Smart home products vendor SmartThings has whipped the covers off the next generation of Samsung SmartThings hub, sensors and application. The hub and connected sensors can be used to control the lights, thermostats and doors, and warn about things such as water leaks.
“People are beginning to understand the real value and utility smart home technology can provide in their everyday lives”, said Alex Hawkinson, CEO and founder of SmartThings.
The results can be shared with other members of users’ family through smartphones, making it possible to monitor the health of elderly parents on a real-time basis, it added. The app essentially does numerous things that Android Auto does (navigation, music playback, etc), but connects to cars that support MirrorLink. New features also include a battery backup that allows the hub to continue functioning for up to 10 hours on its own, in the event of a power outage.
It comes after Samsung past year acquired a company called SmartThings, which makes a hub that connects “smart” versions of everyday devices to the Internet. Users can now directly organise and control connected devices by room, view live streaming from cameras, quickly set up and run routines, and explore the marketplace of almost 200 devices now compatible with SmartThings.
Along with SleepSense, Samsung is bringing more content to users via partnerships with Netflix, VoD, Amazon, and even GameFly. “Only you will have access to any data stored in the cloud”. The SmartThings Hub is available for $99 (approximately Rs 6,400) with sensors priced between $35 and $55 (approximately Rs 2,275 and Rs 3,600). The flat, circular device slides under your mattress and monitors heart and respiratory rate during sleep.
Tracking devices are expanding into every domain existent apparently, and now, Samsung’s SleepSense will watch you sleep, tracking down as you shift, turn, flail about or lay as still as a rock while you’re in deep slumber. Depending on your sleep pattern, you will receive customized tips and words of advice to help you sleep better next time.