There are several different smart home ecosystems out there, and not all of them play nicely together. But today Google and Samsung announced that they're teaming up to improve integration between Google Assistant and Samsung's SmartThings.
This means that you'll be able to access and control Google Nest devices such as cameras, thermostats, and doorbells using SmartThings app as well as Samsung's smart home devices like TVs and refrigerators. Previously you had to use the Google Home app to control your Nest devices.
And if you've got Samsung smart home appliances and devices, you'll soon be able to control them using Google Assistant. That means you could say "Hey Google, preheat the oven to 350 degrees" and your Samsung oven will begin warming up. You could also use Google Assistant to control your Samsung smart TV.
Additionally, Samsung now offers linking with the Google Assistant inside several Samsung apps, such as SmartThings. This should help streamline voice control of your Samsung smart devices.
It can be frustrating to shop for smart home devices because there's a variety of different platforms out there. That means that the camera or doorbell that you're interested in may not work as well with your existing setup as it would if you were on another platform. That's why it's good to see companies like Google and Samsung working together to improve the integration between their platforms and giving their users more options when shopping for new smart home devices.
Samsung says that SmartThings will begin working with Google Nest products in January 2021.
