Now, this is an integration that I have been waiting for, but now that I have it, it does leave one feature to be desired. Google and Samsung have finally team who and if you look in the SmartThings app you now can link your Google account into it and bring in your Nest camera, thermostat, and the doorbell to it. Once I heard that the integration was live, I rushed and link my Google account to SmartThings and so far all look good with one glaring feature admission.
You see one of the main reasons I wanted to to connect my Nest devices with SmartThings was for the Nest Thermostat. Being able to control my Nest thermostat from within SmartThings has been a desire since I had both set up and running in my home. One of those desires was to use the many motion sensors that I have in my house which double as temperature sensors as well. In SmartThing things there is a SmartApp called “Keep me Cozy” which lets you pick an alternative temperature sensor in a separate space from the thermostat. The hope was now that you can control the Nest thermostat within the app, I’d be able to use this smart app to choose one of the many motion/temperature sensors in the house and have that as the point of reference for the Nest thermostat. This however is unable to work as when you choose this, the first line is to choose the thermostat and though the Nest one is link, the SmartThings app says no device found…..I guess dream deferred.
I am happy to report on the camera side however, that all looks good on that side. You can now review your Nest Hello doorbells and other cameras from within the SmartThings app. And you can use them within the SmartThings Home monitor as motion and sound sensors. With the addition of this and hopeful soon to add feature I mentioned above, this collaboration between SmartThings and Google is a win win for smart home integrations and one I’ve definitely been waiting for. See more about this integration from their press release below.
Samsung SmartThings and Google Join Forces to Enhance Smart Homes with Nest Integration
New integration allows SmartThings users to control Nest devices
Mountain View, CA —[December 8, 2020] – Samsung SmartThings, the leader in smart home automation, today announced a partnership with Google, bringing the company’s portfolio of Nest products into SmartThings, one of the largest IoT ecosystems. Through the integration, Google Nest devices, including thermostats, cameras and doorbells, will be “Works With SmartThings” (WWST) certified, allowing users to seamlessly control their smart homes through SmartThings.
For the first time, SmartThings users will be able to adjust a Nest thermostat, view live camera feeds from outdoor Nest cameras and hear who is at the door with Nest Hello, all through their smart devices. SmartThings users can also incorporate Nest devices into their current WWST-certified devices to create Scenes and automated experiences, controlling the functions with simple voice commands or through the SmartThings app. Soon, users will be able to stream right from their Nest devices directly to their Samsung TV or Family Hub fridge.
SmartThings technology powers endless possibilities for enhancing everyday life. Scenes can seamlessly adjust the lighting. Automations can signal to a Nest thermostat when it’s time to adjust the temperature or if a window is open. It can set the optimal temperature for a baby’s nap or even a home alone pet, taking into consideration details such as its fur length. Users can also activate outdoor and indoor lights ahead of arriving home.
“SmartThings technology continues to enhance and improve the way we experience smart living. We’re pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Google and integrate Nest into our portfolio to offer users more ways to control and automate their home,” said Ralf Elias, Global Vice President IOT/ Business Development & Partnerships at Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to creating a universal system where all smart home devices can work cohesively together.”
Following the recent SmartThings IoT integration with Mercedes-Benz, this partnership with Google represents the next step in SmartThings’ commitment to technology innovation and to working with third parties to create a universal smart home standard. The company is focused on simplifying smart technology development for manufacturers and increasing compatibility for consumers.
SmartThings is an industry leader in IoT technology and its open platform brings together devices, developers, and services to offer one of the largest integrated ecosystems. With more than 180 certified brands and more than 63 million active users on the platform, SmartThings facilitates innovations in connected living across multiple use cases.
SmartThings technology will be available on Google Nest products starting in January 2021. For more information about SmartThings, please visit www.smartthings.com
About SmartThings:
SmartThings is the premier technology enabling connected living and driving the future of IoT. Its open platform 180 certified brands and offers endless possibilities to innovators and developers seeking seamless connectivity in a vast IoT ecosystem. The company is committed to bringing smart functionality and capabilities everywhere consumers want to be, while enhancing the user experience. There are currently 63 million people in more than 200 countries accessing SmartThings technology daily to create automations and control facets of their smart homes via the SmartThings App and through a range of Samsung products such as phones, TVs, and digital appliances. Launched in 2012, SmartThings is headquartered in Mountain View, CA and is a founding board member of Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP), a working group to promote the adoption of a connectivity standard. For more information, please visit www.smartthings.com
