Samsung Electronics to join hands with Hyundai, Kia to expand SmartThings platform

Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co. said Wednesday it has joined hands with automotive leader Hyundai Motor Group to extend its SmartThings connectivity platform to vehicles, Yonhap reports. 

Under the memorandum of understanding, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. will fully integrate the SmartThings internet of things (IoT) platform with the carmakers' software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Through this collaboration, SmartThings will be built into Hyundai and Kia's upcoming infotainment systems.

The SmartThings Find platform allows Galaxy smartphone users to locate their Hyundai and Kia cars without a network connection, using a crowd-sourced network of nearby Samsung Galaxy devices.

Drivers can also use the Galaxy's Quick Panel to control home appliances, like air conditioners, from their vehicles while on the road.

In addition, the companies will collaborate on providing AI-driven services tailored to customer preferences and lifestyles, such as health monitoring and pet care solutions.

"Through our collaboration with Hyundai and Kia, customers will experience the convenience of SmartThings not only at home but also in their vehicles, transcending space," said Cheun Hyung-whoon, CTO of Samsung Electronics' device division.