LG appliances can be controlled through the Samsung app - and vice versa

At IFA 2023 South Korean LG and Samsung announced an important change in how their smart home ecosystems operate. Until the end of 2024, their smart home apps will learn to control gadgets and TVs from both brands.

LG's ThinQ app will be able to warn you when you haven't closed your Samsung fridge door with an update Family Hub, and Samsung's SmartThings app lets you switch your LG washing machine to delicate laundry. At the same time, both applications will still have to be kept on a smartphone: they will exchange information, but not completely replace each other.

This change was made possible thanks to the Home Connectivity Alliance, a coalition of smart home technology manufacturers designed to bring different systems into one for the convenience of consumers. As part of the coalition, they launched a single Matter standard that simplifies integration for manufacturers. Its support is gradually being added to operating systems, including iOS and macOS.

The benefits of such integration are not limited to the usability of the technique. Gathering all your gadgets in one app will also make it easier to keep track of your device's power consumption. Electricity consumption may be negligible for small sensors, but it is important when it comes to large household appliances.

Ecosystems will be integrated over Wi-Fi, so it is expected that users will not have to change all the equipment to a new one in order to notice the changes. At the start, the integration of LG and Samsung equipment will appear in eight countries: the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Turkey.