Kia, Hyundai and Tesla encourage smart home control in the car with SmartThings connection
Users of Samsung's SmartThings platform will soon be able to control more IoT devices from the car, as long as they own a Kia, Hyundai or Tesla vehicle.
Tesla and Samsung's recent integration announcement focuses on energy management through Powerwall and Solar Inverter technology, allowing users to receive home energy management notifications on a Samsung TV, tablet or smartphone.
A 'Storm Watch' feature warns of incoming extreme weather patterns on select devices so users can prepare for power outages, while general information about the amount of power produced by Tesla products can be viewed in the SmartThings app and on any device carrying it out.
The service will be shown off at this year's CES 2024, with a blog post from Samsung suggesting that a customer-facing version is “scheduled to launch” in the second quarter of 2024.
Similarly, Kia and Hyundai have both announced a SmartThings deal that will allow owners to check the status of any connected Samsung device or control it through the vehicle's infotainment system, thanks to a dedicated in-car app.
Hyundai Motor and Kia say owners will soon be able to control digital devices remotely via touch and voice commands. Conversely, it also enables remote vehicle control via AI speakers, TVs and smartphone apps, making it easier, for example, to ask a smart speaker about the EV charging status or to remotely heat the cabin.
The South Korean automaker gives examples of setting routines for hot summer days, where the air conditioning turns on at a certain time or when the vehicle reaches a certain geolocation. An 'Away Mode' can also turn off all house lights and turn on the robot vacuum cleaner.
However, the service appears to be in its early stages of development, as Kia and Hyundai state that the pair will develop “stable service infotainment systems” and then offer these features via “over-the-air (OTA) and USB-based updates, even for existing vehicles”.
Smart cars for smart homes
While this is the first time tech giant Samsung has announced partnerships with these car brands, controlling the smart home from the car isn't an entirely new idea. For example, BMW drivers can control Bosch Smart Home devices via the German brand's in-car operating system.
Apple's HomeKit can also be accessed through virtually anything running Apple CarPlay, where drivers can ask Siri a number of questions, such as “turn off the lights” or “open the garage door,” without physically interacting with the infotainment system. . It's a similar story on Android Auto too.
“This collaboration will enable Home-to-Car communications and integrated home energy management services optimized for future lifestyles,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics.
“By connecting the SmartThings platform to vehicles, we can significantly improve the customer experience both at home and in the car.”
Further proof, if one were needed, that we are quickly entering the era of software-defined vehicles, where more of your digital life will be integrated into future cars. Let's hope OEMs don't charge us an arm and a leg for this privilege.