Tech giant launches SmartThings Hub that lets you watch your home from your office

13:59 - 03 September 2015

Samsung SmartThings range

The new hub also improves on the last version in a couple of key ways. It no longer needs an internet connection to function, and can run autonomously for 10 hours on a battery if power goes out.

After a lengthy delay the next generation of SmartThings hardware is now available. The hub, sensors and app (which available on iOS and Android) are now ready for mass consumption, however, along with developer tools to get other companies in on the action.

Also, because it now has a more powerful CPU, the new SmartThings Hub no longer needs cloud computing to handle video and sensor monitoring chores.

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This has given Samsung the chance to introduce a new "Smart Home Monitor" feature that will give users a continuous video livestream and trigger the system to record video following pre-programmed events. However, the Smart Home Monitor features will only launch in beta.

According to Engadget, users will get updated iOS or Android apps. The company has even redesigned the interface to help you arrange sensors and devices by room, and program actions like turning on lights, unlocking doors, turning off alarms, or combinations of all those things.

The SmartThings hub now supports around 200 devices and Samsung has announced new partners including Honeywell, Yale, D-Link, Bose and others.

The SmartThings Hub is now available on Amazon for $99, with sensors priced from $30 to $55. People living in the UK can also pick up the hub at Currys PC World for £99, or a starter kit including the hub and several sensors for £199.