Samsung's Smart Home service launches worldwide

Samsung has launched the Smart Home platform worldwide, beginning with the U.S. and South Korea, with other countries to follow.

First announced at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the platform allows users to connect their home appliances with the Web, controlling everything from televisions to washing machines through their smartphone.

Samsung's platform is accessed via a mobile application. As long as all appliances are on the same Wi-Fi network, you could tell your TV remote control "good night" and the app would automatically control other networked devices, such as smart lightbulbs -- which will also turn off due to your command, according to the company.

Users must register for the Smart Home app with their Samsung Account. A smartphone app has been launched, and a separate app will soon be available for the Samsung Gear 2. Later software will work with Samsung's 2014 Smart TV models. The firm plans to expand the platform to include robot vacuum cleaners, light bulbs and the Gear Fit.

While convenient, security may be a cause for concern for some consumers. The tech giant says that all data is encrypted to keep information private.

"We are excited that the launch of Samsung Smart Home makes the connected home a reality today and allows our customers to live a smarter life," said Dr. WonPyo Hong, President and head of the Media Solution Center at Samsung Electronics. "Samsung Smart Home lets people live better, worry less and be smarter with their devices and appliances. We also have grand plans to enhance more and more parts of the home experience, especially with a view of expanding it to areas with high growth potential such as home safety and energy management."

Read on: Samsung

Image credit: Samsung

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com