Recent Articles

September 1, 2022

SmartThings and Philips Hue Create First-of-Its-Kind Immersive Music Experiences

In an ongoing quest to enhance our ecosystem of compatible devices, we are pleased to announce an expanded partnership with Philips Hue to transform music listening into an immersive experience. Through a new integration with Hue Sync into the SmartThings platform, Galaxy users will be able to sync their Philips Hue lights to most music streaming services right from their smartphone or tablet. With nearly 20% of U.S. consumers owning a smart light, this feature allows users to easily connect their Philips Hue lights via Hue Sync on the SmartThings app – allowing users to seamlessly control, customize, and sync their lights to various music streaming services from their Galaxy mobile device to turn their smart home into the ultimate home entertainment center. Philips Hue has been a longtime partner of SmartThings, offering full-home control of smart devices when pairing Philips Hue lights with SmartThings. For years, users have been able to connect Philips Hue lights to any Samsung device with the SmartThings app, creating scenes that activate not only light bulbs but also smart blinds or televisions, making the home truly a smart home. As a leader in smart home technology, we are thrilled to offer SmartThings users the ability to sync their music and lights to create their ideal home experiences – whether for a dinner party, movie night, or workout session. We are excited about this new level of personalization and believe it will set the tone for next-generation connected living.
July 28, 2021

Automate Your Somfy Shades and Blinds with SmartThings

SmartThings is pleased to announce its integration with Somfy, the best-in-class manufacturer of tubular motors for interior window coverings and exterior solar protections. Through this integration, Somfy-powered shading solutions can now be fully integrated into the smart home and controlled through the SmartThings application, simplifying the everyday. The integration is available in North America market. With Somfy smart shading solutions, homeowners and residents can seamlessly control their shades, blinds, and screens from the same control system as their other connected living devices. Leveraging the power of SmartThings, users can create customized experiences and comfort at the touch of a button, with unique features including:  One Master Control System to control and automate Somfy motorized shades and blinds along with other smart home devices. Natural Lighting Control, allowing users the choice to have their shades, blinds, draperies, screens, awnings, and pergolas open and close on demand or automated to spend more time on other tasks.Energy Efficient Homes, with scheduling that allows shades to open during the warmest times of the day in winter and close during the hottest times of the day in summer to save on heating and cooling costs. Home Automation, allowing for simultaneous control of multiple smart home devices. With one command, homes can be ready for your next activity, whether waking up or going to bed, leaving the house or watching a movie. This new offering is another representation of SmartThings’ commitment to uplifting everyday living by making the home more unified. By adding Somfy into SmartThings’ ecosystem, users can automate everyday tasks and stay more engaged in the moments that truly matter most.  
January 21, 2021

Wishes Granted with Genie and SmartThings

In 1954 the Genie® garage door opener became the world’s first mass-produced radio-controlled garage door opener remote. Fast forward over half a century, Genie granted wishes to consumers allowing them to monitor their garage door from anywhere with its Aladdin Connect® Enabled Smart Garage Door Openers. Now, Genie makes its next innovative leap by becoming a Works With SmartThings certified partner, joining SmartThings powerful connected ecosystem. Similar to SmartThings commitment to bringing smart functionality and capabilities everywhere consumers want it to be, Genie is committed to putting the homeowner first with the next generation of innovations. Through Genie’s Aladdin Connect and SmartThings, homeowners can receive real-time alerts and open and close their garage door from anywhere in the world with their smartphone. Now, SmartThings users can tell their smart speaker to open or close the garage door, set up a geo-tag to recognize entry to the driveway so the door will open, and many other easy to use smart options, putting users in control of how they gain or grant access to their home. Further, the SmartThings integration grants autonomous features, like automatically closing the garage door after a set amount of minutes, or incorporating into a SmartThings Scene to shut down when a connected home is headed into night mode. Other safety features include automatically opening the garage door if smoke is detected in the home, and notifying and opening itself if CO levels reach a dangerous threshold. Building on our recent integration with Mercedes-Benz, we’re enhancing the car-to-home and home-to-car experiences with new features that will launch in the coming months. Through SmartThings, users will soon be able to enable a garage door to open, start their car, and eventually set the car to back itself out. According to research, 3 out of every 4 homeowners with garages use their garage daily. Given that the majority of homeowners use the garage as the primary entrance to their home, the garage door is a critical part of a smart home system. We’re thrilled for the tens of millions of Genie users to enhance their connected homes and join the SmartThings family.
January 8, 2021

