The SmartThings Blog

New tools include AI-powered routine creation, expanded Calm Onboarding, and SmartThings Find link sharing for easier device control and tracking. Samsung Electronics introduced updates to its global connected living platform SmartThings, bringing enhanced AI-driven automation tools, broader product onboarding support, and improved connectivity features to users worldwide. Designed to make connected living easier and more personalized, the latest updates simplify the smart home experience across both Android and iOS platforms. AI-Powered Routine Creation Makes Automation Easier Than Ever A key highlight of the update is the introduction of the Routine Creation Assistant1, an AI-powered feature that allows users to build automations using natural language. By simply typing a phrase such as “Turn off all the lights when I leave the house,” users can generate customized routines without needing to manually configure each device or setting. Powered by large language model technology, the assistant lowers the barrier to smart home automation, making it approachable for beginners and efficient for experienced users alike. Smarter Scheduling and Routine Confirmation OptionsThe new Delay Actions also enable routines to include timed steps. For example, users can now create a “Good Morning” routine that turns on bedroom lights at 7:00 a.m., starts the coffee maker 15 minutes later, and opens curtains while playing music after 30 minutes all within a single routine. Additionally, a new Confirm to Run Actions2 feature gives users the option to confirm whether or not to execute a routine. This helps avoid accidental actions in shared households, such as a security mode that is set to activate upon exit but another family member is still at home. Calm Onboarding Expands to 58 Countries Samsung is also expanding its Calm Onboarding3 program, designed to streamline the product setup journey from purchase to use. Once a user purchases an eligible Samsung product via Samsung.com or a Samsung Store, SmartThings can now automatically detect, register, and connect the product to the app. With this update, support for Calm Onboarding has expanded from 14 to 58 countries and now includes Galaxy wearable devices like Galaxy Watch and Buds. Select partner devices purchased through Samsung.com in Korea and the UK are also eligible for onboarding, with further global expansion planned. SmartThings Find Adds Sharing for Easier Tracking The update also enhances SmartThings Find4, Samsung's global location service with over 67 million users. Galaxy users can now share the location of SmartTags via URL, allowing friends and family, including iOS users, to track tagged items like bags, pets, or luggage more easily. This update brings added convenience to families and users on the go, making it easier to coordinate and locate shared items. Enhanced SmartThings Access on iOS Smartwatches iOS users can now access SmartThings features via a new widget on Apple Watch, making it easier to control lights, air conditioning, and routines directly from the wrist. This improvement brings faster access and convenience to users managing smart home tasks on the go. “This SmartThings update will help anyone easily create a smart home that fits their lifestyle,” said Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings US. “SmartThings will continue to innovate so users can spend less time managing devices and more meaningful time with their families.” SmartThings continues to lead in smart home innovation, offering users across the globe a smarter, more personalized, and more intuitive connected living experience. To learn more, visit www.smartthings.com. 1Routine Creation Assistant is available to Samsung account holders in Korea and the U.S. on Android and iOS. 2Check Before Running is available across all Android and iOS local device settings. 3Calm Onboarding is supported for 2025 Samsung appliances, 2024 TVs, air conditioners, air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, ovens, and Family Hub refrigerators. Users must enable “Add My Device Automatically” in the SmartThings app for onboarding to initiate. 4 Tag location sharing is available via a link, and only Galaxy users can create the link. Recipients must log in with a Samsung account to access shared locations.

