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November 8, 2024

Q&A: SmartThings and Tuya on Building a Smarter Tomorrow

How can we make your life easier? That's the question driving the smart solutions that SmartThings and our partners, like Tuya, deliver every day. Tuya is a leading cloud platform service provider that works with and for developers to create the devices that make our lives smarter.  Users can control these Tuya-enabled devices seamlessly using the SmartThings app. In our latest LinkedIn Q&A, we chatted with Tuya to discuss our partnership, the future of AI technology, how their solutions work with SmartThings, and more. Browse the highlights below or keep reading for the full conversation.  The Highlights SmartThings: Why is our partnership so significant?  Tuya: Our collaboration stands out for several key reasons: Seamless Interoperability: Together, we're breaking down barriers with Matter protocol integration, offering a seamless smart home experience across Tuya and SmartThings ecosystems.  Expanded Consumer Choice: Customers can gain access to a wider range of smart home solutions, blending the SmartThings app with the versatility of Tuya-enabled devices. Simplified Control:  Customers experience the ultimate convenience with a single app to manage their entire smart home ecosystem.  But the most important aspect is that we both share a vision for a smarter tomorrow, where technology seamlessly enhances our lives. That is what we are working towards as we continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions for a more comfortable, convenient, and sustainable future. SmartThings: That’s very well said! We’re eager to see how our collaboration unfolds. Speaking of progress, congratulations are in order! It is Tuya’s 10th anniversary this year. Reflecting on the past 10 years, what are some of your most significant accomplishments?  Tuya: Reflecting on Tuya's decade of innovation, we've achieved important milestones in three key areas: Firstly, we've upgraded our developer platform, developed Cube AI & AI Energy Saving Dashboard, refreshed Smart Commercial SaaS, and introduced Home & Building Energy Management Systems. These endeavors have bolstered our portfolio and pushed the boundaries of smart technology. Secondly, our thriving developer community and global partnerships have accelerated smart industry growth. Integration with Matter applications, alongside collaborations like SmartThings, has enhanced user convenience and fostered intelligent, eco-friendly experiences. Thirdly, we’ve achieved quarterly profit in Q2 2023 and Non-GAAP profitability in Q1 of this year, which underscores our resilient growth and commitment to sustainable success. Looking ahead, we're integrating generative AI into our offerings to enable global developers, while revolutionizing user interactions. Confident in our leadership, we'll continue delivering value to clients and users. SmartThings: Tell us more about your developer solutions and how they work!  Tuya: We offer a cutting-edge cloud developer platform, with extensive development tools and support for swift, efficient smart device and application creation. Customers can leverage devices as connectivity nodes to create differentiated smart solutions to enhance products, optimize user experiences, and boost commercial success. For device connectivity, we support mainstream protocols across industries (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter) and mainstream ecosystem platforms especially Samsung SmartThings, enabling seamless integration. Moreover, we support more than 2,800 device categories, allowing developers to customize products for their business needs. For customers seeking all-in-one integrated solutions, we provide comprehensive support for various vertical application scenarios, facilitating one-stop deployment through software-hardware synergy. For those who prefer private deployment, our Cube Cloud solution caters to enterprise-level Cloud-edge-end privatization, enabling exclusive smart management systems tailored to client requirements.  Our full conversation with Tuya SmartThings: Hey, Tuya! Thank you for joining us for a Q&A today. For those who are new to your brand, what is Tuya?  Tuya: Hey, SmartThings! Thanks for having us. Tuya Inc. (NYSE: TUYA; HKEX: 2391) is a global leading cloud platform service provider with a mission to build a smart solutions developer ecosystem that enables everything to be smart.  Tuya has pioneered a purpose-built cloud developer platform with cloud and generative AI capabilities that delivers a full suite of offerings, including Platform-as-a-Service, or PaaS, Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, and smart solutions for developers of smart device, commercial applications, and industries.  Through its cloud developer platform, Tuya has activated a vibrant global developer community of brands, OEMs, AI Agents, system integrators, and independent software vendors to collectively strive for a smart solutions ecosystem embodying the principles of green and low-carbon, security, high-efficiency, agility, and openness. SmartThings: Why is our partnership so significant?  Tuya: Our collaboration stands out for several key reasons: Seamless Interoperability: Together, we're breaking down barriers with Matter protocol integration, offering a seamless smart home experience across Tuya and SmartThings ecosystems.  Expanded Consumer Choice: Gain access to a wider range of smart home solutions, blending the SmartThings app with the versatility of Tuya-enabled devices. Simplified Control: Experience the ultimate convenience with a single app to manage the entire smart home ecosystem.  