Category: Stories

How to Get the Most out of Your Sleep with SmartThings 

Daylight Savings Time is here (yay for more sunlight!), but if springing forward has knocked your sleep schedule off track, we can help with that. With just the tap of a button, SmartThings will prepare you for the best night’s sleep—and show you how to make your routine easier for everyone. 

Read on to learn how you can #DoTheSmartThings and enjoy restful nights ahead. 

What is Our Circadian Rhythm?

While one hour may seem inconsequential, the time shift can disrupt our circadian rhythm—also known as our internal clock. Humans and other mammals adhere to circadian rhythms, natural 24-hour cycles governing sleep, appetite, and mood. These rhythms hinge on exposure to light, synchronizing with natural light-darkness cycles for optimal sleep and health.

Sudden time changes can disrupt our sleep, causing circadian misalignment and sleep debt–the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep regularly–harming overall health. Sleep, after all, helps your body and brain repair, restore, and re-energize. 

Fortunately, with the SmartThings Station, our app, and your connected smart devices, you can transition smoothly into the time change, keeping your sleep routine consistent and uninterrupted.

Set Your Sleep Routine with SmartThings

SmartThings enables you to automate your home, streamlining your mornings for ease and ensuring peaceful nights.

First, connect your smart devices to the SmartThings Station so you can control your sleep-related devices with a simple touch of a button.

Then, in the SmartThings app, you can create custom routines designed to streamline your sleep adjustment process by setting up your Works with SmartThings-certified devices to react and respond automatically.

For example, you can create a night routine where one tap turns off the Philips Hue lights, closes the Somfy blinds, adjusts the Nest thermostat, locks your doors, switches on your security system or outdoor Aqara motion sensors, and turns on any night lights if you have little ones.

You can also create a morning routine that opens your blinds, turns on your Samsung TV or your alarm, and starts brewing coffee right from bed! Programming these routines to occur at the same time every day will help you stick to your sleep schedule.

Want to know more about our Works with SmartThings-certified partners? Check them out at partners.smartthings.com/supported-devices

You’ve created your bedtime routine. Now, you might be wondering, how do I determine my ideal amount of sleep?

Samsung Sleep Coach

While it’s commonly recommended that adults get seven to eight hours of sleep nightly, each person actually has a unique sleep pattern or preference shaped by genetics (this is crucial for aligning with our body clocks). To help you better understand your sleep preference, Samsung partnered with the National Sleep Foundation to analyze your health with advanced and actionable sleep insights.

Samsung Galaxy Watch6

This series of watches features the Sleep Coaching Program, which analyzes your accumulated sleep pattern data and provides you insights like a trainer. The program tracks your progress and offers you tailored advice on how to improve your sleep habits, whether suggesting you meditate before bed or use natural light to wake up. 

The SmartThings-integrated watch also incorporates a Sleep Mode, which disables any notifications from your connected devices and dims the screen to avoid disturbing your sleep with light.

Sleep Smart

As we navigate through the changes brought by Daylight Saving Time, prioritizing our sleep health is crucial. SmartThings and Samsung’s innovative smart home solutions give us greater control over our sleep environment, letting us rest easier and more deeply, and enhancing our overall wellbeing. 

So, this week, #DoTheSmartThings and download the SmartThings app in the Google Play or Apple Store to set your sleep routines for healthier, more restful sleep.

Q&A: SmartThings and Loop on the Road to a Sustainable Future

With the rise in extreme weather events, increasing droughts, inflation, and energy prices going through the roof, people are more concerned than ever with their carbon footprint’s impact on the world—and their utility bills.

Head of SmartThings, Mark Benson said it best: “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do.” SmartThings is always building and partnering with innovative, user-centric solutions for a more sustainable future. This commitment is exemplified through SmartThings Energy, a comprehensive energy management solution in the SmartThings app, and our recent partnership with Loop Global.

Loop is the first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging company within the SmartThings network. Now, users can control Loop’s advanced, user-friendly EV chargers conveniently and sustainably.

In our latest X (Twitter) Q&A, we chatted with Loop Global to discuss our partnership, how their products work with SmartThings, and more. Browse the highlights below or keep reading for the full conversation.

The Highlights

SmartThings: What makes Loop and your chargers different?

Loop: Here at Loop, we are building the next-generation energy network. Our goal is to become a global leader in the electrification of transportation by bringing to market a suite of smart, simple, and affordable electric vehicle charging solutions for everywhere drivers go, whether at home, at work, or on the go. 

Loop: For new or existing SmartThings users, how do you go about setting up Loop chargers in the app?

