Samsung SmartThings gets a major update – plus a new smart plug

Do you use Samsung SmartThings? Technology giants Samsung have announced plans to make major changes to their SmartThings platforms and compatible devices in a bid to consolidate their position in the smart home sphere. Samsung users can expect everything from enhanced user experience to a range of compatible, third party devices.

• Interested in smart home tech? You'll find news, expert advice and unbiased buying guides over on our technology home page: The Hub

Speaking about these updates, director of Connected Living for Samsung (UK) Ltd, Teg Dosanjh says, 'Our vision is to provide more value to consumers by enabling connections between Samsung and third-party products, creating experiences that make their lives simpler, safer and a little more playful. These updates bring us a step closer to realising that vision.'

So, what can Samsung users expect to see? Here's a break down:

Launch of the Samsung smart plug

On 5th August 2019, Samsung announced the launch of the SmartThings Smart Plug. A handy piece of kit, this smart plug gives standard products smart capabilities, as well as making it easy to set schedules and turn products on and off, from afar.

Want to learn more about smart plugs? Read our beginners guide to smart plugs. Then, browse our pick of the best smart plugs to see how this new model from Samsung compares.

Updates to the SmartThings app

The SmartThings app, which can be used to connect all of Samsung's smart devices, has seen major upgrades, including:

• Enhanced device cards – control connected devices, with ease;
• Creating lighting zones – want to control all your smart lighting as part of one group? It's now possible to dim or turn lights on or off with a single click, thanks to a SmartThings update;
• Personalise your smart home set-up – create schedules based on your lifestyle for a truly unique set up.

Ring Video Doorbell Compatibility

Samsung also announced a significant expansion in the number of compatible, third party products. We're most excited about:

• Ring Video Doorbell
• Ring Video Doorbell 2

These are amongst our favourite video doorbells and we were thrilled to learn that they will now be accessible to Samsung users. 

Want to learn more about video doorbells? Read our guide to the best video doorbell – you'll find the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell 2 in there – as well as our thoughts on the question: do you really need a video doorbell?

Netatmo Thermostat Compatibility

In addition to newly compatible video doorbells, Samsung also announced that it's now possible for users to connect a Netatmo Smart Thermostat to the SmartThings app. For users, this means the option to save energy, create heating schedules and more.

Head over to Samsung for more information on the new SmartThings offerings.