There is no doubt that Samsung has let go of some of its SmartThings products. For instance, the SmartThings link and the first edition smart things hub is out of production.
Paying close attention to this may make you wonder if it is limited to a few products or generally to all SmartThings products around us.
As we progress, we will identify what is discontinued and what will happen to the discontinued products.
After the announcement in mid-2020 that Samsung is discontinuing the hardware line, it has become a matter of serious concern. In addition, rumors began spreading that Samsung is discontinuing SmartThings as a whole. This is false because they are making Smart Things a more powerful and universal platform focused on improving product features and security.
Is Samsung SmartThings Being Discontinued?
The engineering head of SmartThings, Mark Benson, made an announcement sometime in June 2020.
He announced they were discontinuing hardware production and focusing on the software of SmartThings products.
They even mentioned the following as the products that they will be discontinuing by June 2021;
- First Gen. SmartThings hub (2013)
- SmartThings links for NVIDIA SHIELD
- ADT SmartThings Home Security and Safety Systems
The ADT SmartThings product will stop functioning on the 1st of June, while the SmartThings hub and the NVIDIA SHIELD will stop functioning on the 30th of June.
However, customers with a warranty can request a refund of their money. And why some are eligible for a full refund, others are only eligible for a partial refund.
So the three products above are the only products listed as being discontinued. And so, the rumors that Samsung is discontinuing SmartThings, in general, are nothing but lies.
When the ADT SmartThings home security and safety systems stopped functioning, the hubs, alarms, and detectors stopped working—making them completely useless.
Useless because even as a standalone device, it cannot function. If you wish to keep using ADT, call ADT at (800) ADT-ASAP to get help on a self and professionally installed system.
Meanwhile, the hubs and links stopped on the 30th of June 2021. However, I consider discontinuing SmartThings hub v1 understandable after being around for 8 years.
Presently the hub has become outdated and can hardly keep up with the new tech of SmartThings.
Additionally, it is unreasonable for Samsung to discontinue SmartThings, which has become a big part of most people’s lives.
And Samsung is also making billions from it; I don’t know anyone who will let go of such things that easily.
Another reason to believe it is not being discontinued is that even Samsung ditched its legacy products. At the same time, it is giving more attention to SmartThings products.
And today, it is clear that Samsung aims to establish SmartThings on a powerful global platform.
They are no longer focusing on Samsung’s legacy products and apps but rather on the security and features of the SmartThings platform.
For instance, today, the SmartThings app is functioning properly, although you can only establish connections with WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Although hub V1 is discontinued, you can still connect all your devices with a different hub. In addition, SmartThings can still automate devices via Bluetooth and WiFi.
What Is Replacing Samsung SmartThings?
There is no doubt that SmartThings is here to stay, but the truth is that it is not only Samsung SmartThings climbing up the ladder but also Aeotec.
Currently speaking, Samsung does not even make its hardware. Rather than its native hub, it uses Aeotec Smart Home Hub as a focus for SmartThings devices to connect directly.
With Aeotec Smart Home Hub, you can connect directly to Zigbee and Z-Wave devices without any challenge.
But, of course, moving from SmartThings Hub to Aeotec Hub depends on the model.
For instance, when the V1 hub stopped working, there was the V2 and V3 hub. Yet many would still choose Aeotec believing and having more confidence in it.
There are two ways of transferring devices from an old hub to a new one, like a SmartThings hub to an Aeotec Smart Home Hub.
Below are the ways to achieve this;
| Ways | Device |
|---|---|
| Manually moves your devices from one hub to another | SmartThings ADT, V1, Nvidia Shield, and Zigbee/ Z-Wave hubs. |
| Automatically moving devices by applying to Samsung support | SmartThings V2 and V3 |
Even with the choice of an automatic movement, there are several instances where people do the work manually.
As we proceed in this article, we will see how we can install SmartThings with other hubs that are not native to SmartThings.
Who Bought SmartThings?
In August 2014, Samsung announced to the public about finally reaching an agreement to acquire SmartThings. However, the public did not know the terms.
Most trade publications estimated that the deal was worth $200 million.
The cost aside, the fact remains that once-CEO and co-founder Alex Hawkinson and his SmartThings co-founders sold it to Samsung.
How Secure Is SmartThings?
Despite being mentioned as one of the leading tech companies in the world, SmartThings still has its flaws. Hence, the security breaches with the camera, door locks, and thermostat.
For instance, the SmartThings hub is secure unless you expose the vulnerability issues, which are about 20 in number.
It is concerning this that Samsung released the updated version of the firmware. And as long as you keep manually updating, it will remain secure.
You are granting all control to a single hub by trying to make a smarter home. And with WiFi, it is by far more secure.
#1. Vulnerabilities of Samsung SmartThings
The research of Cisco Talos exposes the 20 vulnerabilities that attackers use to spy on cameras and hack smart doors, disable thermostats, control smart plugs, turn off motion sensors, and so much more.
