Smart Home at your fingertips with SmartThings
Are you considering Samsung SmartThings as the platform for your Smart Home? Here is what you need to know, what we recommend, and how to get started.
When building a smart home, choosing its core platform is crucial. Combining various standards can often lead to confusion and incompatible automations. Samsung SmartThings comes with its own set of ideas, bringing numerous benefits to the end user.
So, what exactly is SmartThings?
SmartThings is a platform for home control and automation that encompasses a wide range of first- and third-party devices (not just Samsung). A unified app for both Android and iOS allows users to manage things like lights, locks, speakers, cameras, thermostats, and garage door openers, all from different compatible brands.
SmartThings places a relatively unique emphasis on appliances such as washing machines, dryers, ovens, TVs, dishwashers, and refrigerators, though the only two supported brands in this regard are Samsung and its acquisition, Dacor.
Definitely worth mentioning is a feature called SmartThings Find, which is used to locate supported items (we will discuss this in more detail later in the article).
To get started with SmartThings, you first need to create a Samsung account. However, Samsung has wisely expanded platform support to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Mercedes, meaning you have a wider range of accessories to choose from and don't always have to use the SmartThings app or Samsung's not-so-popular Bixby assistant.
SmartThings should become even more harmonious with other platforms by the end of 2022. Samsung has joined Apple, Google, and other companies in supporting Matter - the universal smart home protocol, so the number of compatible products is sure to grow.
Just as with other smart home apps, SmartThings users can allow friends and family to share smart home control and group devices into custom locations, rooms, and preset actions. Scenes and actions can be triggered manually or automatically, the latter based on preset conditions for sensor data, the time of day, or, for example, when someone arrives or leaves (as we know from other Smart platforms).
What equipment do you need to get started?
To start, you need what you probably already own - a smartphone and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (available in every modern router today). However, Samsung warns that some accessories may not connect to 5GHz networks. While 5 GHz is faster, it can be power-hungry and has a shorter range. If your home area is large (a big house with a garden), you may need to get a mesh-based router to ensure full coverage, even at 2.4 GHz. Using WiFi, you can connect devices like a refrigerator, washing machine, TV, or air conditioning.
If you are serious about SmartThings, we also recommend the Aeotec Smart Home hub. You will definitely need it if you want to use, for example, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and accessories based on Zigbee or Z-Wave standards. Also for reliable automation that works 24/7. We covered this handy control unit in more detail on our blog in this article.
Advantages of the SmartThings system
The biggest advantage is definitely the SmartThings app itself. Besides centralized control, it provides a clear layout of the status of your devices or your entire home. For instance, you can see how much time is left on the washing machine, or whether a sensor-equipped window is currently open.
The modern user interface of the app is beginner-friendly while also leaving room for veterans tocreate complex routines and smart home settings.
If you are fully committed to the Samsung ecosystem, there are countless ways to use SmartThings. The app comes pre-installed on most Samsung smartphones (it can also be installed on other phones), and you can now run it on the Galaxy Watch 4 as well. An official SmartThings app for Windows is currently available, which, although it has some flaws, is still better than Google, which lacks any PC client for the smart home. If you buy the right products, you can control almost anything you can think of with SmartThings. When purchasing such smart products, look for the phrase "Works with SmartThings".
For some people, the merged support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice control can be a huge advantage. This opens up a whole range of compatible smart speakers and displays.
We must mention the clever app section called SmartThings Find, which works great in case you forget or, God forbid, lose your smartphone, tablet, watch, or headphones. No problem with SmartThings Find! Smart device localization is then carried out using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. A big plus when searching for lost items is that maps, sound signals, and on UWB-supported devices, augmented reality (AR) will assist you. Your SmartWatch left in the shower on a shelf can be found in a second thanks to SmartThings Find. This section offers the ability to find a lost device even in offline mode. It utilizes the Galaxy devices of other people moving near the lost accessory. However, you don't need to worry about your privacy at all, as the data used by the system is very well encrypted and securely protected. Thus, no one else but you will learn about the location of your devices.
