Introduction to the New Integration

In an exciting development for tech-savvy homeowners, Samsung has partnered with Kohler to bring their innovative Anthem luxury smart showers into the SmartThings ecosystem. This integration allows users to control various aspects of their showers—including temperature adjustments, timer settings, and water usage monitoring—directly from their SmartThings-compatible devices.

Versatile Control Options

Kohler's Anthem smart showers can be effortlessly operated using dedicated physical controllers installed within the shower or through the Kohler Konnect app available on smartphones. Furthermore, they can be integrated with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home. Samsung’s SmartThings app will now extend control to users via smart TVs, hubs, and mobile devices, enabling seamless remote management of these high-tech showers.

Price and Cost Considerations

While the prospect of controlling your shower from your refrigerator might seem appealing, the dream comes at a hefty price. The Anthem Plus shower controller system retails for around $2,800, not accounting for the extensive costs associated with installation, plumbing, and other necessary renovations. This high cost could be a barrier for those looking to enjoy the benefits of this lavish smart shower experience—making it less likely you can prank your housemates by altering the water temperature while they’re mid-shower.

Sustainability and Water Usage Management

Samsung aims to promote sustainable water usage through this collaboration. The data collected from Kohler’s smart showers will be integrated into a new "water layer" feature coming to the SmartThings Map View in early 2025. This visual representation will provide homeowners with insights into their water consumption habits, encouraging more sustainable practices at home. Mark Benson, head of Samsung SmartThings US, emphasizes, “As our relationship with Kohler expands, we’re thrilled about the map view. Water management and sustainability align perfectly with our mission to create a better environment.”

Future Prospects

The Anthem showers will be the pioneering devices compatible with this upcoming water layer, however, future updates suggest that more water-related smart devices could also contribute data, allowing consumers to have a comprehensive understanding of their water usage.

Conclusion

This partnership not only aims to redefine the shower experience but also encourages users to be more mindful of their water expenditure—blending luxury with sustainability in the smart home revolution. What do you think of this futuristic integration? Are you ready to upgrade your shower system, or is it simply too expensive for your taste?