Samsung Electronics has announced a partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, including Kia, to expand its SmartThings platform to enable connected vehicles, including electric vehicles (EV).
The announcement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by Samsung, Hyundai Motor, and Kia on January 3 to develop solutions for future lifestyles that fully integrate the smart home and connected cars.
The companies will work together for the next-generation smart home to connect Samsung's SmartThings with Hyundai and Kia's connected cars, including EVs, to develop the "Home-to-Car" and "Car-to-Home" services as well as an integrated home energy management service, Samsung said in a statement. The Home-to-Car and Car-to-Home services connect the smart home with in-vehicle infotainment systems, allowing for remote control in both directions.
Through the SmartThings platform, Samsung continued, users will be able to perform a variety of actions pertaining to their cars while at home - starting them, controlling smart air conditioning, opening and closing windows, and checking their charging status. And from cars, the control of home appliances such as TVs, air conditioners and EV chargers will also be possible.
"This collaboration will enable communication from Home-to-Car and integrated home energy management services that are optimized for future lifestyles," said Chanwoo Park, EVP at Samsung Electronics.
"This is an opportunity to make the connected car's Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services more convenient in various fields," said Haeyoung Kwon, VP of Hyundai and Kia's infotainment development center.
Hyundai and Kia plan to expand their Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services to overseas customers by linking the connected car platforms and Samsung SmartThings, according to the Korean automaker. To do this, Hyundai and Kia will develop stable service-providing infotainment systems and then deliver these capabilities via over-the-air (OTA) and USB-based updates even to existing vehicles.
