The smart home industry has been growing exponentially over the past decade, with more and more people investing in smart devices to make their lives easier and more convenient. One of the pioneers in this field is SmartThings, a company that was acquired by Samsung in 2014. But the question on everyone’s mind is: Did Samsung sell SmartThings? In this article, we’ll dive into the history of SmartThings, its acquisition by Samsung, and what’s happened since then.
The Rise of SmartThings
SmartThings was founded in 2012 by Alex Hawkinson, a serial entrepreneur with a passion for innovation. The company’s mission was to create a platform that would allow users to control and automate their smart devices seamlessly. SmartThings started as a Kickstarter campaign, raising over $1.2 million in funding. The company’s early success was largely due to its innovative approach to smart home automation, which focused on making it easy for users to integrate devices from different manufacturers.
SmartThings launched its first product, the SmartThings Hub, in 2013. The hub was a small device that connected to a user’s router and allowed them to control their smart devices remotely using a mobile app. The company’s early partners included big names like Philips, Bosch, and Samsung, which integrated their devices with the SmartThings platform.
Acquisition by Samsung
In August 2014, Samsung announced that it had acquired SmartThings for a reported $200 million. The acquisition was a strategic move by Samsung to expand its presence in the smart home market. At the time, Samsung was already a major player in the technology industry, but it lacked a strong presence in the smart home space.
The acquisition of SmartThings was seen as a key move by Samsung to grab a share of the growing smart home market. SmartThings brought a wealth of expertise and innovation to Samsung, which was struggling to develop its own smart home products. The acquisition also gave Samsung access to SmartThings’ large ecosystem of devices and partners.
The Samsung Era
After the acquisition, SmartThings continued to operate as a separate entity within Samsung. The company’s founders, including Alex Hawkinson, remained at the helm, and the team continued to develop new products and features.
Under Samsung, SmartThings launched several new products, including the SmartThings Cam, SmartThings Door Sensor, and SmartThings Motion Sensor. The company also expanded its partner ecosystem, adding new integrations with popular brands like Amazon, Google, and Apple.
However, the acquisition also brought some challenges. Some users were concerned about Samsung’s influence on SmartThings’ products and services. There were also concerns about data privacy, as Samsung is a large corporation with a significant presence in the technology industry.
Changes in Leadership
In 2016, Alex Hawkinson stepped down as CEO of SmartThings, and Samsung appointed Rocco Di Tommaso as the new CEO. Di Tommaso was a veteran of the technology industry, with a background in product development and innovation.
Under Di Tommaso’s leadership, SmartThings continued to innovate and expand its product lineup. The company launched the SmartThings v3 Hub, which offered improved performance and connectivity. SmartThings also expanded its services, offering a subscription-based model that included features like cloud video recording and advanced automation.
The Present Day
So, did Samsung sell SmartThings? The short answer is no. Samsung still owns SmartThings, and the company continues to operate as a separate entity within Samsung’s Consumer Electronics Division.
However, there have been some changes in recent years. In 2020, Samsung announced that it was shutting down the SmartThings Cloud, a service that allowed users to store and process data from their smart devices. The move was seen as a cost-cutting measure, as Samsung looked to refocus its resources on more profitable areas.
The shutdown of the SmartThings Cloud was met with some criticism from users, who were concerned about the impact on their devices and data. However, Samsung assured users that their data would be transferred to a new cloud service, and that the shutdown would not affect the functionality of their devices.
New Focus on Bixby
In recent years, Samsung has been focusing on its Bixby platform, a virtual assistant that competes with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Bixby is integrated with many of Samsung’s products, including its smartphones, TVs, and home appliances.
As part of this effort, Samsung has been marketing Bixby as a central hub for smart home automation. The company has released several Bixby-powered smart home devices, including the Bixby-based SmartThings Cam and the Bixby-powered SmartThings Door Sensor.
While SmartThings is still a separate entity, it’s clear that Samsung is looking to integrate its products and services more closely with Bixby. This could potentially mean a change in focus for SmartThings, as Samsung looks to promote its own ecosystem over third-party integrations.
A Shift in Strategy?
The shift in focus towards Bixby has led some to speculate about Samsung’s long-term strategy for SmartThings. Will the company continue to support third-party integrations, or will it focus on promoting its own ecosystem?
While Samsung has not made any official announcements, it’s clear that the company is looking to create a more integrated experience for its users. This could mean a shift in strategy for SmartThings, as the company looks to promote Samsung’s own products and services over third-party integrations.
