Announced at Consumer Electronics Show 2022, the Samsung Home Hub is a tablet controlling Samsung's suite of SmartThings smart home appliances. The concept of a smart display hub for controlling smart home appliances has existed for a few years now. For example, Google has the Nest Hub for managing Google Home devices, and Amazon's Echo Show smart display line, which comes in various sizes, can be used to control Alexa-powered devices.
However, not everyone has boarded the train. For example, while Google and Amazon have multiple smart display hubs, Apple is yet to announce one. While some might not see the need for a smart display hub since all smart home devices can be controlled from a phone or tablet, having a central device that everyone in the house has access to makes more sense.
The Samsung Home Hub is quite different from other smart display hubs. Unlike the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show that are displays fused with a large speaker unit, Samsung's device is an 8.4-inch tablet that can be operated from its dock or used on the go. This also means it has a built-in battery and doesn't need to be plugged into a wall socket before it can work. The dock doesn't appear to do more than just charge the tablet. Another significant difference between the Samsung Home Hub and the smart displays from Amazon and Google is that it doesn't pull double duty or even triple duty working as a smart speaker and a TV for watching movies and shows. It does have Bixby pre-installed, but that is simply for controlling smart home appliances via voice.
AI And SmartThings Work Together
Users will be able to connect and manage all of their SmartThings ecosystem products from the Samsung Home Hub. They will be able to create routines for appliances as well as see their statuses right from the device. However, that is just one-half of what it can do. Samsung states that the Home Hub has customized artificial intelligence-based SmartThings services that simplify tasks and chores. For example, SmartThings Cooking will provide an option to search, plan, purchase and prepare meals with the Family Hub refrigerator.
SmartThings Clothing Care which is connected to the washing machine or dryer will provide custom care options based on the type of garments, usage patterns, and the season. There is also SmartThings Energy which analyzes usage patterns and helps save energy bills. However, the most interesting one is the SmartThings Home Care Wizard, which monitors connected appliances and will notify owners if a part needs to be changed and provide help if something is wrong. Samsung has revealed it will launch the Home Hub first in Korea and then globally afterward, but it has kept a sealed lip on the price.
Source: Samsung