Samsung’s new wireless charging pad is also a smart home controller

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023, Samsung announced a new wireless charging pad that can double up as a controller for smart home devices such as lights, thermostats, power outlets, and air purifiers. Dubbed as SmartThings Station, the new device is also compatible with Matter, the new universal industry standard that makes smart home products from different brands interoperable with each other. Samsung is one of the founding members of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly known as Zigbee Alliance), which maintains Matter.

SmartThings Station also allows users to program routine smart home settings across multiple devices that can be activated with a press of a button on it. For instance, during bedtime, it can be used to dim lights, increase or decrease the temperature, or close the smart window blinds. Similarly, when the user is going out, it can be used to turn off lights, and power outlets and activate the security system. The device allows users to set up to three routines, which can be controlled with a short press, long press, or double press.

“The number of devices in a connected home continues to grow, especially in light of the recent Matter standard launch. We’re proud to play a role in making it easier to embrace this exciting technology,” said  Jaeyeon Jung, executive vice president and head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. 

As a wireless charger, the SmartThings Station can muster a power output of 15W and can charge smartphones and other devices. Samsung said it will be launched in South Korea and the US, where it will be available in early next month. 

During the press briefing, Jung emphasized the importance of interoperability between devices and showcased several smart home experiences that can be enabled through partnerships between different brands. She announced an extended collaboration with Philips Hue to enable new lighting experiences like changing the colors of the Hue light bulbs to match that of the content playing on a Samsung TV for a more immersive experience.