SmartThings Adds New Apple Watch Capabilities, Routine Creation Assistant, and Dark Mode to iOS If you’re using SmartThings on iOS, get ready because your smart home experience just leveled up. We’ve rolled out a suite of new features designed to give you more control, more personalization, and more reasons to love your smart home. Whether you have an Apple Watch, are a dark mode enthusiast, or someone just starting with home automation, there's something new for you. Let’s break it down. Control Your Smart Home from Your Apple Watch We’ve seriously upgraded the SmartThings Apple Watch app. Until now, you had the capability to run manual routines, but now, you can also switch between locations, control individual devices, and manage your smart home without ever picking up your phone. Imagine unlocking the door and turning on the hallway lights before you even get out of the car. All from your wrist. It’s that easy. Routine Creation Just Got Way Easier Ever wish you could just tell your smart home what to do? Now you kinda can. A key highlight of the update is the introduction of the Routine Creation Assistant, an AI-powered feature that allows users to build automations using natural language. By simply typing a phrase such as “Turn off all the lights when I leave the house,” users can generate customized routines without needing to manually configure each device or setting. Powered by large language model technology, the assistant lowers the barrier to smart home automation, making it approachable for beginners and efficient for experienced users alike. Hello, Dark Mode Night owls and low-light lovers can rejoice as Dark Mode has officially landed on SmartThings iOS. It’s sleek, easy on the eyes, and even helps save battery life. Whether you're adjusting routines late at night or just prefer a more subtle interface, Dark Mode has you covered. Easier Tracking with SmartThings Find Losing track of your stuff? SmartThings Find makes life easier, especially if you’re juggling both Galaxy and Apple devices in your household. Using a Galaxy SmartTag and SmartThings Find, Galaxy users can now share the location of a SmartTag via a link with Apple users who have a Samsung account, making it easier than ever for everyone to help track down missing devices or tagged items. Whether you’re handing off your Galaxy SmartTag to a friend or trying to locate your suitcase from someone else's phone, cross-platform coordination is now part of the experience. Try Before you Automate with Virtual Home Say hello to Virtual Home, a playful, hands-on experience that lets you test out SmartThings features without needing to connect a single device. Whether you're curious about setting up a routine, adjusting lighting, or just seeing how a smart home could work, Virtual Home gives you a chance to click around and get inspired. With features like Family & Pet Care, users can receive instant notifications of any activity in the home or always have peace of mind with SmartTags on pet collars, which ensure anyone who finds a lost pet has the info they need to locate the owner. Discover SmartThings Energy to monitor power consumption and get an estimate on upcoming energy bills. Explore, experiment, and imagine what your smart home can do with no commitment required. And We’re Just Getting Started These updates join a lineup of iOS favorites you might already be using, like Quick Remote for controlling Samsung devices in seconds, SmartThings Energy for tracking real-time energy use, and QR code sharing, which makes it easy to share routine and device access with other members of your household. We’re always working to make SmartThings smarter, faster, and more tailored to your life. So explore the new features, build a few routines, and turn your home into the helpful, responsive place it was meant to be. Update your app today!

Discover how SmartThings routines bring ease, energy, and calm to your everyday life. We all have routines—those little sequences of actions that shape our mornings, help us stay focused, or ease us into a restful night. But what if those routines could just… happen? With SmartThings, they can. By connecting your favorite smart devices into one seamless ecosystem, SmartThings takes the guesswork—and the extra steps—out of everyday life. Whether you’re easing into your morning, heading out the door, or getting into a fitness flow, SmartThings routines can transform ordinary moments into something a little more magical. Here are a few of our favorite examples: Good Morning: Wake Up Ready There’s nothing like starting your day with intention—and a little automation. With the Good Morning routine, your home comes to life right alongside you. Whether triggered by a set time, motion sensor, or your Galaxy Watch or Ring detecting you’ve woken up, this routine helps you rise and shine effortlessly. Philips Hue lights gradually brighten to simulate a natural sunrise, gently easing you awake. At the same time, Somfy blinds rise to let in real sunlight and boost your mood. Samsung TV Plus tunes in to your local morning news—no remote needed. Meanwhile, the Eve Smart Plug powers up your coffee pot in the kitchen, so your first cup is ready when you are. Let’s Get Physical: Your Wellness Oasis, On Demand Fitness isn’t just about reps—it’s about creating the right environment. With the Let’s Get Physical routine, SmartThings sets the scene so you can focus on your workout, not the setup. Your favorite yoga or workout playlist begins streaming automatically through your Sonos speaker, while your Bosch air purifier quietly activates to keep the air fresh and allergen-free—helping you breathe deeper and stay focused. A virtual instructor appears on your Samsung TV, guiding you through every move. Meanwhile, the Nest Thermostat drops the temperature slightly to keep you cool and comfortable as you get your sweat on. Good Bye: Peace of Mind as You Head Out Leaving the house shouldn’t require a dozen double-checks. Let SmartThings take care of it all—so you can head out with peace of mind and come home to a calm, refreshed space. As your Good Bye routine kicks in, Somfy blinds lower to protect your privacy and improve energy efficiency. The Samsung JetBot gets to work, vacuuming your floors while you’re away. LIFX lights turn off automatically to save energy, and your Ecobee thermostat shifts into eco-mode or adjusts to a more efficient temperature. For extra reassurance, your Arlo outdoor cameras activate—quietly keeping an eye on things until you return. Make the Magic Happen In the SmartThings app, you can tap into a library of curated experiences designed to simplify your life. Just head to the “Discover” section in the Routines tab to explore popular options like Gentle Wake Up, Energy Saver, and more—prebuilt and ready to go. Try them out here if you're using Android and here for iOS. Prebuilt routines not for you? Make your own routine in a few easy steps: Open the SmartThings app Tap the “Routines” tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap the “+” icon to create a new routine. Choose “If” conditions — like time of day, motion detection, or your Galaxy device waking up. Add your “Then” actions — such as turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat, or starting your playlist. Give your routine a name and hit Save. It's as simple as that!! Other Smart Routines to Try Looking to take things even further? Here are a few more ideas SmartThings users love: Movie Night: Lights dim, TV switches to your favorite streaming app, sound system powers on, and blinds close for a theater-like experience. Welcome Home: Garage door opens as you pull in, front door unlocks as you arrive, hallway lights turn on, thermostat adjusts, and your favorite music greets you. Wind Down: Lights shift to a warm glow, blinds lower, calming sounds or white noise plays, and devices like TVs or tablets shut off at a set time. SmartThings routines are all about making life simpler, smoother, and a little more fun. The best part? You can customize every detail to suit your lifestyle and the devices you already use. Want to wake up to jazz instead of the news? Prefer working out with a HIIT session over yoga? You’re in control—SmartThings just helps make it happen automatically.

