The era of the connected car controlling the smart home is getting a test drive in 2021 as Samsung’s SmartThings has been named as the technology provider for the new Mercedes-Benz smart home functions, making the vehicle a control center for home automation.

The technology will debut in 2021 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and it represents the first native in-car voice assistant system to be integrated into a smart home platform according to Samsung. It offers drivers, as well as passengers, remote connectivity to thousands of intelligent devices made by hundreds of brands supported by SmartThings’ open IoT ecosystem.

Recognizing the evolution of IoT, Samsung says its SmartThings platform is committed to working with partners to bring smart functionality and capabilities to wherever consumers want. Car-to-home experiences represent yet another step in creating a universal smart home standard while simplifying development for manufacturers and increasing compatibility for consumers.

Time for Integrators to Partner with Automakers?

For custom integrators, this convergence might mean they will need to develop partnerships with various automakers like Mercedes-Benz in order to be able to serve their customer base fully. Without access to actually installing and integrating controls like “Hey Mercedes” into their smart homes, dealers will be at a disadvantage.

Using the SmartThings platform, Mercedes-Benz drivers and passengers can seamlessly connect and control many aspects of their home environment including lights, locks, thermostats, electric outlets, garage door openers, sensors, and home security systems, all through Mercedes-Benz’s integrated voice assistant. 

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Using natural language, such as “Hey Mercedes, did I forget to turn off my lights at home?” to “Hey Mercedes, is anyone at home,” the MBUX Voice Assistant minimizes distraction, allowing drivers to focus on the road in front of them and know that everything is alright at home. Additionally, passengers in the rear seats can also enjoy the full scope of the smart home integration and interact with their smart homes.

“SmartThings is focused on accelerating the creation of an open IoT ecosystem powered by its technology and is continuously innovating to connect all smart devices with one another,” says Ralf Elias, global vice president, IoT & Business Development at SmartThings.

“Powering car-to-home and home-to-car capabilities is the next logical step in that journey, and we’re thrilled to bring SmartThings to an important environment where people spend a lot of their time — their Mercedes-Benz.”

SmartThings connects over 10 million homes, 120 certified brands, and has more than 62 million active users. SmartThings technology will be available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, starting with the S-Class, beginning in 2021. For more information about SmartThings, please visit www.smartthings.com.