It was a big week forSamsung.
Then withSmartThings, which Samsung continues to trot out as a reminder that its still in the smart home.
The company was handing out the SmartThings Station as a gift for keynote attendees.
The Samsung SmartThings Station is a Matter-compatible hub and smartphone charger in one!Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
And since I was in San Francisco for the event, I brought one home.
Samsungannouncedthe Matter-compatible smart hub last month at CES.
It has a programmable button and wireless charging capabilities for your smartphone.
There are two indicator lights on the Station for SmartThings connectivity and wireless charging.Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Its iPhone app also received an update that makes it compatible with iOS 16.
I still need to get Matter-compatible accessories to pair with the SmartThings Station.
There are still only a few options on the market, though so many more are coming this year.
The setup process for programming the button on the SmartThings Station is pretty self-explanatory.Screenshot: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
But I set up the SmartThings Station to see what its like.
The Station supports Matter, Thread, wifi, and Bluetooth.
It can connect to all types of smart devices, including bulbs, plugs, thermostats, and TVs.
It also serves as a Zigbee controller.
If you want additional Z-Wave connectivity, youll still have to buy a separate SmartThings Hub manufactured by Aeotec.
The SmartThings Station isnt just a smart home hub.
The wireless charging maxes out at 15W.
I had the most success with a 25W adapter.
Anything below 15W and the charging indicator light will blink yellow.
I got the SmartThings Station set up in under ten minutes.
After plugging it in, I didnt even have to ask the app to set it.
And once I tapped on Add now, it took care of all the configuration for me.
Where is the Samsung Home Hub?
The year went on, and it never came.
The Google Home app on iOS doesnt currently provide Matter support for iPhone users.
The SmartThings Stationworkswith all Samsung and Android devices running Android 8 and up.
It syncs up with any Matter, ZigBee, BLE, and iOS gadget running iOS 14 and up.
Its also compatible with 2.4 and 5 GHz wifi networks.
Its available for $80 in white and black.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
Meta Pissed Off Everyone With Poorly Redacted Docs
Meta is being very transparent on accident.
