A frequent contributor to our Build forum writes us to explain how he uses SmartThings to get the everyday objects in his…
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A frequent contributor to our Build forum writes us to explain how he uses SmartThings to get the everyday objects in his home to react to his presence.
“I had a constant fear of leaving my garage doors open. We’ve had some theft in the area where bikes or other things were taken from garages that were left open, so my fear is somewhat understandable.
[pullquote]Yet this is only the start… the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Using additional sensors, outlets, switches, and available SmartApps I get a great many additional benefits.”[/pullquote]With the distraction of trying to get my daughter ready and take her to school, making sure she had her books, her lunch, her instrument, and anything else she needed (as well as remembering everything I needed for work), it was easy to forget if I’d hit the button or not to close the garage as we drove off. Too often I’d find myself turning around at the end of the block and swinging back too double-check the garage door.
Now with SmartThings, I don’t have to do that. I can not only easily see on my phone if my garage is open or not, but close it from anywhere!
Yet this is only the start… the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Using additional sensors, outlets, switches, and available SmartApps I get a great many additional benefits.
When I leave, my garage automatically closes, and I get a text saying it’s closed. When I come home my garage automatically opens, and my side door unlocks. If my garage is left open too long, I get a text message about that as well. And if I’m leaving early in the morning before sunrise or coming home late after dark, an outdoor light turns on for five minutes, providing enough light to see as I walk from the garage to the house.
Having my garage doors and outdoor light automated helps make my life a little easier. Having the security of knowing when my doors are open or closed and being able to do something about it–even when I’m miles away–helps me feel safer and more secure.” – Chris
How To: “I connected my garage door opener push button to a relay controlled by a Z-Wave outlet. A SmartThings Multi sensor is used to determine if the door is open or closed, and a presence sensor in my car alerts my system to when I leave and when I come home. I then installed the Ridiculously Automated Garage Door SmartApp to make everything work automatically.”
I used apps like Turn It On When It Opens to turn on outdoor lights connected to a Z-Wave switch when my garage door opens and Unlock It When I Arrive to unlock my Kwikset Z-Wave door lock.”
Friends,
Today is a big day for SmartThings. I’m excited to announce that SmartThings has been acquired by Samsung and will operate as an independent company within Samsung’s Open Innovation Center group.
It has always been our goal to create a totally open smart home platform that brings together third-party developers, device makers, and consumers. We’re thrilled that Samsung fully supports this vision.
We will continue to run SmartThings the way we always have: by embracing our community of customers, developers, and device makers and championing the creation of the leading open platform for the smart home. Our growing team will remain fully intact and will relocate to a new headquarters in Palo Alto, CA. In short: SmartThings will remain SmartThings. (more…)
Earlier this year we announced that we’ll soon unveil the next generation of the SmartThings Hub and several sensors. We wanted to provide a quick update on our progress to date. (more…)
We’re excited to announce that the next generation of the Samsung SmartThings Hub, a new lineup of products, and a brand-new SmartThings app experience is available today.
Our mission has always been to create the easiest way for people to turn their home into a smart home. In fact, we started SmartThings out of a desire to know the answer to a basic but deeply personal question: is everything OK in my home. We believe our latest product evolution delivers on this ambition.
Here's a look at what's new and improved:
The New Samsung SmartThings Hub and Sensors
The new Hub enables video streaming, has battery backup that lasts up to 10 hours, and can run certain functions locally to improve performance and continue to operate without an internet connection.
The Hub will continue to support ZigBee, Z-Wave, and local internet connected devices. Two USB ports and embedded Bluetooth will support future expansion.
The new collection of Samsung SmartThings sensors are now smaller and have been redesigned with a sleeker, more contemporary look to fit seamlessly into the background of your home.
The New SmartThings App Experience
The free SmartThings app has been redesigned for easier navigation and a more intuitive experience. You can now directly organize and control your connected devices by room, view live streaming from cameras, quickly set up and run routines, explore the marketplace of nearly 200 devices now compatible with SmartThings, and so much more.
One of the exciting new features of the SmartThings app experience is Smart Home Monitor– an integrated home monitoring solution. Smart Home Monitor allows you to receive alerts and take action when SmartThings detects unwanted entry or motion, smoke or fire, leaks, or other important activity. Existing customers will be able to configure Smart Home Monitor from their dashboard within 24 hours after downloading the updated app.
With Smart Home Monitor, our Hub version 2, and a connected camera, you can also get instant alerts with an accompanying video-clip when these unexpected events occur. Video buffering in the new hub means clips can start prior to the event so you can see exactly what is happening in your home. Video clips will eventually be a premium feature within Smart Home Monitor but are available in beta as a free trial through 2015. After the free trial, a premium version of Smart Home Monitor, which includes video clips, will be available for $4.99 per month. Live streaming will always be free.
The new SmartThings app will be available for free download on iOS and Android starting today, with Apple Watch, and Gear S apps to follow. Be sure to check out our post for a more in-depth look at the app’s new features.
We would like to extend our heart-felt thanks to our customers, supporters, and developer community. Your commitment, feedback, and ideas are what make our open platform truly special. We hope you you enjoy the new SmartThings experience.