Samsung SmartThings puts smart home hubs right where you need them—built into the devices you already own. Not long ago, setting up a smart home meant buying a separate hub, plugging it in, and hoping it would work with all your devices. Hubs were the essential link, helping smart lights, locks, thermostats, and more to communicate seamlessly. They were also often a separate device you needed to choose and buy, find a spare power and network cable for, and set up and maintain. Today, thanks to Samsung's Hub Everywhere strategy, hubs aren’t just little boxes anymore—they’re built right into the devices you already use every day. Your Smart Home Hub Might Already Be Here Samsung makes starting and growing your smart home easier by building smart home hubs directly into many of its products. That means your Samsung TV, Smart Monitor, Family Hub refrigerator, or Sound Bar could already be a smart home hub—ready to connect and control devices without the need to buy and set up another device. For those who prefer a standalone hub, SmartThings Hubs are still available. But for many, Samsung’s Hub Everywhere strategy is making smart home adoption more seamless than ever. What is a Smart Home Hub, and Why Does It Matter? A smart home hub acts as the translator and coordinator for your smart devices. Different smart home products use different communication methods—such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. A hub allows them to work together, enabling automations, remote control, and a more cohesive smart home experience. Think of a hub as the conductor of your smart home orchestra, keeping things coordinated so your lights dim, doors lock, and thermostat adjusts exactly when and how you want—without you needing to manage each device separately. And as the smart home industry moves toward Matter, the universal smart home standard, compatibility between brands and products will only get better—making built-in hubs even more valuable. A Smarter Approach to Smart Homes In the early days, standalone hubs were the only option. But now, with hubs integrated into your Samsung devices, this means: No extra setup – Your smart home hub is already built into your TV, fridge, or monitor, no extra cables or power required. When a hub is available in a Samsung TV, the option to enable will instantly pop up to set up through the SmartThings App.  Onboard your TV Hub in less than a minute: Walk through the easy steps to onboard the built in hub on your new TV from the first time you power it on. No added cost – You don’t need to buy a separate device to connect your smart home. Easier to start your smart home – More people can experience a fully connected home without the hassle of additional hardware. Do You Already Have a Smart Home Hub? If you’ve purchased a Samsung TV, monitor, or appliance in the past few years, there’s a good chance you already have a built-in SmartThings hub. In fact you might have multiple hubs, which can improve coverage and performance in larger homes. Learn more about how multiple hubs can work together here. Not sure if your Samsung device has a Hub built in? Check out our handy guide below to find your model number!Get started with your SmartThings hub by adding it to your SmartThings app today! Samsung TV QN900B, QN800B, QN700B, QN100B, QN95B, S95B, QN90B, QN85B, Q80B, Q70B, LS01B, LS03B, LS05B, Q60B, BU8000, LS03BB, MAMS1A, UB8500, UB8100, UB8070, UB8000, S95, S91, S90D, S90, QX3B, QNB88, QNB85, QNB83, QN9xB, QN90BD, QN87B, QN85BD, QN850B, QN83B, QN7xB, QN75B, QB85, QB80, QB67, QB65, QB60, Q8XB, Q8DB, Q83B, Q82B, Q80BD, Q7xB, Q77B, Q6xB, Q67B, Q65B, Q62B, Q60BD, Q60B, BU8570, BU8510, BU8500, BU8200, BU8100, BU8000, QN900C, QN800C, QN700C, QN95C, S95C, S90C, QN90C, QN85C, Q80C, Q70C, Q60C, CU8000, CU7000, UE70A, UC8070, UC8000, UC7200, UC7100, UC7050, UC7000, S9xC, S95CD, S90CD, QNC88, QNC850, QNC85, QNC83, QNC800, QN9xC, QN95CD, QN90CD, QN85CD, QN850C, QC65, QC60, Q8xC, Q80CD, Q7xC, Q70CD, Q6xC, Q67C, Q65C, Q63C, Q61C, Q60CD, CU8510, CU8500, CU8200, CU8100, CU8080, CU800D, CU7700, CU7500, CU700D, LS03CBQN900D, QN800D, QN95D, S95D, QN90D, S90D, QN87D, S85D, QN85D, Q80D, Q70D, Q60D, DU9000, DU8000, DU7000, LS03D, LS01D, The Sero, LST9D, LST7DQN990F, QN900F, S95F, QN90F, S90F, QN85F, S85F, QN80F, QN70F, Q80F, Q70F, U8000F, LS03FW, LS03F Samsung Projector / Freestyle LPU9DS, LPU7DS, LPF5DSLSP3B, LPS9C, LFF3C, LFF5C Samsung Monitor M90F, M80F, M70F, M50F, M80D, M70D, M50D, G95SD, G97NC, M80B, M70B, M50B, M80C, M70C, M50C, G85SB, G70B, G65B, G95SC, G85NC, S90PC, G75NC, G70NC, G97NB