Next year, Samsung Electronics is planning to make the TV the center of the smart home. The company just announced plans to make its entire 2016 Smart TV lineup Internet of Things (IoT) ready -- and will be integrating those TVs into the smart home using the SmartThings platform.
Samsung originally purchased SmartThings back in 2014. The open platform allows users to connect, manage and control smart devices and IoT services.
All of Samsung's 2016 SUHD TVs will feature IoT hub technology, which means that each of these 4K TVs can serve as the hub (or controller) of the entire smart home. Samsung created this IoT hub technology in conjunction with SmartThings.
Each of these new 4K TVs can connect to and control Samsung devices and SmartThings sensors, as well as compatible lights, locks, thermostats and cameras. Once connected, users can access those devices from a smartphone or an SUHD TV, instead of having to open and close different apps for each device. For instance, users can tap into security cameras right on the TV or use the SmartThings Cinema Mood to adjust audio and lighting for the perfect movie experience -- all at the touch of a button. There are about 200 different compatible devices to date.
Although each of the 2016 SUHD TVs will come with SmartThings embedded, the actual functionality will be activated regionally. Also, despite those smart home perks, Samsung says that to experience the "full support of connectivity with SmartThings compatible devices," you will need to add in the SmartThings Extend USB adapter.
"With Samsung Smart TVs working with the SmartThings technology, we have an opportunity to reach millions of households," said Alex Hawkinson, CEO and co-founder of SmartThings. "Applying this technology into current household devices is a major step forwards that will make it much easier for everyone to experience the benefits of a smart home."
Samsung hasn't announced any additional information about the 2016 Smart TV lineup. The company is expected to have details and models next week at CES 2016, the Las Vegas trade show that runs from January 6-9, 2016.
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