Samsung Reveals Next-Gen SmartThings Home Hub


SmartThings introduced a new line of smart home products for users in the U.S. and U.K.

The Samsung-owned company released an upgraded Hub (pictured), sensors, and mobile app, as well as a new set of developer tools and partnership programs.


The more powerful Hub aims to keep you in the know. If you have the Hub, a connected camera, and the Smart Home Monitor service within the SmartThings app, "you can also get instant alerts with an accompanying video clip when...unexpected events occur," SmartThings said.

"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," the company said.

The video clip option is currently in beta, but will eventually be a premium feature with Smart Home Monitor for $4.99 per month. Live streaming will be free.

The Hub will only record video when an unexpected event is detected, like motion by the front door. The Smart Home Monitor service will also deliver real-time notifications and video clips in the event of an intrusion, smoke or fire, leak or flood, and other common household issues.

The Hub's battery backup lasts 10 hours, and can process certain tasks without a Web connection.
With the redesigned iOS and Android app, meanwhile, users can organize and control devices by room, and customize actions based on preset routines.

"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.

U.S. customers can visit SmartThings, Samsung, or Amazon online to pick up the $99 Hub, with sensors ranging from $30 to $55 each. SmartThings is coming next week to the U.K., available at select Currys PC World stores and online, where the Hub retails for £99, while the Starter Kit is £199.

Samsung's SmartThings plans to expand across Europe in 2016.

Now integrated with GitHub, the SmartThings platform now supports nearly 200 devices from partners Honeywell, Schlage, Yale, FirstAlert, D-link, Osram, Cree, Bose, and more.

At IFA, Samsung also debuted its SleepSense personal healthcare device (above). The teardrop-shaped gadget acts as a personal sleep consultant, providing sleep reports and offering recommendations on how to improve sleep—via a mobile app.


Source: pcmag.com
Share on Google Plus
    Blogger Comment

0 comments:

Post a Comment