South Korean tech giant Samsung is releasing on Thursday the SmartThings Home Hub, a new line of updated home sensors. Along with the release of the device is a new set of developer tools that make it easier to integrate new devices into the hub.
With the update to its five sensors, there are almost 200 devices compatible with the SmartThings eco system, says Alex Hawkinson, CEO of SmartThings, reports Techcrunch. The developer tools makes it easier for next-generation products to be controlled by the hub.
Samsung bought in August 2014 the startup company which offers a system made up of a central hub connected wirelessly to several sensors and appliances throughout the house. A mobile app controls the hub, explains The Telegraph.
The owner could monitor, control and automate parts of his home wherever he or she may be. A processor allows interaction between the hub and things connected to it via local processing instead of through the cloud.
The aim of the hub, which costs $99 and $30-$55 for the sensors, is for people to create their own smart home, Hawkinson says. The kit has a motion sensor, multi sensor, presence sensor, power outlet and moisture sensor.
The motion sensor starts an action or a notification whenever a movement is detected within a given space. For instance, a child getting out of bed could trigger automatic turning on of the nightlight. By programming the hub to inform a smartphone whenever there is movement in off-limits areas such as the wine cellar or when the homeowner is away.
The hub is connected to devices at home and could handle some processes without being connected to the internet by using Zigbee, Z-wave and local IP connected devices. People could begin buying the hub on Sept. 3 from SmartThings ad Samsung websites.