Samsung Electronics today announced the availability of Matter functionality, allowing for seamless device control via the SmartThings app. SmartThings hubs will receive an over-the-air update, and the SmartThings Android app will be updated to provide capability to control all Matter-compatible devices. Through this update, SmartThings users can control their Matter devices from a single application, instead of using multiple apps from different device manufacturers.
As a pioneer in the smart home industry, Samsung has been a key contributor to the development of Matter from the very beginning and was one of the first companies to receive Matter certification. Earlier this year, Samsung revealed TVs and Family Hub refrigerators that were selected to be updated to support Matter Controller functionality, simplifying experiences with both Samsung and third-party devices. In May 2022, SmartThings announced its Partner Early Access Program, the next step toward a Matter-compatible ecosystem, which granted select partners a head start in testing the Matter-supporting SmartThings hub and mobile software.
“We are now shifting from basic connectivity to building incredible experiences,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Corporate Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Matter is the future, giving consumers extensive choice and smart device compatibility at scale. Today marks the most significant milestone yet toward mass smart home adoption.”
SmartThings supports a feature called multi-admin, which allows users to control their Matter devices from multiple platforms and apps. This month, Samsung and Google announced an expanded partnership to take multi-admin support to the next level, improving interoperability and offering better user experiences. SmartThings’ open platform offers one of the largest integrated ecosystems, and Matter-certified products will be rolled out across brands including Google Nest, Eve Systems, Nanoleaf, Yale and more.
SmartThings’ Matter Controller support will begin with the second and third generations of the SmartThings Hub, as well as the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. All hubs will continue to support Zigbee, Z-Wave and Local Area Network devices, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and will be upgraded over-the-network to enable support for Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Thread-based Matter devices.
“We are committed to maintaining support for existing protocols while also helping the industry transition to a future built on Matter,” said Mark Tekippe, Vice President of Product at SmartThings and Connectivity Standards Alliance Board Member. “SmartThings has always provided customers with the most flexible connectivity options including Zigbee and Z-Wave. Adding support for Matter and Thread ensures SmartThings remains the most versatile ecosystem for consumers looking to build or expand their smart homes.”
For more information about SmartThings, please visit www.smartthings.com.
About SmartThings
SmartThings is the premier technology enabling connected living and driving the future of IoT. Its open platform already supports thousands of devices across hundreds of brands and offers endless possibilities to innovators and developers seeking seamless connectivity in a vast IoT ecosystem. The company is committed to bringing simple, trusted smart functionality to provide unifying experiences that inspire people to make a difference in their everyday lives. There are currently millions of people in more than 200 countries accessing SmartThings technology daily to create automations and control facets of their smart homes via the SmartThings app and through a range of Samsung products such as phones, TVs and digital appliances. SmartThings offers the most flexible number of protocols, including the new IoT standard, Matter. Launched in 2012, SmartThings is headquartered in Mountain View, CA and is a founding board member of Connectivity Standards Alliance, an organization of hundreds of companies creating, maintaining and delivering open, global standards for the IoT. For more information, please visit www.smartthings.com.
Source: Samsung Mobile Blog
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