But the most important aspect is that we both share a vision for a smarter tomorrow, where technology seamlessly enhances our lives. That is what we are working towards as we continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions for a more comfortable, convenient, and sustainable future. SmartThings: That’s very well said! We’re eager to see how our collaboration unfolds. Speaking of progress, congratulations are in order! It is Tuya’s 10th anniversary this year. Reflecting on the past 10 years, what are some of the most significant accomplishments?  Tuya: Reflecting on Tuya's decade of innovation, we've achieved important milestones in three key areas: Firstly, we've upgraded our developer platform, developed Cube AI & AI Energy Saving Dashboard, refreshed Smart Commercial SaaS, and introduced Home & Building Energy Management Systems. These endeavors have bolstered our portfolio and pushed the boundaries of smart technology. Secondly, our thriving developer community and global partnerships have accelerated smart industry growth. Integration with Matter applications, alongside collaborations like SmartThings, have enhanced user convenience and fostered intelligent, eco-friendly experiences. Thirdly, we’ve achieved quarterly profit in Q2 2023 and Non-GAAP profitability in Q1 of this year, which underscores our resilient growth and commitment to sustainable success. Looking ahead, we're integrating generative AI into our offerings to enable global developers, while revolutionizing user interactions. Confident in our leadership, we'll continue delivering value to clients and users. SmartThings: Tell us more about your developer solutions and Tuya-enabled devices and how they work!  Tuya: We offer a cutting-edge cloud developer platform, with extensive development tools and support for swift, efficient smart device and application creation. Customers can leverage devices as connectivity nodes to create differentiated smart solutions to enhance products, optimize user experiences, and boost commercial success. For device connectivity, we support mainstream protocols across industries (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter) and mainstream ecosystem platforms especially Samsung SmartThings, enabling seamless integration. Moreover, we support more than 2,800 device categories, allowing developers to customize products for their business needs. For customers seeking all-in-one integrated solutions, we provide comprehensive support for various vertical application scenarios, facilitating one-stop deployment through software-hardware synergy. For those who prefer private deployment, our Cube Cloud solution caters to enterprise-level Cloud-edge-end privatization, enabling exclusive smart management systems tailored to client requirements.  Given this, why are developers so important for the IoT market?  SmartThings: Developers are essential to building and launching user-friendly IoT products that make life more enjoyable, productive, and sustainable for consumers and businesses. Helping developers build these products and bring them to market is very important, and we applaud the work Tuya has done for their IoT Developer community.   At SmartThings, we also work very closely with our developer community, as their partnership and feedback are vital to how SmartThings functions and how integrations work now and in the future.  Additionally, we’ve heavily invested in our Developer Center to help our diverse device partners succeed, integrate with SmartThings, and reach users worldwide. Our Developer Center offers a range of tools, including: A Getting Started Wizard, Documentation, and Code Samples.   A no-code Edge Driver builder and SmartThings Command Line Interface for development. A Certification Console featuring a new Test Suite and product management tools so developers can quickly submit their devices to integrate with SmartThings, such as Certification by Similarity and Product Cloning.  New post-certification analytics to track product usage and options for users to buy products directly from our partners. We are here to support our developers every step of the way and are grateful for our partnerships. SmartThings: How does/will AI play a role in the future? Tuya: AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, improving decision-making, addressing global challenges, and transforming industries like healthcare, transportation, and education. For instance, in energy-saving scenarios, our Cube AI analyzes real-time consumption to generate optimal strategies, offering cutting-edge AI technology and product value. Its application potential spans diverse smart scenarios, addressing issues like energy conservation and management in industrial, commercial, and household settings. Additionally, we create AI development tools for global developers, including the AI Developer Kit integrating large language models and platforms for efficient development, operation, and commercialization. AI Analyst, a practical solution for brand customers, also provides valuable insights and assistance.  Looking ahead, we will continue to embrace AI and implement AI in different scenarios, expanding our offerings to cover safety, plant breeding, environmental management, healthcare, pet companionship, and more. SmartThings: That was very informative! Thank you to our partners at Tuya for chatting with us today! Want to know more? #DoTheSmartThings and drop a note in the comments.  Tuya: Thank you for having us, SmartThings! 
November 4, 2024

