SK Telecom on Monday announced it will interconnect its smart home platform with those of Samsung and LG, paving the way for customers to control devices from the operator’s smart home app.
"We have been making efforts to create an open ecosystem around our smart home platform to bring benefits to all stakeholders," said Cho Young-hoon, head of SK Telecom’s smart home taskforce, in a statement. "Cooperation with two global consumer electronics giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics is expected to take smart home to the next level, providing users with greater value and convenience."
Under memoranda of understanding between SK Telecom and the two device makers, the operator aims to establish seamless interworking between its smart home platform and those of Samsung and LG before the end of the year.
It means that SK Telecom customers will be able to control appliances like air conditioners, speakers, washing machines, robot vacuum cleaners and ovens, among others, via the telco’s smart home app.
"We have a strategic plan to collaborate with diverse companies who have their own smart home platforms to maximise [the] effectiveness of customers’ use," said Yoon C. Lee, head of sales and marketing at Samsung.
"We hope this collaboration will become a role-model for both electronics and telecommunications companies to achieve mutual growth," added Choi Seong-ho, head of LG’s smart business centre.
Monday’s agreement is in line with SK Telecom’s plan to introduce at least 20 smart home-capable products in 2015, and over 30 by 2016. To that end, it has partnered with more than 25 companies in sectors ranging from consumer electronics to furniture and construction.
