SmartThings, the smart home company that was bought by Samsung in April last year, is releasing a new line of updated home sensors, a more powerful home automation hub, a redisgned app and new tools for developers to connect to the SmartThings ecosystem.
Because SmartThings is an open platform, the router-like “smart hub” will work with over 200 devices. The new design features a 1Ghz single-core ARM processor made by Freescale to support video monitoring. This means users can connect their home cameras to the hub and monitor the live video feed via the SmartThings mobile app. The company has pointed out that while the video live-stream is continuous, it isn’t sent through their servers and is only recorded in the event of activity. The service is free until the end of the year, and then costs $4.99 per month.
The SmartThings Hub V2 can now run for up to ten hours if its power connection dies. It even retains some functionality if your internet goes down by using Zigbee, Z-wave, and local IP connected devices
"We see home security as the biggest starting point, by far, for the smart home," Alex Hawkinson, SmartThings founder and CEO, said in an interview. "Before, SmartThings was easy for early adopters, but I think now we're mass market easy."
Hawkinson added that the SmartThings mobile app for iOS and Android had been redesigned for a more intuitive experience. The company is also releasing an update to its five sensors, giving them a smaller, more contemporary look which should make them less conspicuous around the home.
The new range of devices are available today on the SmartThings and Samsung websites. The hub will cost $99, and the sensors, which range from outlet switches, motion sensors and moisture sensors, range in price from around $30 to $50. The company will be using its parent to expand internationally for the first time when the Hub (£99) and Starter kit (£199) is released in the UK on September 10th. SmartThings will be available in the rest of Europe sometime during 2016.
https://www.techspot.com/news/61990-smartthings-unveils-new-smart-home-hub-updated-sensors.html
