Samsung, LG join hands to connect smart home devices

Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. are jointly developing an interoperable smart home system that enables their home appliance users to control them through either of their connectivity apps, joining global efforts to build an interoperable and energy-efficient ecosystem.

The two South Korean companies said on Tuesday they are aiming to unveil the interoperability technology within the year, which will ultimately include other global brands such as Japan’s Sharp Corp. and Turkey’s Vestel.

Currently, Samsung’s smart home devices are connected and controlled only through the “SmartThings” app, not compatible with LG Electronics’ home connect app “ThinQ.”

Their interoperable smart home system will likely become the first commercialized technology developed under the Home Connectivity Alliance’s (HCA) interface specification 1.0, introduced at CES 2023 in January of this year.

The interface utilizes existing industry standards for cloud-to-cloud interoperability across home appliances within the connected home ecosystem, regardless of manufacturer.

Established in 2022, HCA is comprised of 15 brands, including Samsung, LG, GE Appliances, AEG and Haier.

The technology will be applied to refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, robot cleaners, TVs and air purifiers, targeting South Korea, the US and Europe.

Later on, they will expand into other products such as energy management systems and electric vehicle chargers, in collaboration with other global brands.

Starting next month, Samsung Electronics' home appliances will be connected to those of Vestel and Sharp through its SmartThings app.

LG is also looking to connect its appliances with those of Vestel. 

“We will actively interconnect with products and apps of global home appliance companies and provide consumers with an integrated smart home experience,” said Park Chan-woo, vice president of Samsung Electronics' home appliance division.

"Through LG ThinQ, we will provide a new smart home experience to more customers by expanding the barrier-free home appliance ecosystem," said Jeong Ki-hyun, vice president of LG Electronics' platform business center.

Write to Ik-Hwan Kim at lovepen@hankyung.com

Yeonhee Kim edited this article.