Technology
Danish Kapoor
Danish Kapoor

Samsung improves smart home management with SmartThings update for Android

Samsung has introduced an important update to the SmartThings application on Android devices. Among the new features, Home Insights, Daily Routines, expanded control cards for device management, Quick Checks and automatic backup function stand out. These developments aim to provide users with more detailed and efficient control over their smart home devices.

The SmartThings update was announced at Samsung’s recent Developer Conference (SDC 2024). The “Home Insights” feature, introduced at the conference, allows users to easily see important information such as the status of their devices and energy consumption. The new feature offers suggestions for more effective management of smart home devices, preventing unnecessary operation of devices, and can automatically turn off devices at certain hours or when the user is not at home. It also provides AI-powered summaries to users in the United States and South Korea, making recommendations about their smart homes.

Automation features by daily routines and categories

With the latest version of SmartThings, version 1.8.21.28, automation routines have become more advanced. This new feature, called Daily Routines, allows users to combine automation rules for different times of the day into a single routine. For example, tasks such as automatically turning the lights on and off in the morning and evening for the same device can now be done in a single operation, without the need to create separate routines. This innovation allows SmartThings users to manage their routines more easily.

Samsung has also enlarged its device control cards, providing quick access to more device types. Many devices such as refrigerators, sound systems and robot vacuum cleaners can now be quickly accessed from the “Devices” tab of the application. The wider appearance of these cards, especially on large screen devices, improves the user experience.

The SmartThings app enables users to manage devices faster by opening the Quick Control panel when they are close to certain Samsung home appliances. This feature supports devices such as stoves, ovens and refrigerators released by Samsung in 2024. When the user approaches this device, he can easily control the basic functions of the device via Quick Panel. This quick access makes the time spent especially in the kitchen more productive.

On the other hand, the automatic backup feature for SmartThings Hub that comes with the update provides great convenience for users who have more than one smart home hub. When one of the Hubs malfunctions or has a connection problem, the other Hub, set as a backup, comes into play and control of smart devices in the home can continue without any disruption. This new backup feature offers a safe solution, especially against connection problems, and allows users to manage their smart homes uninterruptedly.

As Samsung continues to develop its SmartThings platform, it is making smart home systems more integrated with such features that will make the user experience more functional. The update is available for download for Android devices via the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store and offers many new options for users who want to make their smart home system more secure, efficient and user-friendly.

Danish Kapoor