SmartThings Inc. was an American company, but was purchased by Samsung Electronics in 2014. The company makes a hub, a cloud platform, and client applications for the efficient use of the Internet of Things – that is, any tool or appliance that is connected to the Internet.
The primary products on offer from Samsung SmartThings include the app, which is available for free, the SmartThings Hub, and an array of sensors and smart devices.
The app allows each user to interact with the enabled home environment, controlling, monitoring, and automating a wide variety of items via a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer system. The app includes a SmartSetup dashboard which enables the quick addition or new devices – and/or removal of old ones – either one at a time or in batches. The app is configured to suit each user, catering to the particular needs of each, and allowing each user to set up a customised system of the Internet of Things in his or her own home or office environment.
The hub is connected to the home’s main internet router. It communicates using standard protocols such as ZigBee and Z-Wave, as well as IP-accessible devices. All of the user’s sensors and devices are connected and by the cloud-based software and controlled by the SmartThings native app.
Since SmartThings uses IFTTT protocols (‘if this then that’), it will react to certain events and triggers, each of which can be set by the user, creating a bespoke system. For example, the system can be set to ‘if it rains, then close the skylight’ or ‘if I leave the house, then lock the doors and windows.’ This enables worry-free security and protection for your house and its contents.