However, it’s worth noting that SmartThings is still committed to supporting third-party integrations. The company has continued to add new partners and devices to its ecosystem, and has assured users that it will continue to support its existing products and services.
Conclusion
So, did Samsung sell SmartThings? The answer is no. Samsung still owns SmartThings, and the company continues to operate as a separate entity within Samsung’s Consumer Electronics Division.
However, it’s clear that Samsung is looking to integrate its products and services more closely, and this could potentially mean a change in focus for SmartThings. As the smart home market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Samsung and SmartThings adapt to changing consumer needs and preferences.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2012 | SmartThings founded by Alex Hawkinson |
| 2013 | SmartThings launches its first product, the SmartThings Hub |
| 2014 | Samsung acquires SmartThings for $200 million |
| 2016 | Alex Hawkinson steps down as CEO of SmartThings, replaced by Rocco Di Tommaso |
| 2020 | Samsung shut down the SmartThings Cloud, citing cost-cutting measures |
In conclusion, the smart home market is constantly evolving, and it will be interesting to see how Samsung and SmartThings adapt to changing consumer needs and preferences. One thing is certain: SmartThings is still a major player in the smart home market, and its innovative products and services will continue to play a key role in shaping the industry’s future.
Did Samsung Sell SmartThings?
Samsung did not sell SmartThings. In 2014, Samsung acquired SmartThings, a leading smart home automation company, for a reported $200 million. Since then, SmartThings has continued to operate as a subsidiary of Samsung, focusing on developing innovative smart home solutions.
SmartThings has continued to expand its product line and partnerships, cementing its position as a leader in the smart home industry. Samsung’s acquisition of SmartThings has enabled the company to leverage its resources and expertise to drive innovation and growth in the smart home market.
What Does SmartThings Do?
SmartThings is a smart home automation company that offers a range of products and services designed to make homes smarter, safer, and more convenient. Its flagship product is the SmartThings Hub, a central controller that connects to various sensors, cameras, door locks, and other devices to enable remote monitoring and control.
SmartThings’ products and services enable users to receive notifications, automate routines, and monitor their homes remotely using their smartphones or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. This includes features like alerts for unusual activity, automated lighting and temperature control, and voice-controlled access to smart devices.
What Are the Benefits of Smart Home Automation?
Smart home automation offers numerous benefits, including increased convenience, energy efficiency, and peace of mind. With smart home devices, users can control their lights, thermostats, and security systems remotely, receive notifications when something unusual happens, and even automate routines to make their lives easier.
Smart home automation can also help users save energy by optimizing lighting and heating usage, and provide an added layer of security by allowing users to monitor their homes remotely. Additionally, smart home devices can be integrated with voice assistants to enable voice-controlled access, making it easier for people with disabilities or mobility issues to control their homes.
How Does Smart Home Automation Impact Home Security?
Smart home automation can significantly enhance home security by providing an additional layer of protection and peace of mind. With smart home devices, users can receive notifications when someone enters or exits their home, view live video feeds from security cameras, and even control door locks remotely.
Smart home automation can also enable users to create customized security routines, such as automatically locking doors and turning on lights when they leave the house or go to bed. Furthermore, smart home devices can be integrated with emergency services, enabling users to quickly call for help in case of an emergency.
Will Smart Home Automation Replace Traditional Home Security Systems?
Smart home automation is not intended to replace traditional home security systems but rather complement them. While smart home devices can provide an added layer of security, they are not a substitute for professional security monitoring and response services.
In fact, many smart home devices can be integrated with traditional security systems to provide an even more comprehensive security solution. This enables users to take advantage of the benefits of smart home automation while still having the peace of mind that comes with professional security monitoring and response.
What Is the Future of Smart Home Automation?
The future of smart home automation is promising, with advancements in artificial intelligence, 5G networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT) driving innovation and growth in the industry. As more devices become connected and intelligent, smart homes will become even more integrated, automated, and personalized.
In the future, we can expect to see even more seamless integrations between devices, voice assistants, and services, making it easier for users to control their homes and access information. Additionally, advancements in AI will enable smart homes to learn and adapt to users’ habits and preferences, making them even more convenient and efficient.
How Can I Get Started with Smart Home Automation?
Getting started with smart home automation is easier than ever, with a wide range of devices and services available to suit different needs and budgets. The first step is to identify your goals and priorities, such as increasing energy efficiency, enhancing home security, or improving convenience.
Once you’ve identified your goals, you can start exploring different devices and services, such as smart thermostats, security cameras, and voice assistants. You can also consider investing in a smart home hub like SmartThings, which can integrate with a wide range of devices and enable remote monitoring and control.