The SmartThings Blog

Are you looking to save money, energy, and earn rewards automatically? Who isn’t! With Samsung’s Demand Response (DR) Program, Flex Connect - available directly within the SmartThings app - eligible users can automatically reduce energy consumption by switching devices to power-saving mode during peak grid demand. What is Flex Connect? Flex Connect allows Samsung appliances, TVs, and other connected devices to adjust theirenergy usage during peak demand peak demand times, using a feature called DR Energy Mode,built into the app to give users the ability to reduce energy use when the grid is under strain,helping to balance the grid while reducing costs at home. Samsung's Flex Connect program became available to eligible users in California and New York in June of 2024, to eligible users in Texas in December of 2024 and is now available to users across the Mid-Atlantic and greater Chicago. Signing up for Flex Connect means when an energy event occurs, SmartThings automaticallyoptimizes energy consumption across opted-in devices for users who have enabled DR EnergyMode in the app. This activation not only helps users save energy during crucial times, it alsotriggers a $50 Flex Connect reward – directly into the user’s Samsung account! Flex Connect works with a variety of energy-saving devices, from thermostats to Samsungwashers, dryers, and more – intelligently adjusting the device’s settings based on the weatherand grid, ensuring efficient energy use while keeping your home comfortable. It’s energy saved– automatically! Together, Flex Connect users contribute meaningful energy reductions that help balance thegrid during peak demand, reducing the risk of blackouts and lowering overall grid emissions. It’sgood for the grid, good for sustainability, and good for your wallet! Check out the Works With SmartThings page for a full list of eligible devices. How do I get the $50 in Samsung Rewards Points? The reward is distributed after you are approved in the Flex Connect program and after one ormore of your connected devices participate in an energy event. Then, you’ll receive a notification in the SmartThings app letting you know your $50 in Samsung Rewards Points is available. Simply tap ‘Claim’ in the app, and the Samsung Rewards Points will be added to your Samsung.com account. You have 30 days to claim your points once the notification appears, but after claiming thepoints, they won’t expire. The frequency and timing of energy events vary based on locationand season, so keep an eye on your SmartThings app for updates. Earning Even More: About SmartThings Energy Stamps A $50 Flex Connect reward is just the start of what you can earn! (Not to mention the energyyou’re saving automatically, often leading to a reduction in monthly energy bills.) By using additional SmartThings Energy features, you can maximize energy savings and earneven more rewards. Features such as AI Energy Mode, Optimal Charging, and OptimalScheduling are available to all users—and when activated, trigger the accrual of Energy Stamps,which convert to dollars that can be spent on Samsung.com! Ready to take control of your energy usage?  It’s quick and easy to connect your devices to the SmartThings app: Open the SmartThings app and tap the 'Devices' tab. Tap the 'Home' icon and select your device’s location. Tap the ‘Add’ (+) button and choose 'Add Device.' For Bluetooth devices, tap ‘Scan Nearby’ or manually add your device. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you’re good to go! Download the SmartThings app in the Google Play or Apple Store to activate SmartThings Energy, and enter your ZIP code in SmartThings Energy to check your eligibility today. To learn more about Flex Connect and how you can save energy for rewards, visit https://partners.smartthings.com/energy-rewards. 

SmartThings unveils plans for future AI including ambient sensing technology and Gen AI  allowing users to customize their homes for a better life Samsung SmartThings has unveiled new AI technology at Unpacked, continuing the vision of “AI for All.” SmartThings aims to use this technology to simplify and enhance everyday life. The mission of SmartThings has always been to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and ease of use for consumers.  Our core tenets are security, ease of use, saving time and money, and care for your family. We understand that every household is unique, which is why we are introducing Home AI—a feature that gathers insights from everyday life to create personalized experiences to fit your needs, transforming your home into a smarter, more efficient space.  It’s about using technology to help you build your dream home, one that adapts to how you live and simplifies your daily routines. SmartThings Ambient Sensing SmartThings plans to use advanced sensor technology, like motion and sound sensor devices in your home, to recognize you and understand your daily activities like cooking, exercising, sleeping, etc. so your home can create the perfect environment for you.  This ambient sensing technology would enable your home to understand you and your surroundings to help you live a better life. It collects, integrates, and analyzes diverse data and securely stores it on your local home network.  These are a few examples of what this new technology can do : Human Detection and Activity Monitoring: SmartThings uses its sensors to detect activities like push-ups, sleeping, or even working at your desk. It can recommend better routines for your life, and build the best environment for the activity. Health Insight and Lifestyle Recommendations: SmartThings will provide real-time feedback to help you stay healthy. Been sitting too long? Expect a gentle reminder to get up and move. SmartThings aims to enhance your smart home experience by intelligently understanding and optimizing your routines. For example, when you’re exercising, SmartThings can detect which kind of exercise you’re doing, guide you on your form and provide the optimal exercise time for maximum results. After your workout, the sound and movement of drying your hair can be detected by sound sensing devices like the Music Frame, and will start the robot vacuum to clean up fallen hair from the floor. Or after a long day, all you might want to do is relax in your favorite chair. SmartThings makes it effortless. As you approach your favorite chair, SmartThings recognizes your presence, automatically dimming the lights, turning on your reading lamp, and adjusting the room to your perfect temperature. SmartThings’ new technology could even identify your miniature pinscher jumping onto the couch, activating the air purifier to remove allergens from the air.  Generative AI in Map View SmartThings will be equipped with Gen AI technology that enables a deeper understanding of your home’s unique layout and environment adding more personalization to your Map View.  Personalized Map View: You will be able to use your phone camera to capture images of objects like chairs, and other elements in your space so your Map View can match your style and space! Enhanced User Experience: This personalized map allows for more intuitive navigation and interaction within your smart home. For example, the system might adjust your lighting or temperature settings based on your proximity to certain areas or objects. The Foundation of Privacy and Performance Underpinning all these technologies is a revolutionary approach to data processing that ensures all information will be stored locally on your network. Unlike traditional cloud-dependent systems, this technology will offer privacy by keeping your data entirely within your home hub which lives within your favorite Samsung appliances and devices. None of your data will be stored in the cloud or accessible to third parties without your consent, giving you control over your personal information. Samsung SmartThings continues to redefine what it means to live in a smart home, blending cutting-edge technology with everyday convenience—all while keeping your data secure. These updates are planned to rollout throughout 2025 and 2026. Stay tuned to our blog and newsroom for updates.