Are you constantly losing your apartment or car keys? Samsung has found an answer for this too in the form of the SmartTag localization tag. Simply attach this tag to things you often forget where you placed them and locate them using the app. Currently, there is an improved SmartTag+ version that utilizes the AR Finding feature (augmented reality search). Using your smartphone screen, you'll see clear instructions guiding you step-by-step to the sought-after item, highlighted by a bright green light. There are truly no limits to where you can place these tags; they will guard your children (school bag) or a pet (collar) just as well. SmartTag can also be used for automated control of compatible things in the home.
Disadvantages of the SmartThings system
The SmartThings app is optimized primarily for Samsung phones, tablets, and watches, so even though you can download it to many third-party devices, your positive expectations for functionality may not be met. Some features (such as the Galaxy Watch/Wear OS client) will not work at all on other vendors, or may not work in all countries. If you own a third-party Android smartphone (a brand other than Samsung), the real meaningful incentive to download the SmartThings app is that you already own a device manufactured by Samsung, e.g., a TV.
Best SmartThings devices
We mentioned the Aeotec Smart Home hub above, which is certainly among the most sought-after devices of the SmartThings system. Let's take a look at a few more together.
Popp radiator thermostat (ZigBee)
The Popp thermostatic radiator valve gives you the ability to control your radiators directly via smartphone or manually. Thanks to the smart connection to various sensors and individual heating schedules, you will only heat when necessary, and only to a comfortable temperature defined by you. Using the POPP smart thermostat (Zigbee), it is possible to intelligently control your heating element while reducing energy costs and increasing your comfort.
One of the many advantages of this smart valve is mainly open window detection. The POPP Smart Thermostat detects open windows due to a sudden drop in temperature. It automatically regulates the temperature drop, thereby saving energy and heating costs.
Aeotec Cam 360 (SmartThings CAM) camera
A camera specially designed for the SmartThings system (Aeotec Smart Home). With the Aeotec Cam 360, you get a full 360° view of the room where the camera is placed. Additionally, using the SmartThings app, you can view what's happening day and night. Thanks to the advanced motion detection feature, the camera also notifies you when something moves in the room. Furthermore, the advanced logic allows for distinguishing between the movement of an object and a person.
ZigBee PRO garden light RGB+CCT Gledopto
Illuminate your garden like never before. Whether you like a play of colors or beautiful warm or cool light, this product fulfills everything. Installing this light will take you only a few minutes. Turn the stand, stick it into the ground, connect it, and add it to the app. Done. This light also operates on a safe 24VDC voltage (power supply is not included), so you don't have to worry about safety.
frient Door/Window Sensor Pro (Entry Sensor Pro)
The Zigbee frient Entry Sensor, placed on a door or window, monitors opening and closing. The sensitive sensor reminds you that you forgot to close a window and protects your home. You'll have peace of mind knowing your home is safe - wherever you are.
FIBARO wall plug type E (FIBARO Wall Plug E)
The FIBARO plug with energy metering function is a smart, easy-to-use, extremely compact, and sophisticated adapter that you can also control wirelessly. You can use this highly functional plug adapter in any socket where you want to control devices and monitor their consumption. The FIBARO plug is extremely compact, making it the most beautiful device of its kind available in the world. Its modern design fits perfectly into any interior design. Take a look at the perfection of its craftsmanship and the stunning crystal power ring.
Is the SmartThings system the right choice for you?
There are several reasons to recommend the SmartThings system. If you already own any Samsung smart devices, SmartThings should be the natural choice for your smart home's core platform. Above all, it has an excellent app that is user-friendly, well-arranged, and together with it and the selection of the right smart accessories, you can create a Smart Home of decent parameters. Choosing SmartThings is also ideal for people who want automation uninterrupted by internet outages.
However, if you are thinking about building a complete smart home from scratch, the Homey or FIBARO system will probably be a more viable path. For a tailored selection of products, information on installation options, and other questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We are already looking forward to working with you!
