This week’s Smart Living roundup features a connected way to water plants, a new kind of smart door lock, and rumors of a smart home solution acquisition.

Hydros smartly hydrates gardens

If you have a lawn, yard or garden, you probably have a sprinkler system that allows you to set a schedule for when to water the plants.  The problem with these automated garden systems is that rain or shine, it will water your plants, even if that means over-watering.

Startup company Simple Elements launched Hydros, a smart replacement for your irrigation controller, on Kickstarter to help maintain a healthy garden.  Hydros utilizes sensors placed on the ground as well as weather forecasts to determine the right times to water plants and grass.  It also considers the type of soil and the condition of the grass to determine how much water is needed for the plants and grass to thrive.  By factoring in various elements, it also helps households save on water consumption.

Hydros also features automated scheduling, but with its analysis of the environment and tapping into local weather data, if it’s going to rain, you don’t have to worry about cancelling the scheduled task as it automatically gets cancelled.  You can also use your smartphone to make changes when you want to, even when you’re out of town.

Genie smart lock

Most smart door locks available in the market cater to deadbolt locks, which are not present in every home.

GSL Innovations Pty Ltd has launched a new kind of smart door lock that fits the traditional 54mm door hole.  Called the Genie Smart Lock, it offers an alternative to replace existing door locks, along with keyless entry by authenticating via the user’s smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth.  Genie also allows homeowners to give temporary keys to people they trust, monitor door activities using their phone, and even remotely lock or unlock doors.

Genie differentiates on design too, as it’s a door lever with an LCD screen that displays its status and welcomes people.  In case you lost or forgot your phone, you can use a Bluetooth keyfob or log into your Genie account to unlock the door.  When all else fails, the LCD face of the smart lock opens to reveal a keyhole.

Samsung to acquire SmartThings

According to reports, Samsung is said to be acquiring SmartThings, a startup that specializes in DIY home automation solutions for about $200 million.  The acquisition is said to be Samsung’s way of competing with Google’s acquisition of Nest and Apple’s HomeKit.

Samsung already has smart home appliances available in the market such as a smart TV, refrigerator and washing machine, but SmartThings will allow the company to integrate its smart products with other connected devices such as connected lightbulbs and smart door locks, ultimately looking to build a smoother smart home experience.

SmartThings debuted a smart hub on Kickstarter in 2012 and gained traction last year when it raised $12.5 million in a Series A funding led by Greylock Partners and Highland Capital Partners.

photo credit: Lotus Carroll via photopin cc