SmartThings Sensors Connect to the Hub to create your smart home. Smart TV, smart thermostat, smart security system, smart appliances, and a whole lot more. Smart devices are booming making their way to every aspect of our lives.
Nowadays, it’s easy to find a smart device in many homes, you can find at least a smart TV in most of them.
Controlling these smart devices can be done easily using a smartphone. However, if you are interested in home automation and like getting every new piece of smart technology, then you probably need a Hub.
Usually, you can use smart speakers like Echo Plus and all-new Echo Studio with integrated Zigbee radios as a temporary hub. However, this won’t give you the level of control you need if you have an extended range of smart devices around the house, in this case, you will need a dedicated home hub.
Smart home experience depends on the quality of the ecosystem, and here is where Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem comes in place. But is it worth it? That’s what we are going to discuss in detail.
App review
Samsung fixed the App problem in SmartThings, and introduced a classic new main App to run the system and control everything related.
The new app is responsive and offers a reliable user experience, managing devices takes place in-app. On the other hand, the App needs to be refined a little bit, but it’s just minor tweaks that won’t cause a problem to the user.
You can try the App before purchasing anything, by downloading and trying it you can figure out if it’s going to be an easy app for you, and whether it’s worth it to invest in the ecosystem devices.
Mesh WiFi
The basic aspect of home automation is having a WiFi network that you can rely on. Having a good signal across the house is Vital for controlling smart devices. Having a larger property, you can suffer from dead spots in some areas. Using a Mesh WiFi may be the answer to your network problems, by setting up the nodes that act like mini-routers around the house to have signals in every nook and cranny.
Here is where Samsung’s mesh Wi-Fi comes in place, offering good signal distribution and more.
SmartThings Mesh WiFi
Samsung introduced it’s SmartThings mesh wifi in recent years, which comes with 3 nodes that can cover up to 4500 sq feet (418 sq meters), each node covers 1500 sq feet, offering a super-stable WiFi coverage around the house. You can up the number of nodes to 32 nodes if you have a larger space.
The SmartThings mesh system will optimize devices and channel hop in the background, giving you seamless signal around the house. This is very beneficial with devices using different frequencies.
The system is easy to install by following in-app simple instructions, and comes with and built in SmartThings hub.
Additionally, it gives you the ability to monitor what everyone’s doing online.
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SmartThings Hub (Third-Generation)
To have your SmartThings ecosystem work smoothly with a remote or through voice control, you will have to have a hub.
The company offered the third generation of its SmartThings Hub, which comes compatible with both Zigbee and Z-Wave radios enabling the hub to help other devices to run smoothly together.
First, you have to install the SmartThings hub and connect it to your WiFi, then you can pair your smart devices. You can control your smart devices through a smartphone app or Voice control using an Echo device or Google Home speaker.
However, SmartThings hub is not compatible with Bluetooth.
Best devices in the SmartThings ecosystem
Having a seamless ecosystem gives you the best results in your automated home.
And here are some of the best devices in the SmartThings ecosystem.
- Smart Outlet
- Smart Bulb
- Motion Sensor
- Multipurpose Sensor
- Arrival Sensor
- Water Leak Sensor
- SmartThings Button
- SmartThings Cam
Smart outlet
Smart outlets help you to control your non-smart devices and appliances easily, by managing their turn on/off time. You can control your old lamps, ceiling fans, coffee machines or else making them a bit smarter.
Smart bulb
Samsung smart LED bulbs offer a powerful punch for an average price.
All LED bulbs help in saving energy (electricity), and have longer lifespan than older incandescent bulbs which will help you save money in the long run.
Samsung offers the A19 smart white bulb, which can create mood lighting easily through dimming feature.
You can control the bulb through the app or through voice control, as they come compatible with the Samsung AI, Bixby. You can control it using Alexa or Google Assistant through your smart speaker or smart display.
Moniton sensor
SmartThings motion sensor is installed with a magnetic ball mount to manipulate the sensor angle to the best position. It can be used to control lighting, heating and cooling based on someone Presence. You can also set music or home theatre to start when someone enters the room.
Managing the SmartThings motion sensor is in-app.
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Multipurpose sensor
These multipurpose sensors will increase your house safety; as it’s being installed by windows and doors to alert you in case they are opened. With a reliable hub in place, you can get notified in-app if any doors or windows are unusually opened.
This is a valuable addition to your automated home, especially if you are out of the house for long periods. These sensors can be adjusted to send alerts to your thermostat or lights for more control.
Arrival sensor
This sensor will inform you if someone entered the room, for increased security. You can use it to switch on/off specific devices when someone enters the room. Or you can program it to switch on/off certain functions when you are back from outside or when you go out like music or lights.
Use it to work with your smart thermostat to adjust heating and cooling when room is occupied.
Water Leak Sensor
As the name suggests, this sensor is to detect water leakage and send you an in-app alert.
This sensor will give you peace of mind when you’re away from home; because when it detects moisture your SmartThings hub will turn on and off any connected devices.
SmartThings Button
SmartThings buttons are a cheap yet valuable addition to your home, as they allow you to turn on/off your compatible devices at the push of a button. Other features include the ability to customize commands to do specific tasks in a certain time even if your phone is not connected.
SmartThings Cam
Some may think that indoor security cameras main purpose are to detect intruders or when someone breaks into your house. However, it is a great device to monitor your kids or check on your pets when you’re out.
The SmartThings Cam records 1080p HD video, storing 24 hours of footage in the cloud for free. It comes with two-way audio rendering to work as a video intercom.
In addition, it has intelligent object and motion recognition to minimize false alerts.
How to connect SmartThings devices?
Connecting SmartThings devices to your ecosystem is easy.
- Open the app and press + button on the top-right
- Scan the QR code on your device and follow some guided instructions on-screen
Or search manually by search for by brand or device type on app.
More about SmartThings ecosystem
Samsung is trying to add more and more devices to its ecosystem. However, with SmartThings you can add hundreds of devices from most of the smart home companies yet make sure that the device you choose has a “Works with SmartThings” label.
Google Nest devices and most HomeKit devices can’t work with SmartThings; because of the lack of Bluetooth radio compatibility on the SmartThings ecosystem.
Bottom line
After the app user-friendly upgrades that Samsung made, the SmartThings became an option for more and more automated home owners.
You can find it hard sometimes to pair non-SmartThings devices, yet it’s easier when it comes to pairing certified SmartThings compatible devices.