Feel Safe at Home in the New Year with Arlo

In our ongoing quest to enhance our ecosystem of compatible devices, we are pleased to announce a new version of the Works With SmartThings integration, built in partnership with Arlo. The integration rounds out our portfolio of home security products by letting you connect to any Arlo device1, including their latest security products. Beyond adding support for more Arlo devices, this new integration enhances the overall user experience with improved stability and reduced latency so you can get faster access to your camera recordings or video doorbell feed. Users will still be able to enjoy the same features they most commonly use, such as turning all Arlo cameras on/off when arming/disarming the SmartThings Home Monitor, or using the Arlo camera sound sensor to trigger a siren or get lights to turn on, and more. The process is simple to integrate Arlo with SmartThings, and users will be able to leverage powerful Automations and Scenes to create rich personalized connected home experiences. For example, keeping an eye on the nursery from your Samsung TV with an Arlo Baby camera, or connecting your Arlo video doorbell to answer the door from your Samsung Family Hub fridge. During this new normal where we spend a lot more time at home, we are committed to bringing smart functionality and capabilities everywhere you want it to be, and partnerships like Arlo help us meet your needs of personalizing your home — whether it’s giving you peace of mind that your home is protected inside and out, or bringing you the convenience of knowing exactly when your packages arrive. 1 Arlo Go and Audio Doorbell are not supported by the integration.
December 8, 2020

Samsung SmartThings and Google Join Forces to Enhance Smart Homes With Nest Integration

New integration allows SmartThings users to control Nest devices Today we announced a partnership with Google, bringing the company’s portfolio of Nest products into SmartThings, one of the largest IoT ecosystems. Through the integration, Google Nest devices, including thermostats, cameras and doorbells, will be “Works With SmartThings” (WWST) certified, allowing users to seamlessly control their smart homes through SmartThings. For the first time, SmartThings users will be able to adjust a Nest thermostat, view live camera feeds from outdoor Nest cameras and hear who is at the door with Nest Hello, all through their smart devices. SmartThings users can also incorporate Nest devices into their current WWST-certified devices to create Scenes and automated experiences, controlling the functions with simple voice commands or through the SmartThings app. Soon, users will be able to stream right from their Nest devices directly to their Samsung TV or Family Hub fridge. SmartThings technology powers endless possibilities for enhancing everyday life. Scenes can seamlessly adjust the lighting. Automations can signal to a Nest thermostat when it’s time to adjust the temperature or if a window is open. It can set the optimal temperature for a baby’s nap or even a home alone pet, taking into consideration details such as its fur length. Users can also activate outdoor and indoor lights ahead of arriving home. “SmartThings technology continues to enhance and improve the way we experience smart living. We’re pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Google and integrate Nest into our portfolio to offer users more ways to control and automate their home,” said Ralf Elias, Global Vice President IoT / Business Development & Partnerships at Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to creating a universal system where all smart home devices can work cohesively together.” Following the recent SmartThings IoT integration with Mercedes-Benz, this partnership with Google represents the next step in SmartThings’ commitment to technology innovation and to working with third parties to create a universal smart home standard. The company is focused on simplifying smart technology development for manufacturers and increasing compatibility for consumers. SmartThings technology will be available on Google Nest products starting in January 2021.
December 4, 2020

