Why Is Samsung Overhauling SmartThings App For Smart Home System?

Apart from announcing the all-new Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ flagship devices on Sunday, Samsung also grabbed the opportunity to confirm that it is overhauling its SmartThings platform to provide users with a more seamless experience.

In a press statement, Samsung announced that it is launching a new SmartThings app next month. The specific date hasn’t been given yet, but the overhauled version is expected to offer seamless controls over a wide range of supported IoT devices so that users will get to enjoy advanced connectivity like no other.

Describing what the new SmartThings app is all about, Samsung said it “places controls for a wide ecosystem of compatible smart devices in one simple and consistent interface” so users can easily manage every aspect of their connected lifestyle be it at home or at the workplace.

The move definitely makes sense since Samsung’s smart home ecosystem has become very confusing over the years, according to Android Police. The confusion is a result of the overlapping functionality of SmartThings, Samsung Connect and Samsung Smart Home.

Prior to the announcement, Samsung previously stated that it is considering consolidating many of its smart home apps into a single unit within the first quarter of 2018. This is the confirmation of that statement because Samsung is now working to combine over 40 apps into the SmartThings app.

“The SmartThings app was designed to remove the complicated steps that are often required to complete everyday tasks and chores, and does so by fostering seamless interactions between a household’s IoT technologies,” Samsung stated. “The new app unites the previous SmartThings app with existing Samsung IoT applications, including Samsung Connect, Smart Home and Smart View, to allow for consistent experiences across SmartThings-compatible devices.”

The upgraded SmartThings app will accommodate the latest Family Hub refrigerators and Smart TVs that Samsung unveiled at CES 2018 last month. Having said this, it’s clear that the South Korea giant is determined to establish its SmartThings app as the sole platform for all of its smart devices starting this year.

Samsung’s newly announced Galaxy S9 flagship handset also has a special role in the implementation of the overhauled SmartThings. The company said that the S9 will offer all the tools users need to keep their smart home devices running smoothly. Samsung even noted that the new smartphone can act as a universal controller for a wide range of its smart products.

“From streamlining daily tasks to helping families share special moments, the Galaxy S9 and SmartThings make it easy for households to simplify how they manage their smart devices, and their connected lives,” Samsung said.