Samsung SmartThings Transforms Hyundai and Kia Cars into Mobile Smart Home Hubs

The boundaries between our living spaces and our vehicles are blurring faster than ever. Samsung has recently announced a significant expansion of its ecosystem, allowing users to control their **SmartThings** compatible smart home devices directly from the dashboard of select **Hyundai** and **Kia** vehicles. This integration represents a major leap forward in the "Car-to-Home" experience, ensuring that your home is ready for you the moment you pull into the driveway.

This new development follows the "Home-to-Car" feature introduced a few years ago, which allowed users to monitor their electric vehicles from the comfort of their living rooms. Now, the integration goes both ways. With the new Car-to-Home feature, drivers can remotely operate essential household appliances like air purifiers and air conditioners through the infotainment systems found in modern **Kia** and **Hyundai** models. Connectivity is handled through the existing Hyundai BlueLink or Kia Connect services, making the setup process straightforward for current owners.

Advanced Automation and Location-Aware Routines

One of the most impressive aspects of this update is the ability to create location-based **SmartThings** Routines. Imagine a scenario where your car detects you are within a mile of your house; it can automatically signal your home to turn on the lights, set the thermostat to your preferred temperature, and even start the robot vacuum. Conversely, the "Away Mode" can ensure all lights and non-essential appliances are powered down the moment you drive away, enhancing energy efficiency and security.

The technical foundation for this feature is the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC), an infotainment platform that debuted in late 2022. Samsung and the Hyundai Motor Group have confirmed that this functionality will be delivered to compatible vehicles via a comprehensive software update. This partnership is deep-rooted, as Hyundai already utilizes Samsung's Exynos chips, camera sensors, and high-performance batteries for its next-generation electric vehicle lineup.

Jae-yeon Jeong, Vice President of the SmartThings Team at **Samsung Electronics**, emphasized that this launch is about more than just adding features. It is about creating a "seamless daily experience" that connects the two most important spaces in a customer's life: their home and their vehicle. The companies are also currently exploring even deeper integrations, including private 5G networks for cars and the expansion of the SmartThings Find network to help locate vehicles.

Which car models are compatible with the SmartThings Car-to-Home feature?

The feature is compatible with Hyundai and Kia vehicles that utilize the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) infotainment platform, which was first introduced in November 2022. Users must also have active BlueLink or Kia Connect services.

What specific home devices can I control from my vehicle?

You can control a wide range of SmartThings-compatible devices, including air conditioners, air purifiers, robot vacuum cleaners, and smart lighting systems, all through the car's built-in touchscreen.

How do I link my car to my smart home account?

The process is designed to be user-friendly. Drivers simply need to scan a QR code displayed on their car's infotainment screen using their smartphone to sync their vehicle with their SmartThings account.

What are SmartThings Routines in the context of driving?

Routines allow for automated actions based on the car's location. For example, you can set a routine to automatically turn on your home's climate control as you drive toward your house, or turn off all lights when the car moves away from the property.

Will this feature require a hardware upgrade for older cars?

No hardware upgrade is required for vehicles already using the CCNC platform. The functionality will be enabled through a standard software update provided by the manufacturer.

🔎 The integration of Samsung SmartThings into Hyundai and Kia vehicles marks a turning point for the connected lifestyle. By bridging the gap between mobility and the residential environment, Samsung is providing users with unprecedented control and convenience. As automotive software continues to evolve, we can expect even more sophisticated features that prioritize efficiency, comfort, and the seamless transition between our cars and our homes.