Binge-watching TV meets home automation. The new SmartThings Link, a USB stick with ZigBee and Z-Wave technology, plugs into an Nvidia Shield media streamer to turn it into a smart-home hub with voice control via Google Assistant.
All for just $40.
Without the SmartThings dongle, Nvidia Shield has some smart-home features via cloud-to-cloud communications, but the Link product brings local control of a multitude of devices including lights, locks, thermostats and security systems.
Seems like SmartThings is everywhere these days. While Samsung reneged on its promise to embed the technology in all new TV sets, the entire home automation hub is crammed into this stick, as well as a new security system built by 2Gig and monitored by ADT.
The SmartThings Link is available for $39.99. Shield Rewards members will receive two email offers: SmartThings Link for $14.99 shipped or a SmartThings Link with a SmartThings Motion Sensor and two dimmable Sengled Element Classic LED Bulbs for $49.99 shipped.
The SmartThings Link will be available on BestBuy.com and other retail websites starting October 29. It will also be a part of a bundle with Shield TV for $214.98
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