Samsung Soundbar HW-Q990C, HW-Q990D, LS60D, HW-Q990F  Samsung Music Frame HW-LS60D Family Hub Fridge RF85M, RF95M, RF10M, RH81M, RF85N, RF10N, RF85R, RF10R, RF85T, RF85A, RF85B, RF28M, RF22M, RF23M, RF265B, RF22N, RF28N, RF28N, RF22N, RF28R, RF22R, RS22T, RS27T, RF262B, RF27T, RF29A, RF23A, RF29B, RF30B, RF23B, RF24BRF23D, RF29D, RF71D, RF85D, RF90F, RF90H, RM90F, RM90H, RF27C, RF32C, RF59A, RF65D, RS22A, RS58T, RS62T, RS64T, RS6HA, RS6HD, RS70F, RS7HC 9-inch LCD Fridge RB90F, RI90F, RM60F, RM70H, RM80F, RS90F Hubs Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi 2015 "V2" SmartThings Hub (STH-ETH & others) 2018 "V3" SmartThings Hub (IM6001-V3P01) Aeotec "V3" SmartThings Hub SmartThings Station

Are you looking to save money, energy, and earn rewards automatically? Who isn’t! With Samsung’s Demand Response (DR) Program, Flex Connect - available directly within the SmartThings app - eligible users can automatically reduce energy consumption by switching devices to power-saving mode during peak grid demand. What is Flex Connect? Flex Connect allows Samsung appliances, TVs, and other connected devices to adjust theirenergy usage during peak demand peak demand times, using a feature called DR Energy Mode,built into the app to give users the ability to reduce energy use when the grid is under strain,helping to balance the grid while reducing costs at home. Samsung's Flex Connect program became available to eligible users in California and New York in June of 2024, to eligible users in Texas in December of 2024 and is now available to users across the Mid-Atlantic and greater Chicago. Signing up for Flex Connect means when an energy event occurs, SmartThings automaticallyoptimizes energy consumption across opted-in devices for users who have enabled DR EnergyMode in the app. This activation not only helps users save energy during crucial times, it alsotriggers a $50 Flex Connect reward – directly into the user’s Samsung account! Flex Connect works with a variety of energy-saving devices, from thermostats to Samsungwashers, dryers, and more – intelligently adjusting the device’s settings based on the weatherand grid, ensuring efficient energy use while keeping your home comfortable. It’s energy saved– automatically! Together, Flex Connect users contribute meaningful energy reductions that help balance thegrid during peak demand, reducing the risk of blackouts and lowering overall grid emissions. It’sgood for the grid, good for sustainability, and good for your wallet! Check out the Works With SmartThings page for a full list of eligible devices. How do I get the $50 in Samsung Rewards Points? The reward is distributed after you are approved in the Flex Connect program and after one ormore of your connected devices participate in an energy event. Then, you’ll receive a notification in the SmartThings app letting you know your $50 in Samsung Rewards Points is available. Simply tap ‘Claim’ in the app, and the Samsung Rewards Points will be added to your Samsung.com account. You have 30 days to claim your points once the notification appears, but after claiming thepoints, they won’t expire. The frequency and timing of energy events vary based on locationand season, so keep an eye on your SmartThings app for updates. Earning Even More: About SmartThings Energy Stamps A $50 Flex Connect reward is just the start of what you can earn! (Not to mention the energyyou’re saving automatically, often leading to a reduction in monthly energy bills.) By using additional SmartThings Energy features, you can maximize energy savings and earneven more rewards. Features such as AI Energy Mode, Optimal Charging, and OptimalScheduling are available to all users—and when activated, trigger the accrual of Energy Stamps,which convert to dollars that can be spent on Samsung.com! Ready to take control of your energy usage?  It’s quick and easy to connect your devices to the SmartThings app: Open the SmartThings app and tap the 'Devices' tab. Tap the 'Home' icon and select your device’s location. Tap the ‘Add’ (+) button and choose 'Add Device.' For Bluetooth devices, tap ‘Scan Nearby’ or manually add your device. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you’re good to go! Download the SmartThings app in the Google Play or Apple Store to activate SmartThings Energy, and enter your ZIP code in SmartThings Energy to check your eligibility today. To learn more about Flex Connect and how you can save energy for rewards, visit https://partners.smartthings.com/energy-rewards. 

