Samsung has launched a software update that will allow consumers to convert their Galaxy smartphones to Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The feature will be available for all Galaxy S, Note and Z smartphones that were released from 2018 onwards and run Android 9 and above. Samsung said it will add more devices under the program in the future.
Currently, Galaxy Upcycling at Home will be available in South Korea, the US and the UK first.
The company said it would research usage in the three countries and support technical verification, then provide the service to additional countries at a later time.
The software update provides enhanced sound and light-control features by repurposing built-in sensors of older Galaxy phones.
Consumers can use the SmartThings Labs feature on their existing SmartThings app to choose how they want to use these older devices.
The devices can be turned into smart home devices such as a childcare monitor, a pet care solution, or a light sensor.
For sound, Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution enhances the device’s ability to distinguish sounds, the old Galaxy devices can be used to save certain sound recordings, such as a baby crying, a dog barking, or a knock.
Older devices can also be set up to act as light sensors. They will measure the brightness of a room and automatically turn on the lights or the TV through SmartThings, if it becomes darker than the preset standard.
