Samsung Unveils Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, SleepSense Device at IFA 2015

SmartThings, the smart home company acquired by Samsung in 2014, unveiled a new smart home kit that is designed for homeowners who want to connect their homes to the Internet of Things without making it hard for them to do so.

On Thursday at IFA 2015, SmartThings introduced a fresh line of slimmed-down sensors for water, presence and motion and a much smarter hub.

Smart home products vendor SmartThings has whipped the covers off the next generation of Samsung SmartThings hub, sensors and application.

He said the “most people don’t really realise how they can improve our sleep” adding that he is very excited about the “really enormous opportunity that evolving technology is offering us” and “convert [my] expertise into real tangible benefits”.

Over at Panasonic, smart home also took centrestage. The new processor means the hub can now handle video streaming, so users can view live feeds on their smartphone from a connected camera. New features also include a battery backup that allows the hub to continue functioning for up to 10 hours on its own, in the event of a power outage. It works with ZigBee and Z-Wave radios. “In the future, it’s Thread, it’s whatever”, Hawkinson says, referring to the various platforms that are compatible with the kit. The firm also unveiled an Internet-connected Samsung WW8500 AddWash washing machine.

Samsung confirmed that prices for the new line of sensors range from £30 to £45, with the central Hub, which connects to a WiFi router, and will cost £99.

Samsung has announced a sleep monitor that you don’t need to wear on a wrist through the night.

In addition, Samsung claims that SleepSense can measure your heart and respiratory rates with up to 97 percent accuracy, while the app will offer you general sleep and lifestyle tips.

Along with SleepSense, Samsung is bringing more content to users via partnerships with Netflix, VoD, Amazon, and even GameFly. The flat, disc-like device will not be impairing or uncomfortable, as it will only require its placement underneath your mattress, from which it will gather all the necessary data.