developer experience to meet the current times. Developers are now able to code and build Device Drivers with Lua©, offering a more robust and simpler way for device manufacturers to integrate with the SmartThings platform.

This new platform architecture is an example of SmartThing’s commitment to investing in technologies that make it easier for our global developer network to build the next generation of smart home experiences that inspire meaningful moments.

Go Green and Save Money with SmartThings Energy

July 15, 2021 / SmartThings / No Comments

Looking for new ways to take control of your energy consumption? SmartThings Energy, a new service within the SmartThings app, allows consumers to make greener decisions with monitoring, target-setting, and notifications of Samsung appliances and HVAC systems.

The new, first-of-its-kind solution provides another reason to invest in IoT. With more people staying at home during the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in home energy usage. Now, one of the most sought after smart home features is available. SmartThings Energy delivers a real-time view of energy consumption, analysis and cost estimates – putting control into the hands of its users.

SmartThings Energy is the most comprehensive real-time energy consumption data on the market and addresses challenges related to major energy consuming appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators and laundry machines, head-on.

Through SmartThings Energy, users can:

Monitor the energy usage of home appliances. Users can check their electricity and water usage from a single device or aggregated usage from multiple compatible devices. They can also view their consumption data in comparison to target goals and see how much energy they are using compared to the previous month.
Discover consumption data. User-friendly charts allow users to understand how much energy each of their devices is consuming. In addition, users will receive energy saving tips based on the devices that are connected. For example, switch to eco-wash mode to run laundry.
Save energy through notifications that alert users when they’re using too much energy at a given time. For instance, the interface sends alerts when a device is left on while users are away from the home and when they are using more energy than their monthly target.

SmartThings Energy, which will support most of the Samsung Home Appliances and HVAC products, is the latest innovation that represents the company’s commitment to sustainable living. In the future, SmartThings will expand the service to WWST partners and bring in new partners that specialize in energy management.

Introducing the New SmartThings Experience

June 8, 2021 / SmartThings / No Comments

We are pleased to unveil the next generation of our SmartThings connected home experience. Featuring a new look and feel, the new SmartThings interface offers users a simpler, more robust user journey, and faster load times.

Smart homes continue to surge in popularity, with the number of smart homes expected surpass the 350 million mark by 2023. The new SmartThings interface delivers on the needs of both future and existing customers by creating a more seamless application experience. With an enhanced user journey, SmartThings makes life easier to discover and experience IoT services, while ensuring a seamless transition from SmartThings’ previous version.

The updated app, which will be available on desktop and mobile devices, is the latest example of our ongoing commitment to bringing smart functionality and capabilities to consumers. The revamped layout will include five different sections: Favorites, Devices, Automations, Life, and More:

Favorites is the new home screen within SmartThings and gathers the devices, scenes, and services used most for quicker access.
Devices lets users view and control all devices, connecting TVs, light bulbs, appliances, and more.
Life is a place to explore the growing world of connected living where users can discover new SmartThings services that transform physical products into meaningful user experiences.
Automations connects devices and allows them to work together and respond to specific conditions in the home, such as a door opening and a light turning on.
Menu will house additional SmartThings features including SmartThings Labs, Notifications, History, and Settings.

This update comes on the heels of recent news about SmartThings’ new Windows application, which offers a similar user experience right from a Galaxy Notebook and any other Windows PC.

‘Matter’ Joins SmartThings Ecosystem, Paves Way for Expanded Connected Home Possibilities

May 12, 2021 / SmartThings / No Comments

We’re pleased to announce that a new protocol, Matter, will soon be integrated into the SmartThings ecosystem, marking a critical step in advancing smart home solutions and creating new opportunities for consumers and developers. Powered by market-proven technologies, Matter devices will interact with thousands of products and brands already within the SmartThings platform, allowing for even more versatility and flexibility.

Unveiled earlier this week, Matter is a royalty-free, open-source connectivity standard that will enable communication among a wide range of smart devices. SmartThings will fully integrate Matter into its powerful ecosystem, while continuing to support existing protocols including Zigbee, Z-Wave and more, ensuring no disruption to current connected homes. New and existing customers will still be able to leverage the powerful SmartThings automations to create rich smart home experiences.

For our developers, Matter opens the door of innovation, allowing more time to focus on creativity while reducing time spent of recreating efforts across various ecosystems. For our builder and real estate partners, Matter is the future of reliable connectivity, ensuring the widest choice in smart device compatibility at scale. The protocol allows them to unlock additional revenue, streamline installation and training, and ensure lasting quality for their customers.

Matter bridges the gaps between the past, present, and future connected devices by simplifying connected experiences and ensuring new devices can seamlessly be integrated into existing smart homes. As pioneers in the smart home industry from the very beginning, we believe this will become the de facto standard in every smart home in the world, and seamlessly be controlled by the SmartThings app.

SmartThings continues to be the glue that connects devices together across brands and platforms. With the addition of Matter, SmartThings maintains its stronghold position as a powerful and comprehensive ecosystem offering users more choices for their everyday lives.

This collaboration represents the next step in SmartThings’ commitment to providing an open environment and consumer-driven experiences. With 5,000 devices across 214 brands, SmartThings prides itself with its dedication to consumer choice. In the months ahead, SmartThings will continue to collaborate with other members of Connectivity Standards Alliance to shape the future of IoT and give customers a greater peace of mind.

Galaxy Upcycling

April 21, 2021 / SmartThings / No Comments

Repurpose Older Galaxy Smartphones into Smart Home Devices with SmartThings

SmartThings is pleased to share its integration within Samsung’s Galaxy Upcycling at Home program, giving new life to older Galaxy smartphones not currently in use. As part of Samsung’s commitment to responsibly recycling devices, users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Korea can leverage SmartThings to turn older devices into connected devices to enhance their living experience and extend the lifecycle of their products.

Users can transform their old devices through SmartThings Labs, a new feature within the SmartThings app. Leveraging the power of SmartThings and repurposing built-in sensors within Galaxy devices, users will initially experience enhanced sound and light control features, including:

Using an improved artificial intelligence solution, Galaxy devices can more accurately distinguish sounds in everyday surroundings, and users can choose to save certain sound recordings. For example, if the device detects sounds such as a baby crying, dog barking, cat meowing, or a knock, it will send an alert directly to the user’s smartphone and the user can listen the recorded sound.
Galaxy devices can be used as light sensors to measure the brightness level of the room. Users can easily set the device to automatically turn on lights or the TV through SmartThings, if the room becomes darker than the preset standard of light.

Through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users will also be able to connect older devices effortlessly to SmartThings, allowing them to interact with more than 5,000 IoT devices across 200 brands within the SmartThings ecosystem. The Galaxy Upcycling at Home feature is available on all S, Note, and Z series released from 2018 (S9, Note9 and above) with Android 8.1 and above.

Samsung and SmartThings are committed to building environmental sustainability and Galaxy Upcycling at Home is an innovative way to minimize global e-waste. The Galaxy Upcycling at Home program supports Samsung’s global efforts toward meeting its goal of collecting 7.5 million tons of e-waste and making use of 500,000 tons of recycled plastic by 2030. This first phase of the program officially launches today, with new features to be released in the near future.