Samsung Electronics has unveiled a significant update to SmartThings, its global connected living platform, now reaching 470 million registered users and integrating over 430 Works with SmartThings (WWST)-certified brands. Central to this update is the introduction of SmartThings Now at the forefront of the Home tab, alongside enhancements to the app’s user interface and expanded local control capabilities. These improvements aim to facilitate easier access to information and more reliable device management.
Introducing SmartThings Now: A Personalized Home Experience
SmartThings Now is designed as a strategic feature, appearing as cards at the top of the Home tab. It leverages data-driven insights to deliver a personalized experience by combining relevant information with immediate actions based on the user’s context. For instance, if no device activity is detected from an elderly family member, a care card is presented with options to contact or check on them. Upon nearing a pre-registered home location, users receive prompts to initiate routines such as turning on lights or air purifiers, thereby streamlining their interactions with connected devices.
Furthermore, SmartThings Now adapts to user behavior by analyzing past activities and suggesting updates to Home tab Favorites. This includes modifications like removing a card for an air conditioner as usage declines with cooler weather or adding an AirDresser card as its use increases during seasonal changes. The Routine Insight card within SmartThings Now provides a detailed review of routine activities, enabling users to refine or eliminate outdated routines.
The update also optimizes the Home tab’s layout, offering a more efficient presentation of dashboards, device cards, and service cards. Service cards now present more information in a space-efficient format, and the Live Wallpaper feature dynamically changes throughout the day, enhancing the visual interface. Additionally, the update introduces a Floating Bar for quick access to frequently used features, aligning with the latest One UI design for improved usability on larger devices.
Augmented Local Control for Enhanced Device Responsiveness
In its continued effort to enhance device reliability, SmartThings now incorporates local control technology. This advancement ensures that connected devices remain responsive, even amid changes in network conditions or internet service disruptions. By allowing direct communication between mobile devices and SmartThings Hubs on the same Wi-Fi network, response times can see a reduction of approximately 30%, compared to cloud-based control. SmartThings seamlessly toggles between local and cloud-based control depending on the user’s location, with the Offline Device Diagnostics page aiding users in restoring offline devices efficiently.
Additionally, Samsung has integrated support for the latest smart home connectivity standard, Matter 1.6, from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), focusing on stability and Group Control performance. This update also expands device support to include:
- Energy Meters for real-time power monitoring
- Specialized door and gate closures
- Irrigation systems such as sprinklers
- Soil Sensors for ground condition assessment
The SmartThings Now feature, alongside the updated Home tab experience, is accessible on various devices, including mobile phones, Samsung Smart TVs, Family Hub refrigerators, select Samsung appliances, and Windows devices. Local control is supported on Android and iOS devices with the SmartThings app, applicable to SmartThings Hubs and compatible Samsung Smart TVs.