The Samsung SmartThings Hub is the improved version of the original SmartThings Hub. While the original device was pretty impressive as it had the ability to work with multiple wireless protocols from different devices, there is the gripe of the lack of camera support. The South Korean tech giant acquired SmartThings last year and have now released their new smart hub with their name plastered on the device.
What Does the Samsung SmartThings Hub Have on Offer?
The Samsung SmartThings Hub can either be bought on its own, or with a bundled Home Monitoring Kit. When accompanied with the Home Monitoring Kit, it will include two multipurpose sensors that will assist in monitoring temperature and vibration around the house. These will also let you know when the doors and windows are open.
As for the hub itself, it has the same glossy white finish found in the original SmartThings model. But this time around, it is a smidgen smaller as it now has dimensions of 1.3 x 4.2 x 4.9-inches. At the back of the device, it holds an Ethernet port, a power jack, and two USB ports. At its front, there is a single small status LED.
It has an upgraded CPU which can take on a certain amount of automation commands, and it also has the ability for continued operation even with the loss of network connection. Another neat feature is that this Samsung Hub is able to let users view live and recorded video from within the app that has been taken with a compatible connected camera. This was a key feature that was missing in the original model. Furthermore, you can have said camera to be manually triggered to start recording with the use of the Hub’s dedicated app.
Setting the hub is a straightforward and fast experience. Downloading the app will allow you the assistance you need to install the device into the home network. However, even though it is a device based on wireless technology, it needs to be connected to your router via a wired setup. Samsung already knows about this as there is an included Ethernet cable in the package.
Overall, the Samsung SmartThings Hub is able to do what it can do best flawlessly. Connected devices will be able to receive notifications instantly whenever a connected window or door sensor was opened or closed. Notifications are also prominent when the motion detector sensed activity. These sensors also recorded accurate room temperatures. Therefore, this may be the most versatile home automation system you can get in today’s market.