Try This: Control your Samsung TV with Hey Google

No remote? No problem! For those times when you can’t find the remote, SmartThings lets you control your Samsung TV with your voice using a smart speaker or smartphone. Just start with “Hey Google”. Turn the TV on or off Have you ever fallen asleep whilst watching TV and woken up with no clue where the remote is? With SmartThings, you can turn the TV off by simply saying “Hey Google,  turn off the TV”*. Pause and Play video or music from your favourite TV apps Perfect for when the doorbell goes or your phone rings. Just say “Hey Google, pause on TV”*  and when you’re ready to resume, just say “Hey Google, play on TV”*. Other things to try ∙ “Hey Google, mute the TV”* ∙ “Hey Google, is the TV on?”* ∙ “Hey Google, run Movie Mode”* (or any other scenes you have created within the SmartThings app) To get started, add your TV to SmartThings by following these steps in the SmartThings app on your Android or iOS phone or tablet: 1) Hit the ‘+’ icon 2) Highlight ‘By device type’ 3) Select ‘TV’ 4) Select ‘Samsung’ 5) Select ‘TV’ again and follow the on-screen instructions Then, link your Google Account to SmartThings by following these steps in the Home app 1) Hit the ‘+’ icon 2) Select ‘Set up new device’ 3) Select ‘Works with Google’ 4) Scroll down to “SmartThings” and select it (or use the search bar to type “SmartThings”) 5) Sign in to SmartThings using your Samsung account (this will auto-complete if you’re already signing in to SmartThings on your device) 6) Authorise Google accessing locations, devices, and scenes from SmartThings 7) Your accounts will link 8) Your devices, locations, and scenes from SmartThings will now show in the Google Home app 9) Say “Hey Google, turn on the TV”* Haven’t got a SmartThings account yet? Download the SmartThings app on your Android or iOS devices now. *Requires Samsung Smart TV, SmartThings app and compatible voice assistant. Voice assistant must be set up on SmartThings account. *Use the name of the TV as it appears in your SmartThings app – you can rename it to make things easier! For example, if your TV is named ‘Living Room TV’ then say “Hey Google, turn off the Living Room TV”.*Google and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC.
November 2, 2020

“Hey Mercedes!” Welcome to one of the World’s Largest IoT Ecosystems

Our ecosystem continues to grow and we’re pleased to share that SmartThings will power Mercedes-Benz’s latest smart home function, giving drivers and passengers unprecedented ability to use their vehicle as a control center for the home. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the first native in-car voice assistant system to be integrated into a smart home platform. We’re thrilled to offer drivers, as well as passengers, remote connectivity to thousands of intelligent devices made by hundreds of brands supported by SmartThings’ open IoT ecosystem. Recognizing the evolution of IoT, this announcement is the first of several showcasing our strategy to take a technology-first approach, to bring smart functionality and capabilities everywhere consumers want to be. Car-to-home experiences represent yet another step in creating a universal smart home standard while simplifying development for manufacturers and increasing compatibility for consumers. By unlocking the vast power of the SmartThings platform, Mercedes-Benz customers will enjoy first-of-their-kind capabilities when they leave their house or are heading home after a long day at work. Drivers and passengers can seamlessly connect and control many aspects of their home environment including lights, locks, thermostats, electric outlets, garage door openers, sensors, and home security systems, all through Mercedes-Benz’s integrated voice assistant.  Using natural language, such as “Hey Mercedes, did I forget to turn off my lights at home?” to “Hey Mercedes, is anyone at home?”, the MBUX Voice Assistant minimizes distraction, allowing drivers to focus on the road in front of them and know that everything is alright at home. Additionally, passengers in the rear seats can also enjoy the full scope of the smart home integration and interact with their smart homes. SmartThings unlocks endless possibilities of connectivity from within the car and while inside the home.  From monitoring an elderly loved one to being alerted about a grocery item when you’re driving by a store, SmartThings’ integration with Mercedes-Benz adds to the robust features of the luxury car. Bridging the gap between car and home, SmartThings offers the reliability that drivers trust. SmartThings technology will be available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, starting with the S-Class, beginning in 2021.
October 16, 2020