Q&A: SmartThings and Sapphire Connected Communities Bring Smart Home Solutions to Apartment Residents

You don’t need to own a house to enjoy the perks of a smart home—your apartment can be one, too! Whether renting, owning, or managing a property, you can experience seamless, connected living with the right technology. That’s where SmartThings and our partner, Sapphire Connected Communities, come in. Sapphire Connected Communities is an enterprise software company that has built the first multifamily smart apartment solution on our SmartThings Pro B2B development platform. Together, SmartThings and Sapphire are redefining apartment living. Residents can enjoy all the features in the SmartThings app, and property managers will benefit from an all-in-one solution that boosts convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind for everyone. In our latest LinkedIn Q&A, we chatted with Sapphire to discuss our partnership, how their solutions work with SmartThings, our impact on sustainability in the smart home, and more. Browse the highlights below or keep reading for the full conversation.  The Highlights SmartThings: What is one of the benefits of integrating with Sapphire? Sapphire: It’s important to note that most platforms are very limited in what the resident experience can be, and if they buy devices, chances are they can’t use them at the next place they move to. With SmartThings, if a renter is living in one SmartThings community and moving to another, it’s a very seamless experience of bringing their own devices with them to continue the connected living experience. As technology changes, residents have the flexibility to add what’s important to them, leaving multifamily owners to focus on more permanent fixtures that don’t walk away and can also generate revenue. You will never move into any community needing access to a door lock, a thermostat, and a light fixture. SmartThings: What are some of the benefits of the Sapphire platform, and why should property teams or owners adopt your technology? Sapphire: We are the future of true planning, and here is one of our favorite examples! Traditionally, when appliances have issues, properties wait for those to be reported via work order. Depending on that particular resident's awareness or even priority, there could be a delay in when the issue started and when it was reported. By the time there’s a visible issue with an appliance, there could be a good chance of it being in a worse state than had it been reported sooner. Appliance Diagnostics via Sapphire now gives properties the chance to be proactive versus reactive. Alerts can be managed through the Sapphire dashboard, letting the team know what the issue is and how to fix it, reducing the time spent troubleshooting while improving customer satisfaction.  SmartThings: What are your thoughts on how a partnership like Sapphire and SmartThings push for the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives multifamily owners are striving to attain? Sapphire: Sapphire makes this possible through an enterprise-level solution, where bulk unit control comes into play. For example, in a 300-unit community, where 30% of the property is vacant. How efficient is it to send a team member out to check and change the thermostats on 90 units, especially during a hot summer day? Now, with this technology, all 90 units can have the thermostats controlled with one press of a button or even adjusted based on scheduled automation.  Our full conversation with Sapphire SmartThings: Hey, Sapphire! Thank you for joining us for a Q&A today. For those who are new to your brand, what is Sapphire and what is your approach to Smart Apartment Technology? Sapphire: Hey, SmartThings! Thanks for having us. At Sapphire Connected Communities, our approach is to provide an experience for Property Management teams and Residents that is different from what they’re used to today. With our unique partnership with SmartThings, Residents can truly customize their smart homes with popular consumer products like Samsung TVs, speakers, indoor cameras, Robot Vacuum cleaners, and many more. The Resident experience is no different than SmartThings' consumer experience, as you would traditionally see with a single-family homeowner. On the property management side, our aim is to provide enterprise smart home software that gives property management teams both the tools to manage and deploy SmartThings at scale. SmartThings: How does our partnership benefit Multi-Dwelling Unit owners and operators?  Sapphire: The partnership makes sense when we’re aiming for reliability, longevity, and stability in the industry. Proptech can be a very volatile industry, so partnering with an organization like Samsung and SmartThings means we can offer multifamily owners and operators peace of mind. The combination of Samsung’s established reputation, vast resources, and commitment to innovation bodes well for enduring success and global impact, and we are really able to leverage your consumer strength and global reach on the platform. Samsung and SmartThings are here to stay!  For Sapphire users who may not be as familiar with you, could you elaborate on what makes the SmartThings platform different from any other IoT platform in the multifamily space today? SmartThings: Our ecosystem is a big part of it. SmartThings has one of the biggest ecosystems out there, offering 6,000+ compatible devices. Through our partnership with companies like Sapphire, we can offer residents in smart apartments an enhanced connected living experience.  So, what is one of the benefits of integrating Sapphire? Sapphire: It’s important to note that most platforms are very limited in what the resident experience can be and if they buy devices, chances are they can’t use them at the next place they move to. With SmartThings, if a renter is living in one SmartThings community and moving to another, it’s a very seamless experience of bringing their own devices with them to continue the connected living experience. As technology changes, residents have the flexibility to add what’s important to them, leaving multifamily owners to focus on more permanent fixtures that don’t walk away and can also generate revenue. You will never move into any community needing access to a door lock, a thermostat, and a light fixture. SmartThings: What are some of the benefits of the Sapphire platform, and why should property teams or owners adopt your technology? Sapphire: We are the future of true planning, and here is one of our favorite examples! Traditionally, when appliances have issues, properties wait for those to be reported via work order. Depending on that particular resident's awareness or even priority, there could be a delay in when the issue started and when it was reported. By the time there’s a visible issue with an appliance, there could be a good chance of it being in a worse state had it been reported sooner. Appliance Diagnostics via Sapphire now gives properties the chance to be proactive versus reactive. Alerts can be managed through the Sapphire dashboard, letting the team know what the issue is and how to fix it, reducing the time spent troubleshooting while improving customer satisfaction.  SmartThings: That sounds like a win-win for everyone! The future of the smart home is simplifying routines and making sure everything works together. Can you tell us a bit more about resident support, what does it look like when residents are trying to connect their own devices via the SmartThings app? Sapphire: One of the reasons why we also love partnering with SmartThings is because of how easy they make this process. The process is designed to be very straight, with clear instructions and automatic detection of many devices, all from within the SmartThings app. It’s easy and user-friendly. From a support standpoint, residents are offered an expanded level of support, where they can go through Sapphire for help or use SmartThings support for assistance via text, phone call, or email. There is also online content available for those who like to figure it out. Switching gears a bit, how can a partnership like Sapphire and SmartThings push for the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives multifamily owners are striving to attain? SmartThings: SmartThings enables users to monitor and control energy usage in their homes by intelligently managing devices, such as smart thermostats, lighting, and appliances. This can lead to reduced energy consumption, lower utility bills, and a smaller carbon footprint, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.  And with our Works With SmartThings program, we add partners to our ecosystem that also provide solutions that promote energy-efficient homes and residences. What are your thoughts on this? Sapphire: Sapphire also makes this possible through an enterprise-level solution, where bulk unit control comes into play. For example, in a 300-unit community, where 30% of the property is vacant. How efficient is it to send a team member out to check and change the thermostats on 90 units, especially during a hot summer day? Now, with technology, all 90 units can have the thermostats controlled with one press of a button or even adjusted based on scheduled automation.  SmartThings: What does the future look like for Sapphire with this partnership?  Sapphire: The future of IoT alone looks promising, with continued growth and innovation. IoT used to be a luxury commodity in multifamily, and now it’s become an industry standard for working more efficiently. Overall, the future of the Sapphire and SmartThings partnership is likely to be characterized by continued innovation, improved integration experiences for property teams, and expansion outside of the unit as it evolves to meet the changing needs and expectations of users in the smart home market. With Sapphire and SmartThings, we feel we can finally deliver on a truly connected community!  SmartThings: Are there any limitations to the Sapphire and SmartThings experience?  Sapphire: Yes, Sapphire and SmartThings generally require the property to deploy a managed Wi-Fi network or community IoT network in order to provide a community-wide Connected Living experience. Given the expansive device integrations and extensible nature of the resident’s IoT network, the hubs need to be able to communicate seamlessly with the smart devices. A managed WiFi network ensures stable and reliable connectivity.  SmartThings: That was very informative. Thank you to our partners at Sapphire for chatting with us today! It was great learning more about your technology and the solutions you provide to consumers, property teams, and owners. Want to know more? #DoTheSmartThings and drop a note in the comments.  Sapphire: Thank you for having us SmartThings!  Don’t miss our next partner Q&A! Follow us on LinkedIn and X, and to learn more about our partners, visit partners.smartthings.com/supported-devices. 
October 10, 2024