SmartThings: Getting set up is simple! Download the SmartThings app on your phone, click “Connect” and search for devices. You can then establish routines, or customize existing routines, to get the most out of your smart home.

SmartThings: Sustainability is hugely important to us and our SmartThings Energy initiative. We know it is just as important to you. Tell us more about your sustainability efforts. How can smart charging solutions contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability?

Loop: With Samsung and SmartThings integrations, Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers can set up optimal charging schedules from their car, their office, or anywhere they have service with their mobile phone. This lets drivers start charging when the cost of energy is the lowest, and it helps reduce load on the energy grid. Not only does this help the environment, but it also helps the driver’s bottom line! 

Our full conversation with Loop

SmartThings: We’ve got some burning questions for you! First up, what makes Loop and your chargers different?

Loop: Thanks for having us. Here at Loop, we are building the next-generation energy network. Our goal is to become a global leader in the electrification of transportation by bringing to market a suite of smart, simple, and affordable electric vehicle charging solutions for everywhere drivers go, whether at home, at work, or on the go. 

SmartThings: Thanks for that introduction. Which of your products works with SmartThings?

Loop: Nearly all of our Level 2 charging solutions are compatible with SmartThings. Our EV-Flex Lite is our most popular at-home option, but we also provide our cellular-enabled EV-Flex and our new EV-Flex Plus, featuring 40 amp charging capacity.

For new or existing SmartThings users, how do you go about setting up Loop chargers in the app?

SmartThings: Getting set up is simple! Download the SmartThings app on your phone, click “Connect” and search for devices. You can then establish routines, or customize existing routines, to get the most out of your smart home.

Loop: That’s great! And will this process work for all of our products?

SmartThings: Yes! The process to set up any Loop products is the same. We love making things easy!

Loop: Easy is best! So, how do Loop products work with other smart home devices within the SmartThings app?

SmartThings: Our goal is that everything works together seamlessly so you can get the most out of our app and the SmartThings experience. Once you are connected, you can control all Loop products from your smart devices. 

On that note, is there a limit to the number of chargers that can be connected to the SmartThings app?

Loop: Nope! Once connected to the app, Loop will find all home chargers and automatically populate them within SmartThings! 

SmartThings: Sustainability is hugely important to us and our SmartThingsEnergy initiative. We know it is just as important to you. Tell us more about your sustainability efforts. How can smart charging solutions contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability?

Loop: With Samsung and SmartThings integrations, Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers can set up optimal charging schedules from their car, their office, or anywhere they have service with their mobile phone. This lets drivers start charging when the cost of energy is the lowest, and it helps reduce load on the energy grid. Not only does this help the environment, it also helps the driver’s bottom line! 

Switching gears, let’s talk about trends. What are some emerging trends in the evolution of smart homes?

SmartThings: We see the future of smart homes and smart products evolving with more powerful automations that simply just work and smart home technology as a way to uplift your everyday living and meaningful moments. The next 5-10 years will mean working with partners, like Loop, to streamline and advance the future of smart living.

So, where can SmartThings users learn more about Loop and your products? 

Loop: Our blog is the best place to learn more about our products and what’s next. Visit https://blog.loopglobal.com/ or send us a DM with any questions! 

Last question from us! Where can EV drivers learn more about SmartThings and how to integrate our chargers? 

SmartThings: Make sure you are following SmartThings on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram or you can learn more about our partners on our website: partners.smartthings.com.

Huge thank you to our partners at Loop Global for joining us today! If you have any questions on how Loop Works With SmartThings, reach out!

Loop: Thank you, SmartThings! 
Visit partners.smartthings.com for more about Loop Global and additional partners, products, and services.

SmartThings Creates TV-Centered Smart Home Experiences for Users

During CES 2024, SmartThings unveiled innovative features aimed at creating a more immersive TV experience, allowing for enhanced convenience without interrupting content viewing.

The living room serves at the center of many households for families to come together, and SmartThings’ latest enhancements create a more connected living room experience, enabling users to effortlessly monitor and manage all of their smart devices conveniently from their TVs.

Unlocking Greater Smart Home Control with TV as a Hub

With the TV functioning as a SmartThings Hub, your television turns into a seamless control center for all your connected devices. Your TV can now effortlessly detect your smartphone, turning it into an instant remote, eliminating the hassle of searching for multiple controllers.

The SmartThings TV Quick Panel is a non-intrusive interface for quick access to core functions via a remote control, bridging the gap between Samsung TV features and comprehensive connectivity, without compromising content viewing. The TV Quick Panel allows users to manage devices, view cameras, and even ring their phone to locate it within their home.

