Many people think a smart home means replacing every appliance they own, but that is not how it has to work. Samuel Odhiambo, Head of Consumer Electronics Business at Samsung Electronics East Africa, says the real idea is far simpler. He spoke to TechFolio about the Connected Living Experience that Samsung has now introduced in Kenya. His message was clear: you can begin with one or two devices you already have at home.
Connected Living Begins with One App
Odhiambo said the experience lets consumers see how devices can work together instead of standing alone. He said the goal is “to demonstrate how technology can work together to make everyday life easier.” The link between them is SmartThings, a Samsung app that manages compatible devices from one place on your phone. It also works with compatible products from other makers, so connected living is not limited to one brand.
He wants the app to feel easy, even for people who do not follow technology closely. “Consumers should not need to be technology experts to appreciate the convenience of having their devices work together,” he said. Depending on the products, a user can check a connected appliance, change some settings from afar or set routines. For busy families, this kind of connected living can remove small steps from the day.
Energy costs matter to many Kenyan households, and Odhiambo called energy management a particularly relevant part of connected living. On compatible devices, SmartThings Energy lets users track their power use over different periods and spot patterns. That information can help people make better decisions about how and when they use their appliances. Samsung’s AI Wash also checks the size and dirt level of a laundry load, though actual savings depend on the device and habits.
Start Small and Grow at Your Own Pace
Odhiambo was clear that no one needs to replace their existing appliances to enjoy the benefits, because “consumers have different needs, budgets and stages of adoption.” The starting point is to check which devices a person already owns and which ones work with SmartThings. From there, people can pick the most useful features and add more as their needs grow. This way, connected living can build up slowly, one room and one routine at a time.
Not every product supports every feature, so Odhiambo suggests checking each device’s specifications before buying. He also wants people to try the technology themselves, because seeing how connected living works is different from reading about it. Consumers can ask questions about compatibility and decide which features suit their own homes best. After-sales support matters too, and he wants people to feel confident using the technology, not intimidated by it.
Odhiambo hopes consumers leave with a clearer picture of what connected living means for them personally. He said it is “not simply about owning more devices or having the latest technology” but about making everyday devices “work better together.” Whether the goal is easier laundry or lower energy use, he believes the value lies in the experience. The invitation is simple: explore the features, ask questions and build your connected home one step at a time.