Q&A: SmartThings and ABB on Delivering Simple Smart Home Solutions

What do SmartThings and our partners have in common? We use automation to create a more sustainable, efficient future.  For us and our partner ABB, this future starts at the smart home. Since 1891, ABB has led the way in developing technological innovations in automation, and now offers you solutions connecting devices and appliances, regardless of brand. Users can control their devices from different manufacturers via the ABB-free@home® automation app, which is integrated into  SmartThings seamlessly and sustainably with SmartThings Energy, a comprehensive energy management solution in our app. In our latest LinkedIn Q&A, we chatted with ABB 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: Walk us through a case study or example of how your products work with SmartThings. ABB: Absolutely! In practice, in a residential apartment setting, residents can now holistically manage appliances and devices from different manufacturers via a single home automation app for seamless and complete home management. It’s effortless. It can all be done from intuitive wall panels, laptops, or smartphones. The first-of-a-kind integrated system covers residents’ every need: lighting, blinds, door entry, energy flows, EV charging, smart sockets, appliances, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), home entertainment, and load management. SmartThings: Sustainability is a very important topic for both SmartThings and Samsung through SmartThings Energy and programs like Flex Connect. How can residents take their energy consumption into their own hands with ABB?  ABB: Homeowners want to save energy, but they also need ease of use when it comes to technology to simply enjoy the best of seamless, connected, and holistic modern living. That means addressing their needs at the most basic level with one manufacturer-agnostic interface. Together with SmartThings, we help residents make a home their own in terms of customization and convenience, but also energy management. Through the central management of solar energy generated, battery storage, and EV chargers, energy consumption can be optimized accordingly – thus improving their impact on the planet. SmartThings: We are all about keeping it simple! And speaking of devices talking to each other, how does ABB-free@home® work with Matter? And why does Matter matter? ABB: People are adopting smart home technology at lightning speed. To keep pace, we, as industry players, need to consider things like standardization. ABB is a leading player in the cross-manufacturer connection standard Matter and the network protocol Thread. Boasting support from industry giants such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung, Matter, for example, signifies a crucial step towards ‘interoperability,’ allowing diverse devices and systems to communicate effortlessly. ABB acquired Eve Systems in June of last year. Based on Matter, Eve Energy, Eve Motion, and Eve Door & Window devices are already part of the SmartThings ecosystem. SmartThings: A big misconception is the time and energy it takes to get started and set up a smart home. Is all this new technology reserved for people in newer or very modern homes?  ABB: No! ABB’s retrofitting abilities are propelling us, along with SmartThings, into a new era where residents can manage energy and their surroundings with unprecedented convenience and safety. The strategic move to integrate Matter and Thread smart buildings technology through Eve’s plug-in, interoperable devices enables the rapid transformation of existing homes into smart spaces. This extends the benefits of cutting-edge technology and flawless integration to a broader spectrum of customers than ever before. And we have a question for you! How do new or existing SmartThings users go about setting up an ABB-free@home®? Our full conversation with ABB SmartThings: Hey, ABB! Thank you for joining us for a Q&A today. For those who are new to your brand, what is ABB, and what makes ABB home automation products different?  ABB: Hey, SmartThings! Thank you for having us! We win awards for elements like design and innovation, but what is most relevant here is ABB’s commitment to open systems and interoperable technology. In other words, smart home technology that can “interconnect.” This is so important because homeowners want smart home solutions that link all the devices in their homes, whether they are from Samsung, ABB, or other brands.  SmartThings: How do your products work with SmartThings? ABB: The ABB-free@home® automation app is already integrated into the SmartThings platform, so the vision of all home devices and appliances talking to each other through one centralized system to effortlessly save money, time, energy, and hassle is now becoming a reality.  SmartThings: Walk us through a case study or example of how that works. ABB: Absolutely! In practice, in a residential apartment setting, residents can now holistically manage appliances and devices from different manufacturers via a single home automation app for seamless and complete home management. It’s effortless. It can all be done from intuitive wall panels, laptops, or smartphones. The first-of-a-kind integrated system covers residents’ every need: lighting, blinds, door entry, energy flows, EV charging, smart sockets, appliances, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), home entertainment, and load management. SmartThings: Sustainability is a very important topic for both SmartThings and Samsung through SmartThings Energy and programs like Flex Connect. How can residents take their energy consumption into their own hands with ABB?  ABB: Homeowners want to save energy, but they also need ease of use when it comes to technology to simply enjoy the best of seamless, connected, and holistic modern living. That means addressing their needs at the most basic level with one manufacturer-agnostic interface. Together with SmartThings, we help residents make a home their own in terms of customization and convenience, but also energy management. Through the central management of solar energy generated, battery storage, and EV chargers, energy consumption can be optimized accordingly – thus improving their impact on the planet. SmartThings: We are all about keeping it simple! And speaking of devices talking to each other, how does ABB-free@home® work with Matter? And why does Matter matter?  ABB: People are adopting smart home technology at lightning speed. To keep pace, we, as industry players, need to consider things like standardization. ABB is a leading player in the cross-manufacturer connection standard Matter and the network protocol Thread. Boasting support from industry giants such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung, Matter, for example, signifies a crucial step towards ‘interoperability,’ allowing diverse devices and systems to communicate effortlessly. ABB acquired Eve Systems in June of last year. Based on Matter, Eve Energy, Eve Motion, and Eve Door & Window devices are already part of the SmartThings ecosystem. SmartThings: A big misconception is the time and energy it takes to get started and set up a smart home. Is all this new technology reserved for people in newer or very modern homes?  ABB: No! ABB’s retrofitting abilities are propelling us, along with SmartThings, into a new era where residents can manage energy and their surroundings with unprecedented convenience and safety. The strategic move to integrate Matter and Thread smart buildings technology through Eve’s plug-in, interoperable devices enable the rapid transformation of existing homes into smart spaces. This extends the benefits of cutting-edge technology and flawless integration to a broader spectrum of customers than ever before. And we have a question for you! How do new or existing SmartThings users go about setting up an ABB-free@home®? SmartThings:  That is a great question to close out our Q&A! It’s a 7-step process! Open the SmartThings App  Click on ‘devices’ and on ‘+’  Click on ‘add’ under ‘partner devices’  Select 'ABB’  Login to ABB myBuildings portal  Success, click on ‘Done’  See all your ABB-free@home® devices and functions in Samsung’s SmartThings App  You can also watch this video on how to set up ABB-free@home® in the SmartThings app. Well, that was very informative. Thank you to our partners at ABB for chatting with us today! It was great learning more about your technology and the solutions you provide to consumers and property teams and owners. Want to know more? #DoTheSmartThings and make sure you are following @SmartThings and @ABB on our social media channels, and stay tuned for a blog post recapping this Q&A.  ABB: Thank you for having us, SmartThings! 
October 3, 2024

