IFA: Samsung SmartThings hub lets you control your IoT devices in the home

BERLIN: SAMSUNG has launched a hub for Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the home, called Samsung SmartThings.

Arriving in the form of a £200 Starter Kit, SmartThings allows users to connect all of their IoT devices to one hub where they can monitor, control and secure their home regardless of their location.

"The Samsung SmartThings Hub is the heart of your smart home. It connects wirelessly with hundreds of compatible smart devices, allowing you to monitor, control and secure your home from anywhere," Samsung said during a keynote at IFA in Berlin on Thursday.

"Once you've set up your Starter Kit, SmartThings allows you to add hundreds of compatible smart devices to enhance your home."

The Starter Kit includes most of the SmartThings accessories that Samsung has launched today, and means that users can enhance their automated home set-up in one go.

It contains the Hub, which acts as the base to connect with smart sensors, lights, locks and cameras etc; a Multi Sensor to monitor whether doors or windows are open or closed; a Motion Sensor to monitor movement in the home; a Presence Sensor to know when people, pets and cars arrive or leave home; and a Power Outlet to control lights, electronics and small appliances.

There is also a Moisture Sensor but this doesn't come as part of the Starter Kit, Samsung said.

The SmartThings hub works alongside an app that will notify users of what is happening at home, and control the attached smart devices, meaning that those wanting to keep tabs on their home while they are away can do so from any location. Samsung said that this is as easy as a "simple tap" so that your home can then react to whichever preferences have been set.

Those who already own a number of IoT gadgets for the home will be happy, as Samsung said that the SmartThings hub will work with existing IoT and smart home products from the likes of Bose, Philips, Honeywell, Yale, LIFX and Aeon.

The Starter Kit will cost £199, but if you want to buy separate sensors, Samsung is selling the Power Outlet for £45, and the Multi Sensor, Presence Sensor and Moisture Sensor for £30.

In the UK, SmartThings products will be available from selected Currys PC World outlets or online at samsung.com or currys.co.uk from 10 September, Samsung said. The app will also be available for download for free from 10 September, available for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone. µ

source : http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2424424/samsung-smartthings-hub-lets-you-control-your-iot-devices-in-the-home