SmartThings from Samsung is an app to control and connect multiple smart devices from afar.
The app is Samsung’s effort to become the controller of choice for smart home devices. Regardless of your device’s manufacturer, you can add it to the app and control all your devices from a single app. This is way handier than trying to juggle multiple apps and keep them all updated.
However, the fly in the ointment is you can only control many SmartThings devices via a SmartThings WiFi hub.
Experimental app features being tested
Samsung announced they were testing a SmartThings universal remote control, a TV widget for the app’s home screen, and using your phone as a Bluetooth keyboard.
Other features in testing mode are a gentle wake-up function and automatically switching devices off when you leave home.
Remotely check and managed devices
Group devices and control them simultaneously
Configure compatible smart devices and operate automatically
Share control with others
Get status notifications about your devices
SmartThing lets you control and connect to your devices from a single app, including Samsung smart TVs and appliances and other devices that are SmartThings-compatible.
No matter where you happen to be, you quickly and easily tweak all your devices just so. For instance, you could be away from home and want to know what’s happening with your refrigerator, dishwasher, AC unit, robot vacuum, or other smart home appliance.
Or you could be at home and want the convenience of controlling your speakers or TV without leaving your chair.
Apart from the app and a WiFi connection, you will need a free Samsung account.
It’s free to use
Multi-language support
Works with a range of Samsung and other devices
You need a SmartThings hub for maximum functionality
SmartThings can be obtained from Google Play and Apple’s App Store. The app is naturally optimized for Samsung devices. However, it is still usable with other smartphones, though some features may not be available.
The Android app needs 78 MB of your storage and works with any operating system that is 7.0 or later. Not all mobile Android devices are supported, and the recommended RAM is at least 2 GB.
Microsoft.com has downloads for Windows 10 and Xbox One.
Meanwhile, iOS users will find they need to have a spare 550 MB of storage space and be running iOS 12.0 or later. The app will also only work on iPhone 6 or later and iPad mini2 or later.
The SmartThings app works best in tandem with the SmartThings hub. Unless Samsung makes your smart home devices, you will be struggling to connect most smart home tech without it.
A Samsung SmartThings WiFi mesh router/smart hub will accomplish the same task.
Once you have the SmartThings hub or mesh router/hub set up, you can install the app to your phone and add devices. You add devices by tapping the plus sign. When successfully added, the devices will appear on the app’s home screen.
