Summary
- Samsung’s latest Smartthings update from December 2024 includes a new remote widget for easier TV control.
- The widget is exclusively for Samsung TVs manufactured in 2022 or later.
- Adding the remote widget to your Android’s home screen is simple but requires updating the app to the latest version.
Samsung makes life in a connected home easier with the latest Smartthings update. It brings a new remote widget that you can display directly on your Android’The app’s home screen means you never have to fumble around in the app to change channels again.
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The December 2024 Smartthings update is currently rolling out to anyone with a 2022 Samsung TV or later (via Android Authority). The new widget integrates TV controls directly onto your phone’s home screen and includes access to power, volume and input selection.
Better, faster, stronger…easier
The new remote widget makes life much easier. Previously, controlling a Samsung TV from an Android device required launching the Smartthings app and accessing the remote interface. Not really fast. The remote can now live on a home screen.
There is a caveat, however. The new remote widget is limited to Samsung TVs and monitors manufactured in 2022 or later. Samsung hasn’t explained why older displays won’t work with the widget, but it likely comes down to hardware incompatibilities. Anyone with a screen older than 2022 will still need to log into the Smartthings app to access the remote.
Here’s how to add the widget to your home screen
It’s simple to add the widget to your home screen, provided you’ve already set up your Smartthings app to work with your TV or monitor. Here’s how to do it:
- Long-press an empty space on your device’s home screen.
- Faucet Widgets.
- Scroll to Remote smart objects.
- Drag the remote widget to your home screen.
- Select the Samsung TV or monitor you want to control.
Make sure to update your Smartthings app from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store first.
Samsung has also added improved device automation and faster device pairing with the new update. There is also an improved energy monitoring feature for supported devices to help users better manage their energy consumption. These updates make Smartthings a more powerful hub for controlling all your Samsung devices. This is especially true for TVs, thanks to the new remote control widget.