Creating Safe and Secure Smart Home Experiences with Door Locks

At SmartThings, our mission is to enhance smart home experiences for users around the globe. Recently, we’ve zeroed in on smart door locks, developing innovative solutions that offer users simplicity and security for what matters most. Did you know the smart door lock industry is a booming $2.9 billion market, growing at 19.2% per year? With over 500,000 door locks already connected to SmartThings, including from partners like Yale, Schlage, U-tec, Aqara, and Nuki, we’re committed to expanding this growth by providing enhanced tools and resources for our partners to better serve you. Read on to learn what’s new.   SmartThings supports  Matter and Aliro standards for door locks SmartThings is an active supporter of the Matter standard, and has been certified for the door lock specifications from Matter 1.2 up to the latest version 1.3—with plans for future certification of version 1.4 when it releases.  Nuki, one of our door lock partners, shares more on SmartThings and the Matter standard:  "Nuki was among the pioneers in launching a Smart Lock with Matter-over-Thread fully integrated into the product… We recognized the importance of adding SmartThings to our portfolio. The Matter integration with WWST proved to be the perfect opportunity to enhance our offerings.” –Nuki We are also adopting the Aliro standard for Samsung Wallet’s Digital Home Key—coming in 2025. This means you can use your smartphone or smartwatch to effortlessly access your home, office, or any location with compatible locks. Guided by global technology standards, we enable quick integration of devices with our door lock partners, ensuring users get the best experience possible. Do you have Matter door locks? Fill out this form to learn more about certifying them with SmartThings. SmartThings supports Integration for Any Type of Door Lock  We’re continuing to enhance our platform to support multiple connection types including: Matter connected devices Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Cloud-connected locks For our door lock partners, our SmartThings Developer Center offers a Device SDK, Test Suite, and Specification Document to simplify the integration process. Nuki shares how easy it was to integrate with SmartThings and the additional markets it opens up for customers to buy their products.  We were genuinely impressed with how seamlessly we obtained the Works with SmartThings (WWST) certification. The support from our Samsung partner was outstanding, making the entire process incredibly smooth. This certification not only boosts our credibility within the smart home ecosystem but also positions us strongly as we expand into new markets like the USA." – Nuki  Additionally, you can easily find and purchase compatible products through the SmartThings platform, making the smart home journey even smoother. Our supported devices list provides users with the most up-to-date Works with SmartThings (WWST) certified products. SmartThings Prioritizes Security  User safety and privacy are our top priorities. Ensuring user safety, the Digital Home Key operates based on embedded Secure Element (eSE) to keep sensitive user data secure. Plus users’ digital PIN is neither stored nor managed on the SmartThings platform. To prevent security threats, we have collaborated with our partners to enhance the security features of door locks.  SmartThings Calm Onboarding with Door Locks  SmartThings aims to provide a seamless user experience from start to finish by automatically enabling a door lock’s key features. With the SmartThings Calm Onboarding experience, the Digital Home Key is activated automatically during setup, so users can begin using it without extra configuration.  Smart door locks bring unparalleled convenience and peace of mind to users. Beyond traditional PIN codes, you can unlock doors using fingerprint recognition, or easily enter via smartphone or smartwatch. If you own a Galaxy device with Ultra-Wide Band(UWB) technology, the door will open automatically as you approach. During the onboarding process, a default notification is enabled to inform you who opened the door. This ensures you receive the most relevant alerts tailored to your needs while maintaining control over your smart home experience. Personalize Your Smart Home with Routines With SmartThings routines, you can create a tailored experience based on who arrives at your door. Imagine coming home to soft lighting and your favorite music playing, all triggered by your arrival. You can automate interactions between your smart door lock and any other compatible SmartThings devices. Explore our smart door lock partners at Partners.SmartThings.com and discover integration tools at Developer.SmartThings.com. Do you have a door lock or another product you want to integrate with SmartThings? Fill out this form to learn more.
September 26, 2024

Join Us at SDC: Watch Our Webinar to Learn More 

We are one week away from the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) and would love for you to join us! Taking place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the San Jose Convention Center,  SDC will showcase the latest from Samsung and SmartThings, and will provide a variety of networking and learning opportunities.  In case you missed it, we’ve included all the details in our “Samsung Developer Conference 2024: AI for All” blog post.  Still deciding? We’ve shared all the benefits of attending in our short SDC webinar. Watch this 13 minute webinar to hear about: Why you should attend SDC 2024 Developer Center Updates SmartThings Innovation Challenge Once you’re ready to register, visit the conference page here.  We look forward to seeing you there!
September 24, 2024

