Samsung Updates SmartThings with Personalised Controls and Improved Offline Support

Samsung has rolled out a major update to its SmartThings connected living platform, introducing SmartThings Now, a redesigned Home tab and improved local device control. The platform currently serves 470 million registered users and supports more than 430 Works with SmartThings-certified brands worldwide.

SmartThings Now appears at the top of the Home tab, providing personalised information and quick actions based on users’ routines and circumstances. For example, it can alert caregivers when an older family member shows no device activity for an extended period, or suggest switching on lights and air purifiers when users approach home.

The feature also analyses activity from the previous week to recommend changes to frequently used devices, services and routines. Meanwhile, the redesigned Home tab offers a more organised layout for dashboards and device controls, alongside updated service cards, dynamic wallpapers and a Floating Bar for easier one-handed navigation.

The update also improves local control, allowing compatible smartphones to communicate directly with a SmartThings Hub over the same Wi-Fi network instead of relying on cloud-based controls. Samsung says this can improve response times by around 30% and help connected devices remain controllable during certain internet disruptions.

SmartThings can automatically switch between local and cloud-based control depending on whether users are at home or away. An updated Offline Device Diagnostics page also makes it easier to restore disconnected devices by updating network information across registered devices.

Additionally, Samsung has added support for Matter 1.6, improving smart home connectivity and group control. Four new device categories are supported: energy meters, closures such as specialised doors and gates, irrigation systems and soil sensors.

The updated SmartThings Home tab is available across supported devices, including smartphones, Samsung Smart TVs, selected Family Hub refrigerators, compatible Samsung appliances and Windows devices. Local control availability depends on the device, hub and app compatibility.