Samsung has rolled out a significant update to its SmartThings app, introducing a range of new features that enhance home automation capabilities, integrate with the Samsung Health app, and support more devices through the Matter 1.4 smart home connectivity standard. The move is seen as a bid to cross-sell more of its smart home devices and appliances to existing customers.

The updated "Routines" feature, similar to Apple's Shortcuts and IFTTT, now enables users to create more complex automations. Users can set routines to repeat every week, month, or year, and integrate them with the Samsung Health app and new 2025 Samsung TV models. For instance, users can automate lights to turn off when they go to bed or have the TV start on a specific channel in the morning.

The integration with Samsung Health takes sleep tracking to the next level. SmartThings can now send sleep reports on Galaxy devices, providing metrics such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and lighting intensity. This data can be used to create personalized automations, further enhancing the smart home experience.

In addition, the app now allows users to drop voice messages to SmartThings-connected speakers at home, a feature that Amazon's Echo series has offered since 2017 and Apple introduced for HomePods in 2020. While Samsung is late to the party, this feature is still a welcome addition to its ecosystem.

The update also brings support for the Matter 1.4 standard, expanding the range of compatible devices. SmartThings can now connect to devices like water heaters, heat pumps, solar power devices, and batteries, as well as mounted on-off switches and mounted dimmable load control devices. This increased compatibility is expected to drive adoption of Samsung's smart home devices and appliances.

Industry analysts see this update as a strategic move by Samsung to strengthen its position in the smart home market. By offering a more comprehensive and integrated smart home experience, Samsung aims to increase customer loyalty and encourage users to purchase more of its devices and appliances. As the smart home market continues to grow, Samsung's updated SmartThings app is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

In conclusion, the updated SmartThings app marks a significant milestone in Samsung's smart home journey. With its enhanced home automation features, integrations with Samsung Health, and support for the Matter 1.4 standard, the app is poised to revolutionize the way users interact with their smart home devices. As the smart home market continues to evolve, Samsung's commitment to innovation and customer experience will be crucial in driving its success.