SmartThings Analytics: Product Usage Insights

Engagement Data to Guide Product Development What is SmartThings Analytics? With our recent update, once you become Works with SmartThings certified, you can use SmartThings Analytics to gather useful data about how your products are being used in the field with PII-safe engagement data. The best part: you can see information like the number of registered and active devices, where your customers are located, and the SmartThings Capabilities that are most commonly used — which helps inform how customers interact with your products. Leverage these insights to optimize your products and product roadmap. “In the past, we were unable to obtain engagement data after purchase, but now, the Analytics Dashboard has helped us create actionable insights.” Maude Shen, Software Product Manager, WiZ Connected Why Should Developers and Product Teams Use SmartThings Analytics? We are always looking for ways to better connect partners with our millions of users. We know it can be difficult to collect user engagement data — especially for partners who manufacture Hub Connected devices. Last year, we announced our first version of Analytics, which included Registered and Active devices. After obtaining Works with SmartThings certification, partners can easily access SmartThings Analytics from the Console. Since receiving positive feedback on the first version of Analytics, we’ve continued to improve performance and expand the type of data partners can access. New this year, we are providing both country-level data and Capability level use. With Capability data, you can answer questions about the most commonly used features of your product, like “Are users actually changing the color of their lights?” Leverage these insights to drive better outcomes for your products and users, and optimize your products based on real user interactions. Key Features of SmartThings Analytics Real-world Usage Data: SmartThings Analytics makes it easy to know if your users are engaged with your products by providing real-world usage data, which we’ve built in a way that gives you actionable data while still protecting the privacy of users’ data. User-friendly Interface: With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, the Analytics tool ensures a seamless experience for product owners and developers of all levels. Multiple Ways to Gain Insights: Easily search by an individual product or your entire catalog, within one country or within a region. Or choose to go back as far as 7, 30, 90 days, or with a custom date range. Lastly, see which SmartThings "Capabilities" are being used — there are plenty of ways to get actionable engagement data to drive product decisions. Product Questions that SmartThings Analytics Answers Where am I getting most of my product sales? In which countries do I have the most active user base? What features / SmartThings Capabilities do my customers use the most? Which are used the least? How many active devices do I have compared to registered devices? How are the active devices and registered devices trending over time? Did device registrations go up after our recent marketing campaign? Or after the event where we showcased our brand? How to Get Started with SmartThings Analytics? Ready to view Analytics for your device(s)? Here's a quick resource guide to help you get started and show you the features: 1. Begin by Accessing Analytics Analytics is only available to partners who have Works with SmartThings (WWST) certified products. Visit the SmartThings Developer Console and navigate to the Analytics section, accessible at SmartThings Developer Console. Or do you have products you want to integrate with SmartThings and get WWST certified? Fill out this form to learn more and begin your partnership with SmartThings. Keep reading for a screen-by-screen walkthrough, or check out this video. If you have a WWST certified product(s) , but do not have access to the Console, email us at partners@smartthings.com. 2. Set Up Your Search Parameters With Analytics you can search by: Product(s): Search by one product or all to see a portfolio view of how your products are being used. Date: See the last 7, 30, or 90 days of data, or choose a custom data range. Location: View data by county or region. 3. View Data for Insights Registered Devices: View devices that are registered with SmartThings. Active Devices: View devices with an event or an online status in the last 24 hours. Devices may go from the inactive state to the active state and vice versa. Capabilities: See SmartThings Capabilities that are being used for your product or products. Get a glimpse of which capabilities are the most used. Geo Location: View by country or region. See where your products are being used by country or by region. Any of these fields can be made full-screen or zoomed in on. The data can also be exported as a CSV. Our latest update with Analytics represents another avenue for providing more value for WWST Certified partners. Access to this variety of usage data is critical to understanding how consumers use your products. Ready to gain more product insights? Navigate to Analytics in the Certification Console to see these insights and apply them to your product strategy. Want to integrate your device with SmartThings? Visit https://developer.smartthings.com to access tools like Edge Builder and Test Suite, and then leverage our Certification Console to get your device(s) certified. Or do you want to learn more about integrating with SmartThings and get WWST certified? Fill out this form to begin your partnership with SmartThings.
September 12, 2024

SmartThings Introduces Matter Bridge Integration for IKEA Devices

Whether you’re a SmartThings enthusiast, a longtime IKEA customer, or just starting your smart living, users are now able to simply connect everything together. The average household in America now has several smart devices ranging from light bulbs to cameras, door locks to speakers, and almost any other thing you can think of. We are even seeing smart bird feeders! The Matter standard was created so that smart devices in our homes will easily connect, and work well together for even greater benefit and value. SmartThings has introduced a new Matter Bridge integration, improving connectivity between its platform and IKEA’s smart home devices. This new feature simplifies the smart home experience by enabling seamless connectivity between SmartThings' extensive ecosystem and IKEA’s Home smart devices.    What is the Matter Bridge Integration? IKEA shoppers can now effortlessly connect their IKEA smart devices to the SmartThings platform using the Matter Bridge integration. This feature allows users to import their existing IKEA smart home setups into SmartThings with just a few clicks. Existing SmartThings and IKEA users can now enjoy the benefits of both platforms simultaneously. Why Is This a Game Changer? IKEA Devices on SmartThings Map View: A Matter bridge integration enables users to view their IKEA smart devices on Map View available on Samsung TVs, Family Hub, tablets, and smartphones. A full view of your smart home in just one glance – no more scrolling through lists to find the right light. Broader Ecosystem: This integration expands possibilities for users, particularly those with a mix of smart devices from different ecosystems. By connecting IKEA devices with SmartThings, users can create additional automations and control a broader range of smart devices from a single platform. Seamless Transition: A major advantage of the Matter Bridge is the ease of transition between multiple ecosystems. Instead of adding and configuring each device one by one for both ecosystems, users can import their existing IKEA setup into SmartThings. Greater Choice and Flexibility: The integration allows users to connect their devices to multiple ecosystems simultaneously, ensuring they can maintain their preferred setups without being locked into one system. New Possibilities for Samsung and IKEA Shoppers This integration enhances control and automation options while preserving the unique features of the IKEA DIRIGERA hub, such as the ability to bind a remote directly to a light or shade, which improves responsiveness and user experience. Users can also enjoy dynamic control, such as pressing and holding a dimmer button to gradually increase light levels until released. Additionally, Samsung users who shop at IKEA can now incorporate IKEA’s affordable and stylish smart devices into their SmartThings ecosystem. This opens up new possibilities for expanding their smart home setup with IKEA’s products while benefiting from SmartThings' advanced features and integrations. Enjoy a More Connected and Automated Home Today The IKEA and SmartThings Matter Bridge integration marks a significant advancement in smart home technology, offering users greater flexibility, ease of use, and expanded capabilities. By bridging the gap between IKEA’s smart devices and SmartThings’ robust platform, it is now easier than ever for users to enjoy a connected and automated home.
August 19, 2024

