Samsung has rolled out a major SmartThings update targeting its 470 million registered users globally.
The highlight is SmartThings Now, a new feature at the top of the Home tab that predicts user actions and suggests controls based on daily routines.
SmartThings Now promises contextual automation, but risks app clutter
SmartThings Now builds on Samsung existing Home Insight tool by serving dynamic cards based on location and activity.
For example, if an elderly relative monitored under Family Care shows no device activity, the app prompts caregivers to check in. Arriving near home triggers suggestions to turn on air purifiers, followed by prompts to automate these actions for future visits.
The app also analyses weekly usage to reshuffle Home tab favourites, suggesting users remove seasonal appliances like air conditioners as weather cools.
A Routine Insight card allows reviewing and deleting old automated flows. Whether this dynamic reordering cleans up the interface or adds mental overhead depends entirely on how accurately the system predicts user intent.
Home tab redesign introduces One UI Floating Bar
The Home tab gets a visual overhaul designed to fit status information and numerical readings onto a single screen with less scrolling. Visuals are refreshed with dynamic Live Wallpapers that shift throughout the day.
One handed operation on large smartphones gets a boost from a new Floating Bar positioned at the bottom of the screen, aligning with Samsung One UI design principles.
However, shifting UI elements might frustrate users who prefer a static and predictable layout.
Enhanced local control claims 30% faster speeds
To combat network latency, Samsung is expanding local control technology.
When your phone and SmartThings Hub share the same local WiFi network, commands route directly through the hub rather than external cloud servers.
Samsung claims this direct link improves response times by roughly 30 percent while keeping connected appliances operational during internet outages.
The app automatically toggles between local processing at home and cloud pathways when away. An updated Offline Device Diagnostics page lets users update network credentials across all hardware simultaneously.
The update also adds Matter 1.6 support, bringing improved stability and native compatibility for energy meters, specialized door closures, irrigation devices, and soil sensors.
