Kia, Hyundai, and Samsung are joining forces to revolutionize smart home and car integration. In a major development, these South Korean companies are set to enhance their Internet of Things (IoT) platform, SmartThings, by integrating it with connected car services and infotainment systems.
SmartThings is already a popular solution offered by Samsung, allowing users to control various appliances such as TVs, lights, air conditioners, and cameras directly from their smartphones. This integration with Hyundai and Kia vehicles will enable users to access the functions of their homes while using their cars, and vice versa.
The integration will operate in two main ways. The Car-to-Home service will allow owners to remotely control home appliances through touch commands or voice inputs sent directly to the car’s infotainment system. Additionally, location-based automatic operation of home appliances will optimize their functionality according to the user’s whereabouts and needs.
On the other hand, the Home-to-Car service will enable people to check their vehicle’s status, manage electric vehicle (EV) charging, and control certain car functions. AI speakers, smart TVs, or smartphones themselves will facilitate this seamless connection.
While the system is already in use in South Korea, this partnership aims to expand its reach to international markets. However, it is important to note that significant development work is required, including the creation of stable service-providing infotainment systems. Nevertheless, once ready, these systems will support over-the-air (OTA) and USB-based updates, even for existing vehicles.
The integration will offer control over a wide range of items and functions, including lighting, plugs, gas shut-off valves, ventilation, air conditioning, boilers, vehicle air conditioning, remote start, and charging management. As more devices become integrated, this list is expected to expand continuously.
The collaboration between Kia, Hyundai, and Samsung is set to transform the way we interact with our homes and cars. By allowing seamless communication and control between these smart devices, daily life will become even more convenient and efficient.
In conclusion, this partnership represents a significant step towards achieving an integrated control system for all our technological devices. With the combined expertise of Kia, Hyundai, and Samsung, the future of smart home and car integration looks promising.
