Samsung Electronics executive vice president and Head of SmartThings Jaeyeon Jung introduces the new SmartThings Station unit at the Samsung press conference during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan 4, 2023. — AFP
Samsung Electronics Co announced a smart-home control device that doubles as a wireless charger at the CES conference in Las Vegas, pushing deeper into a market led by Amazon.com Inc.
The new hub, called the SmartThings Station, allows users to remotely operate accessories such as lights, locks and thermostats in their homes, the company said Jan 4 at the electronics event. A user’s phone or tablet can connect over the Internet to the US$80 (RM352) hub, which can then operate the smart-home accessories wirelessly.
The SmartThings capabilities are similar to features long offered by Amazon, as well as Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google. But Samsung’s new device differs from the competition – and its own existing hub – by doubling as a 15-watt wireless charging pad for phones, earbuds and other compatible items.
The accessory also has a button that can activate what’s known as a SmartThings routine. For example, a user can set up a sleep sequence that turns off lights and TVs and locks the door. And the new device supports the Matter smart-home protocol, letting it work with a range of technology from other companies.
Samsung is using the annual CES expo as a showcase for new products. Earlier on Jan 4, it announced an update to its inexpensive A-series phone. – Bloomberg
Samsung Electronics executive vice president and Head of SmartThings Jaeyeon Jung introduces the new SmartThings Station unit at the Samsung press conference during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan 4, 2023. — AFP
A product expert demonstrates features on a refrigerator during a preview of Samsung Electronics Co Bespoke Home appliances and SmartThings home technologies ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan 3, 2023. — AFP
A representative demonstrates Samsung’s AI OptiWash washing machine technology during a preview of Samsung Electronics Co Bespoke Home appliances and SmartThings home technologies ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 3, 2023. — AFP
A product expert demonstrates features on a refrigerator during a preview of Samsung Electronics Co Bespoke Home appliances and SmartThings home technologies ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan 3, 2023. — AFP
A product expert demonstrates SmartThings home technologies for Samsung Electronics Co Bespoke Home appliances during a preview ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 3, 2023. — AFP