Users will be empowered to oversee their entire smart home without diverting attention from their screens. For instance, as you approach your television, it intuitively turns on, presenting not only your home’s entertainment, but also critical information about your devices and appliances. From your television, you can view your home’s camera feed, temperature, and remaining time in your laundry cycle, all at a single glance.

Creating Next-Level Entertainment Experiences 

Now, users can step into their living room and experience seamless connectivity with the cutting-edge Now+ display – automatically syncing with TVs to effortlessly guide users through switching music sources from their Buds to the TV, speaker, or Sound Bar. Moreover, Now+ offers a comprehensive summary of the home, including insights into security cameras and energy consumption.

With TV Hue Sync, users can create an immersive viewing experience through the TV by syncing TV content and ambient lighting – bringing movies, TV shows, and games to life Picture yourself watching a thriller where the room comes alive with vibrant colors matching the on-screen animation, or relaxing at the end of your day in a space filled with calming hues.

As technology continues to evolve, televisions will become more than a household device – they will serve as a gateway to more connected, immersive, and dynamic experiences for the whole family. From staying informed about your home’s status to enjoying more captivating movie and TV sessions, SmartThings is introducing users to a lifestyle where entertainment and home efficiency easily coexist.    

Learn more at partners.smartthings.com.

SmartThings Together

A new option to share your smart life with family, friends, and guests by providing a QR Code

Imagine sharing your smart home devices and routines with family, friends, and guests through a simple QR scan; and tailoring their experience based on their preferences. In the evolving landscape of smart home technology, convenience and personalization have become more important than ever. As reliance on smart devices grows, so does the need for seamless integration and effortless control. Today, SmartThings revealed a groundbreaking feature to transform how we interact with our connected environments. Introducing SmartThings Together, a new way to easily share your smart living through QR customization.

The introduction of QR codes as a way to easily share access to devices within the SmartThings ecosystem marks a significant step in automating daily chores and at-home tasks. Issuing home control through QR codes offers a new level of flexibility, enabling each member of a household and any guests to control specific devices and create their own routines. SmartThings QR Codes are all about better connecting your devices and the people you love. This is another meaningful step in removing barriers to enter and expanding the access people have to smart home technology. 

Tailored Control for Every Family Member

The QR codes make it easy to add new family members or caregivers to your home interface, which will allow them to conveniently control relevant smart home devices for a pre-defined duration. This way, your guests can unlock the door, set the thermostat, and make themselves comfortable. Many homes have one person who is the “smart home” tech aficionado, and the rest of the family has to work around their knowledge and expertise. Now, through SmartThings Together, all users can manage the smart home based on their individual needs and preferences. 

For example, parents or homeowners may use their smart home to monitor energy use, check that security features are engaged, or to make sure the coffee goes off at the right time in the morning. A child in that same household might only care about control over the entertainment features – this can be granted by the parent through a QR code, allowing their child to record a TV program or play music through a shared speaker. 

Simplified and Secure Guest Access and Management

SmartThings Together also allows you to securely share the devices and experiences you want, and control who has access to them and when. This makes it much easier to host guests whether you have a friend visiting, or someone staying at your vacation rental for the weekend.

Instead of sharing complex access codes or walking guests through arduous setup processes, a quick QR Code scan grants temporary access and control over designated devices and routines. Whether it’s adjusting room temperatures, controlling lighting, or accessing entertainment systems, guests can safely and easily navigate and enjoy the smart home experience without a hassle.

Effortless Automation and Device Control

With SmartThings Together, users can streamline automation and device configuration. Location owners can designate device lists shared to each member of the household. After scanning a QR code, each family member can trigger an allowed, shared routine among those shared devices. For instance, users may activate a “Goodnight” routine, adjusting lights, thermostats, and security settings according to individual preferences for room temperature, night-lighting, background noise, and more. 

It also allows for enhanced security. Each QR code is available to one person only, meaning several people could not scan a QR code at the same time. Additionally, the QR codes are only available for five minutes before they regenerate, creating a reduced window of vulnerability. 

Whether you’re creating individualized environments for family members, simplifying guest access, or streamlining automation, SmartThings Together makes sharing the smart home experience with everyone in your home easier and more secure. SmartThings’ QR code sharing will revolutionize how everyday people interact with their smart homes and the people around them, setting a new precedent for more intuitive and controlled homes.


Read more about SmartThings products and services at partners.smartthings.com.

