Photo: Screenshot from YouTube video
Samsung has become a lot more committed to the experience beyond the mobile screen. The company announced at the Unpacked event earlier this month how it wants to expand in the automotive business.
One of the steps in this regard comes down to SmartThings, an application that allows users to control their smart homes right from the mobile device.
Beginning with the latest update, the application can run right on Android Auto, essentially making it possible to turn on the lights, open the garage door, and control other smart electronics inside the house without unlocking the phone.
A video published by YouTuber The Bearded Tech Guy provides us with a closer look at this close integration, showing that controlling six different smart home devices often comes down to just a single tap.
On the other hand, it doesn’t necessarily mean everything is working exactly as you’d expect it to work. At first glance, the feature was designed specifically to provide users with manual control over the smart home rather than for setting up automation.
However, Samsung says it’s fully committed to bringing more tech in the car, and this release is just the beginning in this regard.
“An ecosystem of connected and intelligent devices helps improve the mobile experience. It provides greater access to information, better communication, smarter ways of working, and access to entertainment at any time, any place," said KJ Kim, EVP and Head of the Mobile R&D Office. "Now, we are further powering mobile experiences – when you are moving between your house, office and even on-the-go in your cars with Android Auto – so you have the flexibility to access key features, and share and stay connected with the people and things that matter most.”
Needless to say, anyone can try out SmartThings in their cars as long as they use a compatible Samsung phone. The latest version needs to be running to benefit from Android Auto support.
Beginning with the latest update, the application can run right on Android Auto, essentially making it possible to turn on the lights, open the garage door, and control other smart electronics inside the house without unlocking the phone.
A video published by YouTuber The Bearded Tech Guy provides us with a closer look at this close integration, showing that controlling six different smart home devices often comes down to just a single tap.
On the other hand, it doesn’t necessarily mean everything is working exactly as you’d expect it to work. At first glance, the feature was designed specifically to provide users with manual control over the smart home rather than for setting up automation.
However, Samsung says it’s fully committed to bringing more tech in the car, and this release is just the beginning in this regard.
“An ecosystem of connected and intelligent devices helps improve the mobile experience. It provides greater access to information, better communication, smarter ways of working, and access to entertainment at any time, any place," said KJ Kim, EVP and Head of the Mobile R&D Office. "Now, we are further powering mobile experiences – when you are moving between your house, office and even on-the-go in your cars with Android Auto – so you have the flexibility to access key features, and share and stay connected with the people and things that matter most.”
Needless to say, anyone can try out SmartThings in their cars as long as they use a compatible Samsung phone. The latest version needs to be running to benefit from Android Auto support.
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