SmartThings unveils plans for future AI including ambient sensing technology and Gen AI  allowing users to customize their homes for a better life Samsung SmartThings has unveiled new AI technology at Unpacked, continuing the vision of “AI for All.” SmartThings aims to use this technology to simplify and enhance everyday life. The mission of SmartThings has always been to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and ease of use for consumers.  Our core tenets are security, ease of use, saving time and money, and care for your family. We understand that every household is unique, which is why we are introducing Home AI—a feature that gathers insights from everyday life to create personalized experiences to fit your needs, transforming your home into a smarter, more efficient space.  It’s about using technology to help you build your dream home, one that adapts to how you live and simplifies your daily routines. SmartThings Ambient Sensing SmartThings plans to use advanced sensor technology, like motion and sound sensor devices in your home, to recognize you and understand your daily activities like cooking, exercising, sleeping, etc. so your home can create the perfect environment for you.  This ambient sensing technology would enable your home to understand you and your surroundings to help you live a better life. It collects, integrates, and analyzes diverse data and securely stores it on your local home network.  These are a few examples of what this new technology can do : Human Detection and Activity Monitoring: SmartThings uses its sensors to detect activities like push-ups, sleeping, or even working at your desk. It can recommend better routines for your life, and build the best environment for the activity. Health Insight and Lifestyle Recommendations: SmartThings will provide real-time feedback to help you stay healthy. Been sitting too long? Expect a gentle reminder to get up and move. SmartThings aims to enhance your smart home experience by intelligently understanding and optimizing your routines. For example, when you’re exercising, SmartThings can detect which kind of exercise you’re doing, guide you on your form and provide the optimal exercise time for maximum results. After your workout, the sound and movement of drying your hair can be detected by sound sensing devices like the Music Frame, and will start the robot vacuum to clean up fallen hair from the floor. Or after a long day, all you might want to do is relax in your favorite chair. SmartThings makes it effortless. As you approach your favorite chair, SmartThings recognizes your presence, automatically dimming the lights, turning on your reading lamp, and adjusting the room to your perfect temperature. SmartThings’ new technology could even identify your miniature pinscher jumping onto the couch, activating the air purifier to remove allergens from the air.  Generative AI in Map View SmartThings will be equipped with Gen AI technology that enables a deeper understanding of your home’s unique layout and environment adding more personalization to your Map View.  Personalized Map View: You will be able to use your phone camera to capture images of objects like chairs, and other elements in your space so your Map View can match your style and space! Enhanced User Experience: This personalized map allows for more intuitive navigation and interaction within your smart home. For example, the system might adjust your lighting or temperature settings based on your proximity to certain areas or objects. The Foundation of Privacy and Performance Underpinning all these technologies is a revolutionary approach to data processing that ensures all information will be stored locally on your network. Unlike traditional cloud-dependent systems, this technology will offer privacy by keeping your data entirely within your home hub which lives within your favorite Samsung appliances and devices. None of your data will be stored in the cloud or accessible to third parties without your consent, giving you control over your personal information. Samsung SmartThings continues to redefine what it means to live in a smart home, blending cutting-edge technology with everyday convenience—all while keeping your data secure. These updates are planned to rollout throughout 2025 and 2026. Stay tuned to our blog and newsroom for updates. 

