Samsung Electronics has launched its SmartThings platform in Australia, with Victorian residents among the first to gain access – NSW is tipped to follow next year, as the company looks for new partners.
Exclusively available via RACV, the new Smart Home Starter Kit (A$378) includes a SmartThings Wi-Fi Hub and several sensors (e.g. motion, temperature, door/window and orientation).
Currently only available to Victorian residents, the kit includes professional installation and “basic training” via an RACV SmartThings specialist.
The SmartThings platform allows consumers to connect several compatible smart third-party devices (e.g. smoke detectors, locks, speakers, cameras, lights) to the SmartThings Hub.
Offering streamlined simplification, all connected devices can be managed via the SmartThings app.
The announcement marks a “significant” step in Samsung Australia’s vision to unify smart devices within a users’ home.
Samsung Electronics Australia Head of Category Management IT & Mobile, Eric Chou, claims SmartThings will encourage Australians to create a unified smart home:
“SmartThings is a simple and easy to use system that will give Australians confidence and peace of mind by allowing them to manage a range of home sensors and connected product through the SmartThings app on their compatible smartphone.”
“Today’s announcement is an incredibly important stage in Samsung’s journey with partners like RACV to support the lifestyles of Australians with smart technologies that can be installed around the home.”
RACV Home Executive General Manager, Nicole Brasz, asserts smart home technology has continued to grow in Australia, with the Smart Home Starter Kit a great “first step”:
“Australians are predicted to have over 30 connected devices per household in the next couple years”
“We are delighted to partner with Samsung to launch the SmartThings Starter Kit, as it gives us the opportunity to provide our members with a unique platform to help make their homes more efficient and their lives easier.”