Introducing the WWST Test Suite: Simplifying Development Testing for the SmartThings Platform

At SmartThings, we’re committed to providing developers with the tools they need to create innovative and seamless smart home experiences. We are excited to introduce our newest addition to the developer toolkit: Works with SmartThings (WWST) Test Suite. The Test Suite is designed to assist our device company partners in certifying their devices as part of the WWST certification process. With Test Suite, developers can easily test SmartThings integrations, get certified faster, and showcase their devices to tens of millions of SmartThings users.   What is the WWST Test Suite? The Test Suite is a comprehensive tool designed specifically for device developers integrating with the SmartThings platform. It provides a unified environment where developers can thoroughly test their products’ capabilities across various scenarios, helping to identify and address potential issues before deployment. Why Should Developers Use the Test Suite? Centralized Testing Environment: With the Test Suite, developers can leverage a centralized testing environment hosted on the SmartThings platform. This eliminates the need to set up complex testing configurations locally, saving time and effort in the testing process. Recently, there has been expanded coverage for 90+ of the most popular “Capabilities” with more planned by the end of the year.  User-Friendly Interface: With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, the Self-Testing Tool ensures a seamless experience for product owners and developers of all levels.  Real-Time Feedback: Receive instant and detailed feedback on your product's compliance status, allowing for quick identification and resolution of any issues. Reduce your Testing Costs: Save money and time on testing with our free and easy-to-use Test Suite for your certification process.  Hear from some of our partners using Test Suite to certify easier and faster than ever. "I think comparing all the processes, SmartThings was probably one of the fastest in terms of total time spent from start to finish." Mark Hollands, LIFX "The SmartThings new console is very easy to use. Compared to others, SmartThings Developer Center is a much more user-friendly interface." James Shurte, Leviton How to get started with the WWST Test Suite Ready to use the Test Suite for your device(s)? Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:  Access the Test Suite Visit the SmartThings Developer Console and navigate to the Test Suite section, which is accessible at SmartThings Developer Console. Set Up Your Testing Environment Test Suite will display a list of available devices connected across your locations. If you do not have any devices connected to the location associated with your developer account, use the SmartThings app to add them.  It’s easy to collaborate with colleagues using Test Suite. You can add team members in the development console and they can check the status of device tests which makes it easy to work together.   Test Scenarios Test Scenarios are automatically generated to test the Capabilities of your device. This reduces the time needed to set up tests and makes your development testing easy.  We know some Capabilities may require more complicated setups; you can select which tests to perform in each session. Tip: Make sure you include them all before submitting for certification to ensure a faster WWST process.  Run Tests Once you have set up your Capabilities, you can start your tests.    Many tests will automatically execute, but certain tests require manual action to be taken. For example, when testing a motion sensor, a motion detection event is required to pass successfully.  These requirements are indicated before and during an active test session. Note that some tests must be completed within a set time or otherwise will be considered a failed test.  Submit your Test Results Once the test is complete, you can use any feedback or insights to iterate on your product and retest if necessary.   Once you’re ready, attach your test results to your WWST certification submission. We will review your test results and assign a Partner Success Manager to help you complete your Works with SmartThings certification. Our new Test Suite tool represents a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting developers and enhancing their experience on the SmartThings platform. By providing a robust testing environment with simulation, automation, and integration capabilities, we aim to empower developers to build high-quality SmartThings integrations with confidence. Are you ready to elevate your SmartThings development experience? Dive into the Test Suite today and unlock new possibilities for your smart home innovations. Or do you have products you want to integrate with SmartThings and get WWST certified? Fill out this form to learn more and begin your partnership with SmartThings. For support with bulk registrations of your portfolio of products, contact partners@smartthings.com
August 8, 2024

SDC24 SmartThings Innovation Challenge – Win a Samsung Frame TV!

