SmartThings has just announced the next generation of its products at Samsung’s opening keynote at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show! This next generation of the platform includes a brand new Hub, new seniors, further integration with third-party products, and a new premium subscription service. Keep in mind that last year Samsung purchased SmartThings and this year they were the opening keynote of the show. The show has singled out the Internet of Things as the big topic for this year and that eventually everyone will be a part of it.
The new Hub adds a number of new features that are aimed at making the experience better for the user. It is running on a local application engine and is being powered by a new processor. Plus there are new cellular connectivity options and built-in backup battery power, this will allow the SmartThings platform to keep running even in the event of either an internet or power outage. They are also adding support for additional protocol, like Bluetooth Smart which will provide users with the widest range of devices that can work with the platform.
SmartThings is also rolling out new micro versions of the core sensors, these are drastically smaller. In fact they are one-third the size of the first generation variants and feature a new design. The new third-party integrations are being launched with the next generation as well. As of now they will be working with Chamberlin garage door openers, Netgear cameras, Philips Hue, Honeywell thermostats, Samsung smart appliances, and August locks, and a few others. SmartThings will also be adding new applications and new ways to connect with the system, like from your Samsung Smart TV or your Gear S.
Along with new hardware, SmartThings is launching a premium subscription service. This service will provide you advanced monitoring of your home, for instance you can text or call when a problem is detected within the home that requires immediate attention. So, if the system detects a flood or a fire, it can alert you and designated family members. It will also include a built-in DVR services for cameras. The next generation of SmartThings will be coming in April of 2015 and will be available for purchase Nationwide. Exact pricing and availability should be announced closer to that date. Stay Tuned To NJTechReviews For More Coverage Of The 2015 Consumer Electronics Show!
Press Release
SMARTTHINGS DEBUTS NEXT GENERATION HUB AND SENSORS, NEW INTEGRATIONS, AND PREMIUM SERVICE AT CES 2015
LAS VEGAS – January 5, 2015 – Today, at the Samsung Electronics Keynote at CES 2015, SmartThings announced the next generation of its products, including a new Hub and sensors, further integrations with third party devices, and a new premium subscription service.
The new SmartThings Hub adds a number of features aimed at providing users with greater peace of mind, flexibility, and control. The new Hub includes a more powerful processor and local app engine, built-in backup battery power, and expanded cellular connectivity options which enable SmartThings to keep operating in the event of a power or Internet outage. The new Hub also expands connectivity options to include additional protocols such as Bluetooth Smart, providing users with the widest range of devices supported by any smart home platform.
SmartThings device integrations continue to rapidly evolve, providing the best range of choice and control for users. Alongside the new Hub, SmartThings is rolling out new ‘micro’ versions of its core sensors, which are one third the size of its first generation devices. Examples of new third party integrations with the next generation platform include Netgear cameras, Philips Hue, Honeywell thermostats, Chamberlain garage door openers, August locks, and all Samsung smart appliances. SmartThings is also expanding the number of ways that users can connect with and control their homes, with demonstrations of new apps for the Gear S and Samsung Smart TVs.
Coupled with the new Hub, SmartThings is also launching a first-of-its kind premium subscription service, bringing users the option of advanced home monitoring capabilities. This new service enables SmartThings to automatically send users or other designated contacts a text or call when a problem is detected within the home that requires immediate attention, such as a flood or fire. The premium service also includes built-in DVR services for cameras.
“Since SmartThings was acquired by Samsung this past August our platform has seen tremendous growth and innovation. The number of apps and devices created by our community has doubled to more than 10,000 developers and over one million apps installed,” said Alex Hawkinson, CEO and founder of SmartThings. “This growth is a testament to the power of openness and we’re excited to bring our users the next generation of our platform for enhanced peace of mind, savings, and convenience.”
All of this and more will be at the SmartThings Smart Home within the Samsung booth at LVCC (Booth #11906 in Central Hall) where there will be live demonstrations of how to control, monitor, and automate a smart home with these new devices, integrations, and services.
The new SmartThings Hub, sensors, and premium subscription service will be available for purchase nationwide in the U.S. and Canada in April 2015.
For more information, or to purchase SmartThings, visit Shop.SmartThings.com or Amazon.com
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