The Station will function as a smart home hub for all your connected devices, letting you control them with the press of a button, while having the look and wireless charging functionality of a charging pad. Users will be able to create routines in the SmartThings app, then activate them by tapping the Smart Button on the SmartThings Station’s pad. Instead of having to individually turn devices on and off, you can control all your devices with one command, through the use of pre-set routines. For example, according to Samsung, a quick tap before going to bed can activate a night routine that includes shutting off lights, closing blinds, and lowering the temperature. The SmartThings Station also doubles as a charger and supports 15W of wireless charging. It will be available in black or white in the US and Korea beginning in early February, according to Samsung. No price has been officially disclosed, although Samsung said the Station will be “affordable.” SmartThings has been a key player in Samsung’s sustainability efforts with a focus on saving energy costs and helping the environment. SmartThings Energy’s AI Energy Mode can provide up to 15% more savings for compatible refrigerators, 20% more savings for compatible air conditioners, and up to 35% more savings for compatible washers on select cycles, according to Samsung. Also: Samsung just launched its cheapest 5G Galaxy phone yet As a result, SmartThings became the first mass-market Smart Home Energy Management System to be awarded the Energy Star Shems Certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to SmartThings, Samsung announced several partnerships meant to reach sustainability goals. Patagonia and Samsung partnered to combat microplastic fibers that shed during laundry washing cycles and end up in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Together, the companies developed a new wash technology called the Less Microfiber Cycle that reduces the microplastic release, according to Samsung. This feature is already available in washing machines in Europe, and will be available in Korea in February and the US soon after. The feature will not be limited to Samsung washing machines. Also: ZDNET’s guide to CES: What is it, when is it, who can attend A partnership between Samsung and Philips Hue will allow users to control Philips Hue lighting from their Samsung TVs through a new Philips Hue Sync TV app that can be downloaded on Samsung TVs from the app store, according to Samsung. In accordance with sustainability goals, the tech-giant also shared that many of its smartphones and TVs are created from recycled plastic such as material from discarded fishing nets.
