Samsung Unveils New Era of Smart Home at CES 2014

Samsung Smart Home enables home devices connectivity through a single integrated platform; provides foundation for emerging ecosystem of connected home services

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 8, 2014  /CNW/ - Samsung Electronics has announced Samsung Smart Home, a service enabling Smart TVs, home appliances and smartphones to be connected and managed through a single integrated platform.

The Samsung Smart Home brand will debut at CES 2014 in Las Vegas, and the service will be commercially rolled out across Samsung devices and appliances in the first half of 2014. Pursuing its vision for a connected world, Samsung will also collaborate with third-party partners to make the Samsung Smart Home service extendible to their products and services, building the foundation for a rapidly-growing ecosystem of connected home services.

"With Samsung Smart Home, we are bringing our capabilities as the world's leading manufacturer of smart devices to make the connected home a reality for consumers today," said James Politeski, President, Samsung Canada. "In 2014 we will continue to roll out better home services to our consumers so that they can continue to Play More, Do More, Share More."

Samsung Smart Home's unique functionality enables users to control and manage their home devices through a single application by connecting personal and home devices—from refrigerators and washing machines to Smart TVs, digital cameras, smartphones and even the wearable device Galaxy Gear—through an integrated platform and server.

Samsung Smart Home will initially provide three main service features enabling users to connect with their devices from anywhere, anytime: Device Control, Home View and Smart Customer Service.

With Device Control, users can use customized settings on their mobile devices or Smart TV to monitor or control home devices —turning on air conditioning or activating lighting, for example—while inside or outside the home, or even while travelling abroad. At the touch of a dedicated Samsung Smart Home app icon on their device, the service enables users to control one or multiple devices simultaneously no matter where they are.

Samsung Smart Home also offers a voice command function on all the controller devices. If a user says 'going out' to his Galaxy Gear device, home lighting and selected appliances are turned off. If the user says 'good night' to their Smart TV remote control, the TV will be turned off and lights dimmed and gradually turned off in readiness for sleep. Users can also use chat control on their smartphone app as a fun, convenient way to communicate with their devices.

With the service's Home View feature users can also use their smartphone to get real-time views of the home via in-built appliance cameras; and Samsung Smart Home's Smart Customer Service notifies users when it's time to service appliances or replace consumables, and provides assistance in after-sales servicing.

Initial deployment of Samsung Smart Home will focus on a range of Samsung Smart TVs, home appliances and smartphones. The service will gradually expand its coverage by including additional Samsung products as well as other manufacturers' devices and appliances.

Samsung has also developed a dedicated Samsung Smart Home software protocol (SHP) to enable connectivity between all Samsung Smart Home products as well as those from other device and appliance manufacturers. Through this strategy, Samsung aims to create a foundation for an emerging ecosystem of connected home services in collaboration with its partners.

Samsung also plans to expand the Samsung Smart Home service to cover home-energy, secure home access, healthcare, and eco home applications through the partnerships with third-party service providers in these sectors, helping foster joint commercial opportunities and grow the connected home service marketplace.

Consumers are invited to follow @SamsungCanada on Twitter for the latest CES adventures via video, photos and social updates. EP Daily Host Marissa Roberto (@MarissaRoberto) will host a video series full of exclusive, behind-the-scenes content from the show floor during CES 2014.

About Samsung Electronics Canada

Samsung Electronics Canada offers a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics including televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. The Canadian arm, selected in 2013 as one of Strategy Magazine's Brands of the Year, upholds Samsung's global mission to open new possibilities for young minded consumers everywhere, providing users premium experiences that are unparalleled due to Samsung's innovative technology and stylish design. As a result, Samsung has become a true leader in the consumer electronics industry both in terms of business leadership and brand strength. In 2013, Samsung was ranked #8 in the Interbrand 100 Best Global Brands and was named as one of Marketing Magazine's 2012 Top 10 Marketers of the Year in Canada.

To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Follow Samsung Canada at facebook.com/SamsungCanada or on Twitter @SamsungCanada

SOURCE: Samsung Electronics Canada

Caitilin Doherty, North Strategic for Samsung Canada, [email protected], 416-371-3762