Samsung is expanding its SmartThings portfolio in the US by introducing a camera, WiFi smart plug and a smart bulb. The new products are available to buy nationwide starting today. They work within the SmartThings ecosystem, and can be purchased though Samsung e-Store, Best Buy, and a few other retailers. All three devices work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung’s own Bixby voice assistants.
Ideal for smart home beginners
The new SmartThings Cam is a Full HD (1080p) 145-degree, wide-angle camera with night vision and HDR imaging. It also has object detection, which Samsung says can differentiate between people and the motion of pets or a passing vehicle. The monitoring zone can be customized to receive notifications when something moves in that specific area. The two-way audio lets you talk to a housemate, a visitor, or your pets when you're away.
The SmartThings Cam comes with 24 hours of free cloud storage for up to four cameras. You can extend the storage period to 30 days with a Premium subscription. It costs $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year, and lets you connect up to 8 SmartThings Cams. Also, you don't need a SmartThings hub to use the camera. Just plug it in and connect it to your home WiFi, though connecting it to a hub gives it the ability to link with other smart devices in your home.
Unfortunately, it doesn't have a battery and needs a wired connection. It's also not weather-proof and is only meant to be installed indoors. However, its compact size, and more importantly, the price tag of $89.99 makes up for those limitations.
The new SmartThings WiFi Smart Plug can turn nearly every lamp, small appliance or electronic device in your home smart. It turns them into voice-activated devices, and also doesn't need a hub to work. You can switch them on or off, set a timer or schedule them over voice commands through Bixby, Google Assistant and Alexa. The plug costs $17.99.
The SmartThings Smart Bulb, meanwhile, requires a SmartThings Hub to function. It is also compatible with the above-listed voice assistants, allowing you to control it with your voice, or set routines to automatically turn on and off, or go dim. The new bulbs cost $9.99 each. These aggressively priced entry-level products certainly look ideal for smart home beginners.
