Samsung and Ashley Furniture aim to simplify the acquisition of technology for smart homes.
Samsung SmartThings will venture into the furniture sector.
The explanation of the benefits of a smart home can be complicated; it often involves a concept that is only fully understood when seen in action. This is the idea that Samsung is exploring through its new collaboration with Ashley Furniture. The electronics company has partnered with one of North America's leading furniture retailers to offer a unique in-store experience that combines furniture with smart devices controlled by Samsung's SmartThings platform.
This new initiative, called the Connected Home Experience, will debut at Ashley Furniture's flagship store in Brentwood, Tennessee. Its goal is to demonstrate how the combination of furniture and smart technology can contribute to creating a more comfortable and enjoyable home.
The showroom will feature several interactive scenes where customers can experience and control connected devices using a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus running the SmartThings app. Through this platform, visitors will be able to manage items like smart lights, plugs, and blinds, visualizing everyday scenarios such as a movie night or a game day in the living room, as well as enhancements to morning and bedtime routines in the bedroom.
The idea of showcasing smart home technology in a real-world setting is coherent and necessary. Ikea has made similar attempts in its stores, though it is limited to highlighting only its own branded products. In contrast, Ashley Furniture's showroom will feature over 200 products from various brands, all compatible with SmartThings, including Philips Hue lighting, Nanoleaf products, Eve roller shades, Kasa smart home devices, and Aqara curtain controllers.
Additionally, the space will also showcase Samsung devices, such as their TVs—including the The Frame model, which resembles a piece of art—and the Music Frame. All of these devices are equipped with integrated SmartThings hubs, making it easy to connect other devices and set up automations and routines. Furthermore, these TVs act as Matter controllers, allowing the integration of any device compatible with this standard, which promotes interoperability in the smart home.
For now, the Connected Home Experience is only available at the Brentwood store, although Samsung has also launched a connected shopping experience on its website, where visitors can interact with a virtual home and see how devices can integrate to improve aspects such as wellbeing, cooking, energy management, and caring for family and pets.