Do you want to be rewarded for living sustainably? Who wouldn’t? That’s why we partner with environmental pioneers like Leap to offer easy access to smart solutions through the SmartThings app. Leap connects smart energy devices to the grid, helping people and businesses earn money by saving energy while making the grid cleaner and more reliable. Together, we launched Flex Connect within SmartThings Energy, a program that helps users in New York, California, and Texas save energy and earn rewards for supporting the stability of our energy grids. Users can access insights about their consumption in SmartThings Energy, a comprehensive energy management solution in the SmartThings app. In our latest LinkedIn Q&A, we chatted with Leap to discuss our partnership, integration with SmartThings Energy, and more. Browse the highlights below or keep reading for the full conversation.  The Highlights SmartThings: For those who are new to your brand, what is Leap? Leap: Hey SmartThings! It’s great to be here. Leap is a software platform that connects smart energy technologies to grid programs, enabling energy users to contribute to reducing electricity consumption during periods of high demand. Through our innovative partnership with SmartThings, customers in California, New York and Texas can participate in the Samsung Flex Connect program and earn rewards when their qualifying smart devices save energy during energy events, contributing to a cleaner, more reliable energy system.  SmartThings: That’s great! Yes, let’s talk more about Flex Connect! This is a demand response program offered by Samsung that enables users to earn an immediate reward and additional Samsung Rewards for conserving energy when it matters most for the grid.  Available through SmartThings Energy in the app, under the Life tab, users can easily see if their zip code is eligible and sign up for Flex Connect. Once their eligible devices - like smart thermostats and Samsung appliances - are connected in SmartThings and set up for optimization, their devices will automatically participate when peak demand events are called. As a benefit, households typically see lower electricity bills by saving energy during expensive peak periods. Can you share how Flex Connect opens up the opportunity for SmartThings users to get even more insight into their home energy data? Leap: Yes, of course! The integration now allows eligible SmartThings users in New York, California and Texas to see their whole-home electricity usage data in the SmartThings app, enabling them to track their energy patterns throughout the day and week and understand usage spikes that might contribute to higher electricity bills. This empowers users to play a more active role in their home energy management! The Full Conversation SmartThings: Hey Leap! Thank you for joining us for a Q&A today. For those who are new to your brand, what is Leap? Leap: Hey SmartThings! It’s great to be here. Leap is a software platform that connects smart energy technologies to grid programs, enabling energy users to contribute to reducing electricity consumption during periods of high demand. Through our innovative partnership with SmartThings, customers in California, New York and Texas can participate in the Samsung Flex Connect program and earn rewards when their qualifying smart devices save energy during energy events, contributing to a cleaner, more reliable energy system.  SmartThings: That’s great! Yes, let’s talk more about Flex Connect! This is a demand response program offered by Samsung that enables users to earn an immediate reward and additional Samsung Rewards for conserving energy when it matters most for the grid.  Available through SmartThings Energy in the app, under the Life tab, users can easily see if their zip code is eligible and sign up for Flex Connect. Once their eligible devices - like smart thermostats and Samsung appliances - are connected in SmartThings and set up for optimization, their devices will automatically participate when peak demand events are called. As a benefit, households typically see lower electricity bills by saving energy during expensive peak periods. Leap: Yes, Flex Connect works as SmartThings’ very own virtual power plant! It’s good for the grid, good for the climate, and good for customer’s pocketbooks. And thanks to Leap’s seamless enrollment process on the backend, SmartThings users can get enrolled with just a few simple steps. SmartThings: Can you help explain what a peak demand event is? Leap: Sure! “Peak demand” refers to the point of highest electricity demand in a day (or another given period). When peak demand is higher than grid operators have planned for with their base power supply, they traditionally fire up more fossil fuels to make up the difference, but now they can call a peak demand event: this triggers a request to providers like Leap to signal participating devices to adjust their energy usage for a couple of hours in order to lower demand on the grid.  SmartThings: Exactly! So, how does the SmartThings and Leap partnership work during these events? Leap: When peak demand events are called, Leap sends a signal to SmartThings to modestly and automatically adjust their connected devices’ energy usage for participating customers for a couple of hours, without disrupting home comfort. The Flex Connect program is all about giving the customer control: users can adjust which devices participate at any time.  SmartThings: How does this impact the grid? Are there further impacts on the climate, too?  Leap: In short - the cleanest energy is the energy you don’t use! By lowering energy usage across many households in targeted areas, VPPs help boost grid stability and lower emissions.  And that’s especially important during extreme weather events like heat waves, when energy usage spikes and grid operators have traditionally had to fire up inefficient fossil fuel “peaker plants” to ensure there’s enough electricity to go around, making energy more expensive - and dirtier - for everyone.   Through programs like Flex Connect, we’re making the grid more resilient and more flexible, which also makes it easier for the grid to integrate more intermittent renewable resources like solar and wind by helping to solve the mismatch between electricity demand and renewable energy supply. This is the future of connected, sustainable living - where every household can play an active role in supporting grid resilience and lowering emissions.  SmartThings: AND, where every consumer can be made more aware of how their energy devices are operating and how their home is impacting the grid. That’s huge!  Can you share how Flex Connect opens up the opportunity for SmartThings users to get even more insight into their home energy data? Leap: Yes, of course! The integration now allows eligible SmartThings users in New York and California to see their whole-home electricity usage data in the SmartThings app, enabling them to track their energy patterns throughout the day and week and understand usage spikes that might contribute to higher electricity bills. This empowers users to play a more active role in their home energy management! SmartThings: Thanks, Leap, for explaining that. It’s a huge benefit for our customers, and it’s free and easy to access! We are so glad to be partnering with you to provide consumers with innovative data and tools to better their whole home energy management.  SmartThings: That was very informative. Thank you to our partners at Leap for chatting with us today! Want to know more? Learn about Flex Connect on the blog. #DoTheSmartThings Leap: Thank you for having us SmartThings! 

