Today, Samsung announced a strategic technology partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia. As part of this partnership, Samsung will integrate its SmartThings IoT platform with Hyundai and Kia’s software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Through this partnership, a new global location solution based on the SmartThings Find platform will be available for vehicles and smart keys. SmartThings Find is a crowdsourced network of hundreds of millions of Samsung Galaxy devices that use Bluetooth LE to report their location.
By integrating the SmartThings Find network, Hyundai and Kia car owners will be able to locate their cars using nearby Galaxy smartphones, even without an active cellular network connection. This feature will be particularly useful if a vehicle is lost or stolen.
Furthermore, Samsung will allow Hyundai and Kia owners to use their Galaxy smartphone’s Quick Panel to control their car’s air conditioning and check its remaining range. Additionally, Hyundai and Kia cars can be added to the connected SmartThings ecosystem, allowing users to set up new automation experiences. For example, when a user drives back home, they can set up optimized conditions by controlling their Samsung air conditioners, air purifiers, or other connected devices.
In addition to these integrations, Samsung will also work with Hyundai and Kia to provide several AI-based services. These companies will expand the use of SmartThings to include in-vehicle health monitoring via cameras and Galaxy devices, pet care solutions that optimize vehicle environments for pets, integration with smart apartment solutions, and more.
Paul Cheun, President CTO of the DX Division at Samsung Electronics and Head of Samsung Research, said:
“Through our collaboration with Hyundai and Kia, customers will experience the convenience of SmartThings not only at home but also in their vehicles, transcending space. We will continue to expand the SmartThings ecosystem, offering new lifestyles and value to even more customers.”
This collaboration showcases the growing convergence of smart home and automotive technologies, promising a more connected and convenient experience for users. It also highlights Samsung’s ambition to expand the SmartThings ecosystem beyond the house.
Source: Samsung