The SmartThings Blog

We are pleased to unveil the next generation of our SmartThings connected home experience. Featuring a new look and feel, the new SmartThings interface offers users a simpler, more robust user journey, and faster load times.  Smart homes continue to surge in popularity, with the number of smart homes expected surpass the 350 million mark by 2023. The new SmartThings interface delivers on the needs of both future and existing customers by creating a more seamless application experience. With an enhanced user journey, SmartThings makes life easier to discover and experience IoT services, while ensuring a seamless transition from SmartThings’ previous version.   The updated app, which will be available on desktop and mobile devices, is the latest example of our ongoing commitment to bringing smart functionality and capabilities to consumers. The revamped layout will include five different sections: Favorites, Devices, Automations, Life, and More: Favorites is the new home screen within SmartThings and gathers the devices, scenes, and services used most for quicker access. Devices lets users view and control all devices, connecting TVs, light bulbs, appliances, and more. Life is a place to explore the growing world of connected living where users can discover new SmartThings services that transform physical products into meaningful user experiences. Automations connects devices and allows them to work together and respond to specific conditions in the home, such as a door opening and a light turning on.  Menu will house additional SmartThings features including SmartThings Labs, Notifications, History, and Settings.     This update comes on the heels of recent news about SmartThings’ new Windows application, which offers a similar user experience right from a Galaxy Notebook and any other Windows PC. 

Are you planning on using your SmartHome to spook trick or treaters? Perhaps you want your outdoor lights to remain dark, or for some automated spooks to only jump out on Halloween night. We’ve got you covered! Pause your regular automations and enjoy the night of fright to its fullest with these SmartThings Halloween tips. A Haunted Entry: Give your front door some scare power using SmartThings! Use a SmartThings Multipurpose Sensors and set up a haunted doorway for trick or treaters to enjoy. Attach the Multipurpose sensor to your door and your favorite haunted house effects can start automatically when you open it. Use a SmartThings Outlet and set up a speaker to turn on and play spooky sound effects - we suggest a bloodcurdling scream - when the door opens for unsuspecting visitors. Take it one step further and use an Aeon Labs MultiSensor and an outdoor light - we love the Osram LIGHTIFY Gardenspot Lights - to light up your yard with any color when trick-or-treaters approach. What you Need: SmartThings Hub Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor Samsung SmartThings Outlet Aeon Labs MultiSensor Osram LIGHTIFY Gardenspot RGB Know when visitors come knocking: We know that holidays can be hectic, even All Hallows Eve, so make sure you don’t miss any of the fun with the help of SmartThings. Add a SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor to your front door and set our “Door Knocker SmartApp” to send you a text notification when little ones come knocking. Now you can tend your bubbling cauldron and not miss a chance to bewitch even one trick or treater.