From seamless device interoperability to AI-powered automation and SmartThings Pro’s expansion into enterprise, Mark shares how Samsung is transforming the way people interact with their homes, cars, and workplaces.

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‘The biggest thing that I spend my time on is the same thing that has motivated me to even get into IoT and even in this career myself, which is the driving passion to simplify technology, to enable meaningful connected experiences for users. And that drives me, that is the mission of SmartThings, and that drives everything that I do. ” - Mark Benson

The smart home promise has always been convenience, automation, and personalization, but for years, consumers have struggled with fragmented ecosystems and clunky user experiences. Samsung SmartThings is changing that. Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings US, dives into how AI, voice control, and real-time automation are finally making the smart home feel…well, smart. From AI-powered routines that anticipate your needs to SmartThings Pro bringing smart tech to commercial spaces, this episode explores the future of connected living.

Mark Benson is the Head of Samsung SmartThings US, leading the strategy, product development, and expansion of Samsung’s smart home ecosystem. With years of experience in IoT, AI, and connected living, Mark is at the forefront of creating seamless smart home experiences that integrate Samsung’s vast portfolio—from TVs and appliances to sensors and AI-powered automation. His mission? Make smart technology intuitive, effortless, and accessible for every home.

Tune into the latest episode or read the transcript below to learn more. Here are some top takeaways: 

The Smart Home Isn’t the Future—It’s Here
The smart home is finally breaking out of the early adopter phase and reaching the mass market. But consumers aren’t looking for gadgets—they want seamless, intuitive experiences that just work. Mark Benson unpacks how Samsung SmartThings is driving this shift by prioritizing interoperability, AI-driven automation, and frictionless user experiences. The goal? A smart home that enhances daily life without the headaches of complicated setup and disconnected devices.

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Voice Control Is Just the Beginning—AI is Taking Over
Voice assistants made the smart home feel futuristic, but they never fully lived up to expectations. Now, with AI advancements, smart home control is evolving beyond voice commands into predictive automation. Benson shares how SmartThings is using AI to learn user habits, anticipate needs, and create automated routines that require zero effort. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about turning your home into a responsive, intelligent ecosystem that adapts to you.

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AI-Powered Homes: Smarter, More Secure, & Energy-Efficient
The smart home of tomorrow won’t just respond to commands—it will think ahead. With AI-driven automation, Samsung SmartThings is making homes more energy-efficient, secure, and personalized. Whether it’s adjusting lighting based on usage patterns, automating security alerts, or optimizing energy consumption with SmartThings Energy, AI is transforming homes into proactive environments that enhance convenience and sustainability.

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Why Matter Matters: The Future of Smart Home Connectivity
One of the biggest barriers to smart home adoption has been fragmented ecosystems—devices from different brands that don’t communicate. That’s changing with Matter, a new industry-wide connectivity standard. Benson explains how Samsung SmartThings is leading the charge in making devices work together effortlessly, eliminating compatibility headaches, and making the smart home truly plug-and-play.

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AI Agents & Automation: The Next Leap for Smart Homes
Imagine a home that does more than respond—it takes action on your behalf. AI agents are set to revolutionize the smart home, handling tasks like restocking your fridge, adjusting climate settings, and even monitoring loved ones remotely. Benson reveals how Samsung is integrating AI-driven automation to make homes more intuitive, efficient, and hands-off, so consumers can focus on living, not managing their tech.

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