Samsung’s new SmartThings update has a game-changing feature for Android users, revolutionizing the connected home experience. In the December 2024 update, we have made TV control easier, smoother, and more convenient by adding a new remote widget, which can be added directly to your Android home screen.
The days of freaking out and opening the SmartThings app, sifting through menus, to turn on your TV have been left in the past. With this widget, you won’t have to worry about doing the tedious doodling on your TV screen or negotiating by clicking through menus to control power, volume, and input selection.
The key features of the New SmartThings Remote Widget
A Smarter TV Experience
The SmartThings remote widget allows users to interact more simply with their Samsung TVs. It saves time and effort, as instead of launching the app every time they need to change the channel or volume, the widget places these buttons directly onto their Android home screen.
Compatibility
The new feature works with Samsung TVs and monitors produced in 2022 or later. However, older models won’t work because of that hardware. While the SmartThings app will still be required for remote functions if you own a TV from before 2022, it is nice to have an alternative option.
How to Add the Widget to Your Screen
It is quick and easy once you have set up the SmartThings remote widget. Follow these steps to add it to your Android home screen:
Update the SmartThings App
- Find the latest app version in the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store.
Set Up SmartThings with Your TV
- Ensure your Samsung TV or monitor is already paired with the SmartThings app.
Add the Widget
- Long press on an empty space on your Android home screen.
- Tap Widgets.
- Go to SmartThings Remote.
- Once your widget is saved, drag it to your home screen.
- Select the Samsung TV or the monitor you want to control it.
You are all set! You easily control your TV across your whole home screen.
Other improvements made in the SmartThings update
With the December 2024 SmartThings update, a new remote widget for Chrome OS is not the only new feature. Samsung has rolled out several other features to make its platform even more powerful:
- Improved Device Automation: Setting up routines and automation for your connected devices is now faster and more intuitive.
- Faster Device Pairing: It has streamlined the process of adding new devices within the SmartThings ecosystem.
- Enhanced Energy Monitoring: With supported appliances, users can obtain more accurate energy consumption data and help manage energy usage and costs.
These updates make SmartThings a full-blown hub for managing many of Samsung’s devices.
SmartThings: The Future of Smart Living
Samsung’s way of telling us that we are going in the right direction. Samsung continues to focus on the SmartThings platform to drive the connected home experience. For instance, adding the remote widget for Samsung TVs to show me what is playing or playing around shows how small details greatly affect usability and convenience.
All your functions are at your fingertips. But if you have not updated your SmartThings app yet, now is the time to have this revolutionary feature. These updates from Samsung prove that when working together, smart living is no about having more devices—it is about having them all work better together.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
