An explosion in the number of devices connected to the internet is expected over the next decade and in turn, our homes will become increasingly "smart." With this in mind, Samsung has today announced its own Smart Home service, which will provide home automation via an app.
Home automation with smart devices is already a growing market. Revolv launched an app at the end of last year aimed at consolidating the control of devices and, in January, Piper launched its smart home and security device.
The Samsung service is aimed at making it easy for users to control devices in their home. Users can add compatible devices and appliances that are connected to their home network to the Samsung Smart Home app, and manage them via the application's interface. For example, users can control their TV from the couch, switch on the heating as they leave the office or turn on lights for security while they are abroad on holiday.
According to Samsung, users will be able to control multiple devices simultaneously. The company gives the example of a user being able to say "Good Night" to the TV remote control and switching off all connected devices within the home, such as lights and air conditioners, in one go. To ensure security, and no doubt with one eye on concerns about the potential for smart home devices to be hacked, Samsung notes that all data transmitted by the app is encrypted.
"Samsung Smart Home lets people live better, worry less and be smarter with their devices and appliances," says WonPyo Hong, president and head of the Media Solution Center at Samsung Electronics, in a press release. "We also have grand plans to enhance more and more parts of the home experience, especially with a view of expanding it to areas with high growth potential such as home safety and energy management."
Samsung Smart Home service will be rolled out to Korea and the United States initially and then to more countries throughout this year. The company also plans to expand its range of devices that will be compatible with the service.
Source: Samsung