Light up your home with SmartThings and YouTube Music The smart lighting industry is evolving beyond simple controls, bringing more joy to the user experience. With the introduction of synchronization features, home entertainment has become more immersive than ever. Users can now match their lighting to gaming environments or favorite movie scenes, creating the perfect ambiance for home parties, relaxation, or even workouts. Now, SmartThings is taking these experiences a step further by collaborating with YouTube Music, a key partner in the Galaxy ecosystem. This partnership enables SmartThings to tailor the Music Sync experience more effectively to users’ needs, no matter the setting or time of day. This includes new buttons that align with familiar YouTube Music settings like Relax, Party, and Workout, creating a seamless connection between Music Sync and the YouTube Music App. With this integration, YouTube Music Premium users can enjoy perfect light synchronization with Philips Hue bulbs while listening to their favorite songs. For instance, when users press the Party button on Music Sync, their party playlist on YouTube Music will start playing, and the lighting will shift to a color pattern preset that perfectly matches the vibe. Why Music Sync Hits All the Right Notes When Music Sync was first launched in 2022, it was built on three core elements: the Music app, SmartThings, and our lighting partners. We initially teamed up with Philips Hue, a leading name in light synchronization. Their SDK was seamlessly integrated into the SmartThings app, allowing Philips Hue lights to sync harmoniously with the music users wanted to enjoy, thereby creating an enhanced home experience. What truly sets SmartThings Music Sync apart is its ability to integrate seamlessly with various music apps. Unlike other platforms that rely on microphones or have limited access to music sources, Music Sync allows for accurate content synchronization across any music app within the Galaxy ecosystem. This ensures users can enjoy a truly synchronized experience without limitations. Create A Soundtrack for Every Occasion SmartThings Music Sync transforms your home into the ultimate entertainment center, where routines are designed to complement your lifestyle. Everything—from connecting a Bluetooth speaker to closing blinds and turning off the TV—can now be optimized and automated, making smart home living more seamless, convenient, and fun. Whether hosting a party at home, creating a daily workout with hues that get you in the zone, or letting your kids dance along to a playlist with their favorite songs and colors, the possibilities are endless. More Exciting Features on the Horizon As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding our ecosystem and incorporating user feedback to enhance the Music Sync experience even further. Later this year, SmartThings will announce additional partner companies to enrich the Music Sync experience. To learn how to integrate your products and devices with SmartThings Music Sync, visit https://partners.smartthings.com/music-sync.

Living a sustainable lifestyle can often be tricky. That’s why we partner with eco-focused innovators like Electricity Maps to provide you with simple solutions right at your fingertips through the SmartThings app. Electricity Maps’ mission is to enable a data-driven decarbonization of electricity. By organizing and mapping real-time and forecasted electricity data, they provide individuals and businesses with the insights they need to make more intelligent decisions about their electricity consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. Users can access insights about their consumption in SmartThings Energy, a comprehensive energy management solution in the SmartThings app. In our latest LinkedIn Q&A, we chatted with Electricity Maps to discuss our partnership, how their solutions work with SmartThings Energy, and more. Browse the highlights below or keep reading for the full conversation.  The Highlights SmartThings: For those who are new to your brand, what is Electricity Maps?  Electricity Maps: Hey, SmartThings! Electricity Maps provides real-time and predictive electricity signals that unlock smarter electricity use for consumers to save carbon and cut energy costs. For example, the carbon footprint of the electricity a consumer receives in their power plug changes a lot during the day, depending on whether there is a lot of wind or solar power available.  Many devices have flexibility in when they consume electricity. Instead of having these devices charge or run at random times, we enable them to optimize their electricity usage to consume when the grid is powered by clean electricity. By sharing these insights with consumers, we help them understand the impact of their electricity use so they can make more sustainable choices.  That’s where the Electricity Maps API integration with SmartThings comes in! SmartThings: That’s right! We partnered with you to empower our SmartThings users with this insightful data in the SmartThings app!  The Electricity Maps API, integrated in 2023, connects seamlessly with SmartThings Energy to deliver real-time data to users on their carbon intensity levels. This allows SmartThings Energy users to make their home devices "carbon-intelligent," meaning their devices can automatically run at optimal times to lower carbon emissions. For example, Samsung devices, like the Jet Bot robot vacuum or the dishwasher, can be set to operate when renewable energy is more abundant on the local grid. Users can see these real-time insights on carbon intensity on a dashboard within the application to understand the impact of their green energy use and learn valuable tips to inform their energy management. SmartThings: Electricity Maps, can you explain how carbon intensity varies during the day? Electricity Maps: With more renewables being added to global electricity grids, there is more volatility in emissions, so much so that the carbon intensity of electricity varies more and more. How clean the