Samsung acquired connected home specialist SmartThings

Alex Hawkinson

Samsung has acquired connected home technology specialist SmartThings, which provides technology to allow users to synchronise connected devices in the home via a smartphone app and hardware device. 

SmartThings CEO Alex Hawkinson said in a blog posting that the deal would enable his company to operate as a n independent unit within Samsung’s open innovation centre group.

“It has always been our goal to create a totally open smart home platform that brings together third-party developers, device makers, and consumers. We’re thrilled that Samsung fully supports this vision,” said Hawkinson.

“We will continue to run SmartThings the way we always have: by embracing our community of customers, developers, and device makers and championing the creation of the leading open platform for the smart home.”

SmartThings will relocate to a new HQ in Palo Alto. Hawkinson said the acquisition would enable SmartThings to support more devices and expand its base of developers.

Samsung did not reveal the price of the transaction. Industry website TechCrunch earlier reported that it could be worth US$200 million.