Samsung SmartThings hub is a Linux device that integrates with ZigBee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth. A hacker can target the Linux OS serving as the hub.
If the attackers gain control over the parent software, they can control the other devices wherever they stay.
Even where there may be a challenge in breaching security with a vulnerability, multiple attacks could result in security danger that would make the device hackable.
When you are less busy, you can check the Cisco Talos blog here on the 20 vulnerabilities, like the Remote code execution and Remote information leak of Samsung SmartThings.
Below are some complaints being tabled to Samsung regarding the result of the vulnerability that occurs when information is being transmitted from hubs to devices;
- Hackers can gain access to cameras and remotely use them
- With control over smart plugs, hackers can turn off other devices
- The SmartThings hub can control the smart locks
- With the thermostat in their control, hackers can change the temperature
- Hackers can disable the motion detectors, preventing them from alerting the alarm
#2. Securing Your Smart Home and Devices
To protect your home and devices from hackers, then the following activities are required from you;
- Regular firmware update
- Change the default password of your device
- Give home router security
- Give full attention to the third-party connection
#1. Regular Firmware Update
The company’s programmers from which you purchase your device are a strong defense against hackers.
The programmers are always ready, and when they discover security bugs, they immediately work against them and automatically send them out of your device.
Another thing you need to be careful about is that you need to confirm whether or not you can always access the firmware updates for the device you are purchasing.
Always check your SmartThings device and app for Samsung’s latest firmware updates on the website.
#2. Change the Default Password of Your Device
Ensure you do not make the common mistake of leaving the default password unchanged after setting it up. There are even worse cases where there is no default password.
For instance, in the D-Link wireless camera, anyone with a wireless network can easily access your camera and see what your camera can see.
Most smart home devices would allow you to change the default password through your mobile app and cloud-based interface.
Additionally, apart from the fact that you need to change the default password of the smart home device you are purchasing, you must also use a password that has not been used on another device.
#3. Give Security to Your Home Routers
Statistics show that most hacks into smart homes happen through insecure home routers, which means you have a better chance of beating hackers with a strong router defense.
To gain access to the default IP of your router, you must first locate the IP. The following steps will help you locate it on the computer connected to the home network;
- First, click on the ‘start menu,’ then type ‘command prompt’ and then click again to gain access to the command prompt.
- Type the word ‘ipconfig’ and then take note of the IP address of the default gateway.
- Open your browser and type the IP address of the default gateway.
After doing all this, a login screen will appear for your home router. You can log in using the default password if you still allow it to be on the default password.
Below are the steps to ensure that your router becomes fully secure;
- Change the default password to the one you have not yet used on any other device.
- Set up the router’s firewall at high but not less than medium.
- Disable ‘Port Forwarding’ under ‘Advance setting.’
- Ensure that your WiFi security is enabled with a very complex password.
#4. Beware of Third Party Connection
The manufacturers of smart home devices keep on allowing the accessing devices on the cloud. And this keeps increasing the chances of hackers gaining access to your cloud accounts.
So I am not saying you should stop using a cloud, but I advise that you try using a very strong and powerful password.
And also, be very careful about who you share your password, so it doesn’t unintentionally fall into the hand of a hacker.
Below are the ways you can limit the risk of being hacked by a third party;
- Just a few services should have third-party access
- Try as much as possible to integrate a smart device app rather than a website
- Your third party should be reputable, like Zapier
- Ensure that a third party uses encryption for transmission to and from the service and your device.
Is SmartThings Hub V2 Still Supported?
Yes, your SmartThings V2 is still supported, and I believe it will remain for a while.
It is reasonable to believe that SmartThings hub V2 will continue being supported until it has at least lasted as long as the V1 did.
Even though the design, sensor, and ethernet connection V3 seem better, the time and work of upgrading V2 are too much.
And in the aspect of cellular and battery backup, V2 is still the best. With 4 AA batteries, V2 offers 10 hours of battery backup, while V3 lacks battery backup.
Do I Need a Samsung Hub to Use SmartThings?
No, you do not need a Samsung hub to use SmartThings, but you can also use the hubs of other companies to connect your smart devices.
In June 2020, when SmartThings announced that they would no longer manufacture their hardware but only software, they clarified that they would enlist companies to manufacture the hardware.
As of October 2020, SmartThings announced that Aeotec would take over the European hardware line.
And in December 2020, Aeotec also announced that they would be handling SmartThings hardware lines throughout the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Conclusion
Samsung SmartThings is only discontinuing the hardware line, not the software line included. Rather Aeotec will handle the hardware in Europe and a few other places.
SmartThings is secure if you do not expose its vulnerability and try to update its firmware regularly.
Finally, the SmartThings hub V2 still has the support of Samsung. And you can also use other hubs for SmartThings.