Q&A: SmartThings and TP-Link UK on How To Simplify Your Connected Life​

Picture this: You slept through your alarm, and now you have to get ready for work in a rush. Quickly, you put on a pot of coffee, iron your clothes, throw everything you need in a bag, and head to the office. Phew, you’re still going to be on time. But wait! Did you unplug the coffee pot? The iron? Turn off all the lights? 

You break out into a cold sweat—but then you remember all your appliances are plugged into the SmartThings-compatible TP-Link Smart Plug, and you breathe a sigh of relief, open the SmartThings app, and turn off anything you left on with a simple tap.

That’s only the beginning of how TP-Link works with SmartThings. A leading global provider of Wi-Fi devices and more, TP-Link offers the Matter-certified Tapo smart plug, allowing users to control their appliances conveniently, sustainably, and safely. 

In our latest X (Twitter) Q&A, we chatted with TP-Link UK to discuss our partnership, how their products work with SmartThings, and more. Browse the highlights below, or keep reading for the full conversation. 

The Highlights

SmartThings: How does your smart plug work with SmartThings?

TP-Link UK: SmartHome owners can connect their appliances to the Tapo smart plug. They don’t even have to be smart appliances! For example, you can control the lights on your Christmas tree this holiday! 

Then, in the SmartThings app, users can go into SmartThings Energy to track the energy use of these devices and see electricity bill estimates. No more surprises! 

TP-Link UK: Safety is another major concern for users today. How does SmartThings ensure our users avoid the risks that come with everyday appliances?

SmartThings: Who hasn’t asked themselves halfway to work, “Did I unplug the iron?” The SmartThings app puts your mind at ease. Simply preset a schedule to auto-manage your devices so they turn off after it’s left on for a set time. 

SmartThings: We’d love to know where TP-LINK sees the smart home space heading in the next 5-10 years. 

TP-Link UK: We see the future of smart homes as smart and non-smart products all working together seamlessly, no matter who makes them! 

Our full conversation with TP-Link UK

SmartThings: We’ve got some burning questions for you! First up, what makes TP-Link different?

TP-Link UK: Thanks for having us. We are the world’s number 1 provider of Wi-Fi devices to consumers across the globe. The user experience drives everything we do, so we design and build all our networking devices in-house.

We’re excited to say that our Tapo smart plug now works with SmartThings Energy! 

SmartThings: We’re thrilled to partner with you! How does your smart plug work with SmartThings?

TP-Link UK: SmartHome owners can connect their appliances to the Tapo smart plug. They don’t even have to be smart appliances! For example, you can control the lights on your Christmas tree this holiday! 

Then, in the SmartThings app, users can go into SmartThings Energy to track the energy use of these devices and see electricity bill estimates. No more surprises! 

TP-Link UK: Beyond access to the game-changing SmartThings Energy, what are the other benefits of using the Tapo smart plug with the SmartThings app? 

SmartThings: Energy bill surprises are the worst! The SmartThings app lets you turn your plugged-in appliances on and off wherever you are. That way, you only use the devices you need when you need them! Goodbye, wasted energy. 

SmartThings: Let’s talk about another matter…Matter! How does TP-Link work with Matter-certified devices, and why is that important?

TP-Link UK: TP-Link’s Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug is our first Matter-certified product available to customers today, with more to come! The Tapo smart plug will work seamlessly with other Matter devices, such as the SmartThings Station, Samsung Family Hub Fridge, and smart TVs, and setting it up is a breeze! Here’s how: You scan a provided QR code with your phone, and the plug will immediately configure to your home network. Smart living should be easy!

TP-Link UK: We’ve covered sustainability and convenience. Safety is another major concern for users today. How does SmartThings ensure our users avoid the risks that come with everyday appliances?

SmartThings: Who hasn’t asked themselves halfway to work, “Did I unplug the iron?” The SmartThings app puts your mind at ease. Simply preset a schedule to auto-manage your devices so they turn off after it’s left on for a set time. 

SmartThings: This was so fun! But before we wrap, we’d love to know where TP-LINK sees the smart home space heading in the next 5-10 years. 

TP-Link UK: Yes! We see the future of smart homes as smart and non-smart products all working together seamlessly, no matter who makes them! 

SmartThings: A huge thank you to our partners at TP-LINK UK for chatting with us today! 

TP-Link UK: Thank you for having us SmartThings! On that note, we wanted to give your followers a limited-time offer on our Tapo smart plug for SmartThings users! Get an exclusive 5-pack bundle today: https://tplink.aod.promo/uk/tplink-samsung-dec23

Learn more about TP-Link’s smart home brand, Tapo, here: https://www.smartthings.com/partners/tapo

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

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

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

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 

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

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