As a part of its Galaxy Upcycling program, Samsung will allow you to convert your old Galaxy smartphone into a childcare monitor or use it as a smart home device.
Samsung had first announced its Galaxy Upcycling program in 2017 as a part of its sustainability efforts. It is now expanding that program to more regions with Galaxy Upcycling at Home.
Repurpose Your Old Galaxy Phone Into a Smart Home Device
Samsung says in its announcement that using SmartThings connectivity, you can turn your old Galaxy device into a smart home device. This way, one can use "their existing tech to add value to everyday life" and reduce their ecological footprint.
The company wants that instead of old Galaxy devices ending up in a landfill, they are repurposed to become a part of one's everyday life.
Samsung is repurposing the built-in sensors on older Galaxy devices to offer enhanced sound and light-control features. Using AI, older Galaxy devices can better distinguish between daily sounds. This will allow you to repurpose your old Galaxy device as a baby or pet monitor. The device will automatically send an alert on the device linked to your account so that you can listen to the recorded sound.
You can also use your old Galaxy device as a light sensor to measure the brightness level in a room. If the level drops too much, your Galaxy device can automatically turn on your SmartThings-compatible lights or TV.
Since both these features require your old Galaxy device to operate for long hours and continuously detect light and sound, Samsung is rolling out a battery optimization algorithm as a part of its Galaxy Upcycle at Home upgrade.
Galaxy Devices Compatible With Galaxy Upcycling at Home
You can convert your old Galaxy device into a smart home device or a pet or child monitor through SmartThings Labs from within the SmartThings app.
Samsung notes that the Galaxy Upcycling at Home feature will be available on all Galaxy S, Note, and Z series of devices released from 2018 or later and running Android 9 or newer. This means Galaxy S9, Galaxy Note 9, and newer devices launched in 2018 or later are eligible for this program. The company will eventually update more of its devices to support this program.
Samsung has currently rolled out the Galaxy Upcycling at Home program in the UK, the US, and Korea.