electricity is at a given time depends on the availability of renewable energy and is often connected to the weather. Wind turbines can only operate with wind, and solar panels only work when the sun shines. This means that, for example, on a sunny day in California, the emissions of an EV charge can triple depending on when the car is charged. Our full conversation with Electricity Maps SmartThings: Hey, Electricity Maps! Thank you for joining us for a Q&A today. We’re excited to discuss SmartThings Energy, Carbon Intensity Data, and more with you. For those who are new to your brand, what is Electricity Maps? Electricity Maps: Hey, SmartThings! Electricity Maps provides real-time and predictive electricity signals that unlock smarter electricity use for consumers to save carbon and cut energy costs. For example, the carbon footprint of the electricity a consumer receives in their power plug changes a lot during the day, depending on whether there is a lot of wind or solar power available.  Many devices have flexibility in when they consume electricity. Instead of having these devices charge or run at random times, we enable them to optimize their electricity usage to consume when the grid is powered by clean electricity. By sharing these insights with consumers, we help them understand the impact of their electricity use so they can make more sustainable choices.  That’s where the Electricity Maps API integration with SmartThings comes in! SmartThings: That’s right! We partnered with you to empower our SmartThings users with this insightful data in the SmartThings app!  The Electricity Maps API, integrated in 2023, connects seamlessly with SmartThings Energy to deliver real-time data on the carbon intensity of local grids. This allows SmartThings Energy users to make their home devices "carbon-intelligent," meaning their devices can automatically run at optimal times to lower carbon emissions. For example, Samsung devices, like the Jet Bot robot vacuum or the dishwasher, can be set to operate when renewable energy is more abundant on the local grid. Users can see these real-time insights on carbon intensity on a dashboard within the application to understand the impact of their green energy use and learn valuable tips to inform their energy management. Electricity Maps, can you explain how carbon intensity varies during the day? Electricity Maps: With more renewables being added to global electricity grids, there is more volatility in emissions, so much so that the carbon intensity of electricity varies more and more. How clean the electricity is at a given time depends on the availability of renewable energy and is often connected to the weather. Wind turbines can only operate with wind, and solar panels only work when the sun shines. This means that, for example, on a sunny day in California, the emissions of an EV charge can triple depending on when the car is charged (explore carbon intensity variations in California). Can you explain where users can find Carbon Intensity data in the SmartThings App? SmartThings: Of course! Once a user downloads SmartThings Energy in the app and connects their smart energy devices, they can start seeing a cumulative report of their carbon emissions data. In SmartThings, getting to the carbon emissions aware content is as simple as clicking on the Life tab at the bottom of the main SmartThings app screen and navigating to SmartThings Energy, where users can scroll down to the ‘carbon emissions aware’ card. There, they can access and explore carbon emissions and carbon intensity data. These features can help users save emissions in their daily lives and save on their utility bills, too. Want to help break this down for us, Electricity Maps? Electricity Maps: Yes! Energy consumption in the home is a significant contributor to personal carbon emissions as well as household costs. By using more renewable energy and reducing carbon intensity, consumers can lower their environmental impact and save on energy bills at the same time. This is because renewable energy, which is low in carbon emissions, also tends to be cheaper.  We know SmartThings Energy has lots of cool features to help consumers manage their energy usage and automate their energy management, setting a new, elevated standard in the smart home and IoT space.  Can you tell us more about what SmartThings Energy is and what it can do for users? SmartThings: For sure. With SmartThings Energy, users get detailed data and insights on their home energy usage, analytics reports for daily energy usage patterns, and more, revealing energy savings opportunities. Cool features like AI Energy Mode take energy savings even further, allowing users to automate energy savings by selecting devices to participate in AI Energy Mode. Users can choose at which level the devices participate at and adjust their preferences at any time. Furthermore, users can earn energy stamps to save energy automatically, which can be converted to Samsung Rewards and spent on Samsung products! We’re so excited about this partnership. At SmartThings, we want our users to feel engaged and educated to create meaningful smart home experiences. The features within SmartThings Energy, including the carbon aware page, are another way we’re providing our users with education to better their way of life. Nowadays, SmartThings users can regularly engage with these insights into their carbon emissions.  Can you share what larger impact this can have? Electricity Maps: That’s awesome! Yes, at Electricity Maps, we envision a world where all electrical devices contribute to decarbonization by only consuming low-carbon electricity. SmartThings Energy features powered by this partnership allow users to save emissions each day. The collective impact of millions of SmartThings users optimizing their home devices this way is a great step in decarbonizing global electricity grids. SmartThings: That was very informative. Thank you to our partners at Electricity Maps for chatting with us today!  Electricity Maps: Thank you for having us, SmartThings!