Making certain it is simple to setup and configure ‘things’ that connect to a SmartThings hub, the company yesterday rolled our their new iOS 7 application (iTunes app store link). They also made certain to alert their Android customers that one is coming for that platform as well within weeks.
While the previous app worked well—especially after an update a few weeks ago that squashed a few bugs—this new version hits the sweet-spot for taking SmartThings to the next level with the average consumer.
It is significantly easier to use and much more logical and intuitive than the old layout. While the ‘old’ access to things and apps remains, the new layout provides several higher level functions:
Dashboard
Laid out in a very clean and straightforward way, all one’s things in the home can be grouped in Home & Family, Doors & Locks, Lights & Switches, and Danger & Damages (and coming soon: Motion & Cameras and Comfort).
Hello, Home
This functionality lets you customize your home to react to your unique daily patterns, and also tell it what you’re up to so it can adapt when your plans and routines change.
Activity Feed
While one could poke around previously to discover the log stream of activity, now it is simple to view what is happening with all of your connected things: When the go on and off; which thing triggered another thing; and so on.
Screenshots from the new iOS 7 SmartThings app (iTunes app store link)
Another significant development, and one I’ve not yet read anywhere, is that SmartThings is in distribution and not just selling everything themselves at the SmartThings Shop. While searching for z-wave compatible items at Amazon the other day, I suddenly noticed quite a number of SmartThings items appearing like this one. This is a good move by the company and, in two conversations I’ve had with home audio/video/alarm installers I know in the past month, both are looking at home automation and the Internet of Things very seriously. All of this bodes well for SmartThings going forward.
Great app that has made using SmartThings significantly more enjoyable since yesterday and the bonus? Two newbies in my family understand how to use it with NO COACHING by me!