Samsung has announced an upgraded SmartThings developer platform and voice-control API for its smart TVs at its annual developer conference in San Francisco, sharpening the company’s focus on the connected home.
The renewed “Works With SmartThings” certification program includes a new suite of development tools. The SmartThings Developer Workspace will include the SmartThings Cloud Connector, SmartThings Device Kit and SmartThings Hub Connector. With these tools, developers can more easily let their devices support the SmartThings platform.
Samsung also brings new SmartThings experts and resources to the program, providing support when developers need help on product and service development issues.
Samsung SmartThings connects smart home gadgets together, both those of Samsung and other third-party vendors. The platform also enables devices to work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Zigbee and Z-Wave.
By making the SmartThings easier to use for manufacturers and developers, Samsung aims to position SmartThings as the go-to platform in modern homes.
Voice in smart home center
At its developer conference, Samsung also officially made its Voice Media Control API available to all developers, so they can more easily build voice apps in Samsung’s smart TVs.
The development tool not only allows users to call up TV content with their voice, but also controls speakers connected to the TV. For instance, users will be able to control Harman’s Sound Steer system by saying “Hi Bixby, Sound Steer” to the smart TV.
Service providers including Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Spotify are already on board to use the new API to enable Samsung TV app for voice navigation.
Last but not least, Samsung has opened up its voice assistant Bixby to all third-party developers. Bixby will also be rolled out in German, Italian, French, Spanish and UK English in the coming months.