Seoul, South Korea - Samsung and LG partner to enable cross-brand appliance control for the first time.
Why it matters:
This development marks an industry-first collaboration that allows consumers to control a range of home appliances from multiple brands through a single mobile app.
The move aims to simplify smart home management and increase whole-home energy savings.
The Key Points
- Samsung Electronics is working with Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA) members, including LG Electronics and Vestel, to introduce third-party smart appliance control through preferred apps.
- Cloud-to-Cloud (C2C) interoperability between home appliances and HVAC systems will be enabled based on the HCA Interface Specification 1.0.
- Starting in Q4 2023, the service will be available in eight countries with expansion plans, including Korea and the U.S.
The Big Picture
On August 29, 2023, Samsung Electronics announced its partnership with other HCA members, such as LG and Vestel, to enable consumers to control third-party smart appliances through the mobile app of their choice.
Based on the HCA's Interface Specification 1.0, the functionality aims to promote C2C interoperability between home appliances and HVAC systems.
Samsung Electronics, a founding member of the HCA, chairs the alliance, focusing on compatibility and energy management between appliances and HVAC systems in connected homes.
The move is expected to increase consumer benefits such as whole-home energy savings.
Initially rolling out in eight countries in the fourth quarter of 2023, the feature will allow users to control appliances from multiple brands through apps such as SmartThings, LG's ThinQ, and Vestel's VeeZy.
This update does not require new hardware, benefiting users with existing home appliances.
This collaboration sets the stage for future cross-control, from legacy device integration to energy savings.
The next upgrade, Interface Specification 2.0, is expected in 2024 and will add energy management capabilities and could include other product lines, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
Launched in 2022, the HCA now includes 15 global brands, including Samsung, LG, and Vestel, and aims to develop secure interoperability and energy management in the connected home ecosystem.
