Photo credit: Mashable
In the midst of Samsung’s announcements today was the Samsung Connect Home, a mesh Wi-Fi router built to compete with Google’s internet solution known simply as Google Wifi. Two versions will become available, with the cheaper model featuring a 2 x 2 MU-MIMO antenna array, a slower processor, and speeds of 866 Mbps in the 5GHz spectrum while the more expensive option features a 4 x 4 antenna array, a faster processor, and speeds of 1.7Gbps. The former can be paired with two other units of the same kind, while the latter can’t.
What makes the Connect Home different from other mesh Wi-Fi solutions is what Samsung packed inside its body. The Connect Home is essentially a hub for all of your SmartThings devices. For instance, you can turn on your lights from the router and shut your blinds all with the touch of a button. Samsung says it’s compatible with “hundreds of third-party smart home devices,” while Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.1 connections with devices are all possible.
We don’t yet know when this accessory will become available or how much it’ll cost, but we do know the cheaper Connect Home will be sold in single and triple packs, while the more expensive option won’t. We’ll let you know when more information is present.