SmartThings and Aeotec – A Connected Family

SmartThings is forging ahead with plans to accelerate the creation of an open IoT ecosystem powered by its technology. Earlier this year, we shared our plans to partner with companies that are leaders in the smart-home-automation space to manufacture and distribute SmartThings compatible hardware. We are pleased to announce that SmartThings and Aeotec are expanding our partnership in both the United States and European markets, furthering the innovative SmartThings portfolio in over 200 countries. Aeotec Group has been a valued Works With SmartThings (WWST) partner for many years, as well as a recognized leader in design and development of SmartHome devices. Now, Aeotec and their European partner company, Z-Wave Europe GmbH, will add a “Works As a SmartThings Hub” (WASH) device, new sensors, cameras, and other Zigbee devices to its offerings. Beginning in Q1 2021, SmartThings and Aeotec will conduct joint activities to incentivize upgrades, including special offers for long-time SmartThings customers. Together with Aeotec, we are committed to maintaining, extending, and enhancing our portfolio for customers around the world. What does this mean for customers? SmartThings will continue to provide lasting support to current device and platform users. While moving forward, Aeotec Group will support their hardware with the same standard our customers have come to expect. New customers with the Aeotec Smart Home Hub will be able to leverage the powerful SmartThings automations to create rich smart home experiences with our WWST products. This includes everything from the Aeotec Sensors to Buttons and Cams. With more than 63 million active users – and growing each day – SmartThings’ evolution beyond these hubs and sensors allows us to focus on innovating and creating differentiated experiences. We are committed to working with partners to bring smart home functionality and capabilities everywhere consumers want to be, spanning over 5,000 devices including mobile phones, appliances, TVs, and more. Our strategy as an open platform is to leverage leading hardware manufacturers to integrate our technology into new product lines – adding to the thousands of Samsung and WWST certified devices found in millions of homes. Aeotec has been a partner of SmartThings since 2013, and together have grown alongside one another to help build up SmartThings as the dominant smart home player. Our partnership builds upon Aeotec’s world-class experience and commitment to quality in manufacturing smart home devices. We are pleased to collaborate with a company that customers trust and excited to continue bringing SmartThings into every home around the world.
March 1, 2017

“Alexa, lock my front door.”

Amazon and SmartThings have added a little more smartness to your home! We’re excited to announce a new feature for Alexa that works with SmartThings; now Alexa can tell you the status of your smart lock and can lock the door for you! (Alexa won’t unlock the door for security reasons.) Not only can you monitor your smart lock from anywhere with SmartThings, you can ask Alexa to help without picking up your phone. Find out how to add the Smart Home skill to SmartThings here. There are plenty of compatible “Works with SmartThings” locks to use with voice control including models from including Yale, Kwikset and Schlage, so don’t worry about locking the front door when you have your hands full. And making sure you’ve secured the door is as easy as asking Alexa, no need to find your phone or get up to check. Use Amazon Echo and SmartThings to lock up your home, save a little time, and rest a little easier knowing peace of mind is just a phrase away. Wherever you are, in your kitchen, in bed, or in your captain's chair giving orders to your futuristic voice-controlled home, locking your door is as easy as saying “Alexa, lock my front door.”
February 10, 2017

Home Control with Google Pixel and Android Wear devices

Samsung SmartThings and Google have teamed up to bring you Home Control with Google Pixel and Android Wear devices! SmartThings is the only complete smart home platform to work with Home Control. Now you can control many of your SmartThings devices with the Google Assistant. Just speak a command to your Pixel phone or Wear device to interact with SmartThings, from dimming the lights in your living room to turning on the porch light. While voice control using Google Home is fun, the power comes when you’re on the go. Control your home from your wrist or mobile phone wherever you happen to be in the world. Check that things are safe and secure, adjust your lights, change the temperature, or any number of other convenient controls. Imagine you just received a message that a family member is heading home early, you can just say "Ok Google, set the thermostat to 70." and make sure they come home to a warm house. If you want to make sure they don't have to fumble for the lights when they come in just say "Hey Google, turn on all the lights in the living room." Ran out the door last minute and not sure if you turned off that one last light? Just ask Google to turn off the lights and enjoy the rest of your day without worrying about it. Perhaps you’re all settled in for the night and you realize the lights downstairs are still on, Google and SmartThings can take care of that, no need to get up! It’s never been easier to control your smart home than with Google Home Control and SmartThings. It’s in the palm of your hand (or on your wrist!) no matter where you are, and with dozens of SmartThings supported devices you have a wide range of flexibility to grow your smart house. Turning the light on is simple: just say “Hey Google!”