Samsung SmartThings Hub Z-Wave Support Removed
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Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 for SmartThings: A Step Forward, But a Z-Wave Step Back
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What Happened: The New Hub and the Z-Wave Omission
A few years ago, Samsung transitioned the manufacturing of SmartThings Hubs to Aeotec, a German firm. Aeotec has now launched the Smart Home Hub 2, promising better performance and a host of new features. Though, a significant change has been made: the new hub lacks Z-Wave radio support, a feature present in all previous SmartThings Hubs.
Aeotec announced the Smart Home Hub 2 (via The verge), positioning it as the latest official hub for Samsung SmartThings. It boasts upgraded hardware for faster processing,extended range,support for a greater number of smart home devices,USB expandability,and compatibility with SmartThings Hub,Bluetooth Low Energy,Zigbee,Thread,and Matter Controller. Despite these advancements, the removal of Z-Wave support has sparked discussion within the smart home community.
Why Was Z-Wave Removed?
The decision to remove Z-Wave support is likely multi-faceted. Several factors are likely at play:
- Rise of newer Protocols: Protocols like Matter, Thread, and Zigbee are gaining traction and offer advantages in terms of interoperability and security. Aeotec and Samsung may be prioritizing these newer standards.
- Cost Optimization: Including Z-Wave support adds to the cost of the hub. Removing it could allow for a more competitive price point.
- Market Trends: While still popular, Z-Wave’s market share is being challenged by newer technologies.
- Simplification: Reducing the number of supported protocols can simplify the development and maintenance of the hub’s software.
However, Z-Wave remains a widely used protocol, notably for security devices and