Smart thermostat
Another major feature of smart thermostats is their ability to connect to the internet. Smart thermostats are designed with a WiFi module that allows the thermostat to connect to the users home or office network and interface with a web portal or smartphone application, allowing users to control the unit remotely. The WiFi feature also has the ability to send reports on energy usage and HVAC system performance via the web portal, informing the user on their energy efficiency and how it compares to other smart thermostat users. It also alerts users when a problem arises with their HVAC system or when it is time for equipment maintenance. The thermostat also uses the WiFi connection to display current weather conditions and the weather forecast.
SmartThings
SmartThings Labs was introduced in January 2014 as an area within the native app which allows users to access a series of projects that are being built by either the internal SmartThings team or a community of developers. These projects are still being worked on in production and are meant to give customers early access to upcoming product integrations. For example, SmartThings customers can access Labs to control their ecobee thermostats, Belkin WeMo switches, Quirky Pivot Power Genius, Sonos, Philips hue bulbs, and TCP light bulbs directly from the SmartThings app, and also to trigger these products to adjust when various actions take place.