Samsung's SmartThings Launches Next-Gen Smart Home Hub
Figure 1: Image via SmartThings
Introduced today, the Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd (SSNLF) owned SmartThings has revealed a new line of smart home products for consumers in the U.S. (available now) and the U.K. (available on September 10). Its upgraded Hub, combatable sensors, and mobile app, as well as new developer tools and partnership programs have all been released. The new Hub will cost $99, and its sensors will range from $30-$55.
The more powerful Hub is goaled to keep you, the user, constantly in the know; it lets you control lights and thermostats, for example, all through the improved mobile app. Revamped for both iOS and Android, the app lets users organize and control devices by room, and tailor actions according to preset routines. There will also be a new video monitoring capability (currently in a beta version), dubbed the Smart Home Monitor Service, that comes with a buffering feature, allowing recording to start before the at fault event so users can see what caused the incident.
It’s important to note that the Hub will only record video when an unanticipated event is sensed. For example, motion by the front door would cause the recording to start. The Smart Home Monitor service will also send users real-time notifications and video clips if an intrusion, smoke, fire, leak, flood, and other common household issues were to occur.
The overall redesign, done mostly to solve reliability issues that plagued older Hub versions, will make it possible to achieve tasks “locally,” which means it can operate without an Internet connection. This feature will be important, especially for users who suffer with spotty or faulty Wi-Fi connections.
"This marks our first product launch as part of the Samsung family, and together we're continuing our commitment to deliver the easiest smart home solutions with a truly open 'Internet of Things' platform that maximizes collaboration and innovation across the industry," said Alex Hawkinson, the founder and CEO of SmartThings.
If you live in the U.S., you can purchase the SmartThings Hub now on shop.smarthings.com, Samsung.com, and Amazon.com.
Samsung stock has seen quite the jump today, rising 6.57%, or $57.51, during midday trading. The company, though, sits at a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
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