Do you have cool ideas for SmartThings? Or perhaps you have a driver you’ve been working on that you want to share? We have an exciting challenge for you! The best part? The winners take home a Samsung 55” Frame TV!   We’re launching our first-ever SmartThings Innovation Challenge alongside the 10th Annual Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) taking place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the San Jose Convention Center.   Our ecosystem thrives on the brilliance of our developer community and this challenge is designed to push the boundaries of innovation. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and potentially shape the future of SmartThings.    Here’s how it works: there are two challenge themes and you can choose one of both to present your idea for a new SmartThings feature, enhancement, or driver. Once we’ve reviewed all submissions, we’ll invite the top 3 finalists from each theme to present their idea to a panel of judges at SDC24. The winners will be announced at the SDC24 after party.      Why Should You Participate in the SmartThings Innovation Challenge? Visibility: Gain visibility for your innovative ideas within Samsung, SmartThings, and our partner ecosystem  Community: Connect with fellow innovators  Support: Potentially secure resources to bring your ideas to life     Win A Samsung Frame TV! The first-place winner in each theme will be awarded a Samsung 55” Frame TV!  Additionally, winners will be celebrated at the SmartThings Partner Reception during SDC24.      SmartThings Innovation Challenge Themes Please review the following themes and directions below to participate.   Propose a new feature or ways to enrich an existing SmartThings feature → Share Your Idea Here  Develop a new driver that enhances user’s abilities and the overall SmartThings experience → Share Your Idea Here    Are you interested in submitting something but feel stuck on what we are looking for? We provided some examples of what a good submission could look like at the end of this post.       How to Participate in the SmartThings Innovation Challenge Submit the SmartThings Innovation Challenge form for your chosen theme by Friday, August 30. Attend the Pre-SDC24 Webinar on Thursday, September 12 to see if you’re a finalist.  Finalists will be invited to present their idea to a panel of judges at the Samsung Developer Conference on Thursday, October 3.   While it’s not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to attend the Pre-SDC24 Webinar. Additionally, all finalists must be onsite at SDC24 to present their idea. Don’t worry, our team will work closely with you to get you ready for your debut.    Send your questions about the SmartThings Innovation Challenge to marketing@smartthings.com.    We look forward to seeing your creative solutions and wish you luck in the challenge!  Challenge Examples Example 1 (after entering your name, company, job title, and email in the form)  Propose a new feature or enhancements to an existing SmartThings feature. A way to gamify SmartThings Map View.  This feature builds off of Map View, the way to visualize your home and all the devices in it. The idea for this enhancement to Map View is to gamify it to encourage more users to see the value in it.  The proposal is to allow users to get points for usage. SmartThings would then give encouraging feedback to SmartThings users for various actions taken, grant badges, and a leaderboard for the community.    What problem does your idea solve? This helps encourage adoption and usage of Map View which enables smart home users to easily see their devices and manage them, and provides a visual overview of their home and devices.  It continues to enhance the SmartThings experience.   Who is the target audience? Users who want to view a map of the devices within their home Prospective smart home users who may not know how to get started.  How does your idea make smart homes more accessible? By increasing usage of Map View through gamification, this ultimately makes it easier for current smart home users to see all of their smart devices at a glance. It also encourages them to purchase additional devices and see the opportunities in smart home living Gamifying Map View can make managing a smart home more enjoyable and appeals to users who are more visually inclined. What technical requirements would be needed to implement your idea? Some technical requirements include: The need for the SmartThings platform to recognize and assign events to user behavior like uploading a user’s floor plan, a hand-drawn sketch, and device usage data. Some kind of point system based on user behavior events An ability to assign badges when a SmartThings user reaches a certain point threshold A way for the SmartThings platform to compare points between users in the community The need for the SmartThings platform to know which room each device is in Ability to detect status of each device Ability to handle events from each device  Example 2 Note: This example is of an official SmartThings driver we have in our main driver channel.  This one exists already, but serves as an example of a driver submission.   (after entering your name, company, job title, and email in the form)  Introduce your new driver. This is a driver to connect Zigbee water leak sensors to the SmartThings platform.  This driver provides supported capabilities including a water sensor, temperature alarm, temperature measurement, and battery indicator.  Upon a water leak, the driver will trigger an alert.  It also reports the current temperature and can trigger an alarm on excessive heat or water freeze if the device supports it.  What problem does your driver solve? It expands the SmartThings ecosystem by connecting Zigbee water leak sensors across multiple brands. Who is the target audience? SmartThings users who want to detect water leaks with a Zigbee device.  How does your driver make smart homes more accessible? It adds an additional device category to smart homes and helps people who need the ability to monitor water leaks.   Share the channel to your driver.  Channel Link → (https://bestow-regional.api.smartthings.com/invite/eGM6w1AGNm2A) Github Repository → (https://github.com/SmartThingsCommunity/SmartThingsEdgeDrivers/tree/main/drivers/SmartThings/zigbee-water-leak-sensor)
August 6, 2024

Samsung Developer Conference 2024: AI for All

Curious about all the ways you can integrate with SmartThings? Or looking to connect with other developers in the Samsung and SmartThings ecosystem? We can help with that! We are thrilled to announce the 10th Annual Samsung Developer Conference (SDC), taking place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the San Jose Convention Center. This year's conference promises to be an incredible event filled with SmartThings latest technology, networking, and learning opportunities. Join us, be inspired, and get excited—register here today!  What You Can Expect at SDC24 An exciting Keynote with announcements from Samsung & SmartThings Technical sessions diving deeper into main developer topics Interactive exhibits to try out new technology Networking opportunities with other developers and the SmartThings team Code Labs  …all across the platforms of SmartThings, Bixby, Knox, and Tizen.   Why should you attend SDC24? Learn How to Get the Most out of SmartThings Developer Center – We’ll announce the latest updates to our Developer Center and other areas of the SmartThings platform. Plus, dive deeper into developer topics at our informative tech sessions.  Engage in Powerful Networking – Connect with colleagues and industry leaders during meetups and networking events to foster collaboration.  Discover What’s Ahead – Indulge in a variety of impactful topics, including Samsung’s latest advancements in AI and cutting-edge technology. Delve into interactive exhibits and innovative keynotes that highlight the future of tech and how it shapes our world. Want to know more? Click here to view highlights from last year’s SDC.    Important Dates to Remember  Innovation Challenge Submissions Deadline: Friday, August 30 (More details to come on Thursday, August 9.) - Challenge 1 | Challenge 2 Pre-SDC24 Webinar: Thursday, September 12  Samsung Developer Conference 2024: Thursday, October 3 Registration is Now Open Lock in your spot for SDC24 by registering here! After registering, please remember to book a hotel room if needed. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we get closer to the event. We look forward to seeing you there! Have questions? We’ve got answers. Send your SDC24 inquiries to marketing@smartthings.com.