Samsung introduced its smart home system at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January 2004 and this week it is rolling it out in Korea and the US.
CBR tells you five things you need to know about it.
1. How does it work?
The system uses a single app that home owners can access to control Samsung-branded appliances using their smartphone, TV remote control, tablets or smartwatches.
For example, voice commands could be used to turn off lights or a television set, and in return they could send alerts to owners if they need servicing.
The system also connects to cameras in fridges, a vacuum cleaner and dishwashers among other devices, allowing users to keep an eye on their homes when they’re away. For example, users can automatically control the washing machine to have their clothes ready when they get home.
Samsung said users will be able to control multiple devices simultaneously.
Dr. Won Pyo, president and head of Media at Samsung Electronics, said: "Samsung Smart Home lets people live better, worry less and be smarter with their devices and appliances.
"We also have grand plans to enhance more and more parts of the home experience, especially with a view of expanding it to areas with high growth potential such as home safety and energy management."
2. What devices are already connected?
In Korea, the app will work on all of Samsung’s smart TV devices released this year, the Bubbleshot 3W9000 washing machines, the Gear 2, the Q9000 air conditioner and smartphones that run Android 4.0.
Samsung’s Smart French Door refrigerator, Smart Front Loading Washing Machine, the TV sets and the Gear 2 will be available in the US.
Later in the year, Samsung plans to expand its line up to include the Smart Bulb, Gear Fit, Smart Ovens and other products.
3. Is it secure?
Samsung has promised that all data that is transmitted by the app is encrypted for increased security. This ensures that the people can enjoy the service safe in the knowledge their data remains private, according to the firm.
4. Competition
Samsung joins as the market for home automation with smart devices grows increasingly competitive. Smart home services sales are set to hit $71bn by 2018, up from $33bn in 2013, according to research from Juniper Research.
LG unveiled a HomeChat system earlier this year that allows users to send text messages to appliances and then get responses. The firm said that by texting "what are you up to?" to a washing machine, for example, users can get a reply such as: "I’m just finishing the spin cycle, I won’t be long."
Automation startup firm Revolv also launched an app at the end of last year that connects and consolidates home automation devices within your home, and Piper launched its own smart home and security device in January.
5. Price
Samsung’s 2014 smart TVs are retailing from $2,499, while the smart washing machine costs £599, and smart fridges start from approximately $3,499. More details can be found here.
Users can register with their Samsung account and download the app, which is available for Android devices, via Samsung Apps and Google Play Store as well as for the Gear 2 smartwatch.
A separate Smart Home app will be available "soon" for one of Samsung’s wearable devices, the Gear 2, while another app for Samsung’s 2014 Smart TV models will be available in April.
Samsung will be rolling out the Smart Home Service first to Korea and the US, and eventually to other regions as well.
