Samsung Electronics is expanding its SmartThings platform with new safety tools and tighter integration with Hyundai Motor Group vehicles, aiming to make the connected home ecosystem more central to everyday life.
The company said Wednesday that the latest SmartThings update introduces SmartThings Safe, a feature designed to address rising concerns tied to single-person households and an aging population. Users can trigger an emergency alert by pressing a preset button on their smartphone or tablet, instantly sharing their real-time location with registered contacts.
The update also extends SmartThings into mobility with Home-to-Car, developed in partnership with Hyundai and Kia. Users can check vehicle status and control functions such as starting the engine, adjusting climate settings, locking or unlocking doors, and starting or stopping EV charging directly from the SmartThings app. Automation routines can sync home devices with car functions—for example, unlocking a smart door lock can automatically start the vehicle, or air conditioning can be pre-set on hot days before heading out.
Samsung also enhanced the Home Life service, introduced in June, by adding personalized automation suggestions based on household characteristics, owned devices, and user interests. Starting Oct. 1, SmartThings will support device diagnostics, sending status information to service centers and enabling users to review past repair records, streamlining after-sales support.
Other updates include a redesigned app interface with a new “useful information” tab for more intuitive navigation.
“Samsung will continue expanding services that meet customer needs to deliver a differentiated AI home experience,” said Jae-yeon Jung, executive vice president and head of the SmartThings team at Samsung Electronics.
