The SmartThings Hub is a Z-Wave certified central static controller. It can be included in any Z-Wave network and operate with Z-Wave certified devices from other manufacturers.
Samsung SmartThings devices (Outlets and Motion, Multipurpose, Arrival, and Water Leak Sensors) contain ZigBee chips to receive and provide information. Other devices compatible with SmartThings might have either a Z-Wave or ZigBee chip.
SmartThings isn't being discontinued. Currently, Samsung is making it into a more powerful and “universal” platform. Instead of developing products of their own, Samsung SmartThing decided to ditch their legacy products and apps to focus on improving the features and security of their platform.
To date, brands like Kwikset, Piper, Schlage, Samsung, Wink, and Yale all work with Z-Wave. That means you've got a lot of options as you build out your network. Z-Wave products work with a number of other home automation systems, too, meaning you aren't necessarily locked into only Z-Wave products.
Do I need a hub? Yes - to get the most out of your Z-Wave device, a Z-Wave Certified hub is required to set schedules and control remotely away from the home, which a handheld Z-Wave controller cannot do. You can visit our Z-Wave website for more information on compatible hubs.
Alexa only “speaks” WiFi (and ZigBee if you have the EchoPlus). It currently doesn't support Z-Wave, the protocol of choice for home automation thanks to its high speed and low interference with other connected devices in your home. That means you can't have a Z-Wave switch or plug speak directly to your Echo.
Samsung removed the Smart View app on October 5, 2020, which allowed users to convert their smartphones into Samsung TV remotes.
Since August 2014 SmartThings has been a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.
The company passed manufacturing for the latest "SmartThings Hub (v3)" to German Internet-of-things company Aeotec. The new Hub is normally $125, but Samsung is offering existing users a dirt-cheat $35 upgrade price.
Z-Wave devices all work together, while there are some versions of Zigbee that don't work with each other. If you choose Zigbee, be sure to only choose devices that use the same version, such as Zigbee 3.0.
Zwave is a protocol for communication between devices used for home automation. Zigbee is open standard wireless connection.
That's why all new eero hardware comes equipped with a Thread radio. Thread is the latest generation in a series of low-power wireless protocols like Z-wave, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, but because it uses IPv6 natively, it's more reliable, and employs secure protocols and encryption by default.
Z-Wave Has Fewer Congestion Problems
As such, Z-Wave's network has much less congestion, as it operates on a lower radio frequency - 908.42 MHz. Zigbee's frequency is closer to that of Wi-Fi - 2.4ghz - meaning a lot more congestion.
With a set of Smart Home devices like the SmartThings suite, you can spy and snoop to your heart's content. Here are some fun ways to use a SmartThings Hub with a SmartThings Presence to keep a watchful eye over your surroundings.
Samsung SmartThings pricing
Last we checked, it cost $69.99. And SmartThings doesn't require you to subscribe to any sort of monthly subscription to use the app or get alerts (which many security companies do). The main cost you'll have with SmartThings is buying all the devices.
The SmartThings app is compatible with phones running Android 7 or higher, and iOS 12.0 or higher. Compatible Samsung TVs include 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models.
Open SmartThings on your phone, and then tap Menu (the three horizontal lines). Select the Location where Connect Home is saved, and then select your Connect Home from the list of devices. Tap the switch next to SmartThings Hub to use your Connect Home as a SmartThings Hub.
First, turn on the Smart TV you want to connect. Then, on your phone, open the SmartThings app. Tap the Device tab, tap the Home icon, and then select the location where you'd like to add the TV. Tap Add (the plus sign), and then tap Add device.
Z-Wave is a wireless radio frequency technology which operates at 908.42 MHz (in the US & Canada) that lets smart devices talk to and connect with one another.
At $9.99/month, the fee can be hard to swallow, especially when you realize there are many Z-Wave hubs out there that do just as much, or more, while requiring no monthly fees.