Samsung's SmartThings hub helps monitor your home

At the IFA 2015 Samsung event last week Samsung announced a line of products for the next gen SmartThing HUB including an upgraded Hub, sensors and SmartThings app.

Samsung's SmartThings Hub is equipped with a powerful processor that enables video monitoring and offers battery backup of 10 hours in case of power outage. The Hub is also able to process some automations locally without an internet connection. The sensors are now smaller and have sleek design.

Samsung also introduced Smart Home Monitor that acts around the hub and enables video monitoring capability. It provides information about potential break-ins, smoke and fire alerts, and other household calamities by delivering real-time notifications and video clips from multiple cameras via the SmartThings app on your smartphone.

The SmartThings app is compatible with iOS and Android and have been redesigned to include easier navigation and more intuitive experience. You can directly organize and control devices by room, and customize actions to occur automatically based on preset routine.

The hub can also be used to connect things like security camers, thermostats and other smart home gadget. It is compatible with a range of SmartThings-branded devices as well as other Samsung products.

SmartThings can be purchased from Shop.SmartThings.com, Samsung.com, Amazon.com and physical stores across the U.S. The new Hub retails for $99 with sensors ranging between $30 and $55 each. SmartThings will be available in the U.K. at select Currys PC World stores and online at Samsung.com and currys.co.uk beginning September 10. The Hub retails for £99 and the Starter Kit is £199.