The third-gen model ditched the battery backup, but added the ability to connect over Wi-Fi rather than Ethernet.

The platform, which once consisted only of a router-tethered hub, branded sensors, third-party device partners.

Suddenly, SmartThings looks like the most comprehensive smart home platform, at least at a glance.

Both Google and Amazon are rapidly expanding the number of first-party devices that work with their Alexa and Google Assistant services, but neither has their own TV or refrigerator yet, outside of products from other manufacturers.

Samsung SmartThings has both of those things, as well as Bixby, its own voice assistant.

What is it like to have a home wholly operated by SmartThings (and Samsung) in 2019, you ask Spoiler alert: not great.

But first, some history Before Samsung purchased SmartThings in 2014, it was just one of many ideas launched during a crowdfunding campaign.

Over 1 million in pledges later, and SmartThings successfully launched its first-gen hub backed by its new parent company, Samsung.

But there were some problems.

The universal app, designed to bring every device together, didnt come close to achieving its desired result.

There was also general reluctance among many consumers because hubs are, well, boring.

Going into detail on the merits of multi-protocol hubs -- AKA hubs that speak ZigBee, Z-Wave and other languages -- will make anyones eyes glaze over.

I know because mine are staring to glaze over right now.) Then Amazon announced its first Echo speaker and hubs instantly became voice controls much less popular predecessor.

Some of us at CNET question if hubs should even still be a thing.

Theres still a SmartThings hub (now third-gen) and an updated app.

And SmartThings still has an open platform with tons of compatible third-party partners.

A couple key examples include the 120 (roughly 90, AU170) SmartThings WiFi, a SmartThings router with a built-in SmartThings hub and the 70 third-gen SmartThings hub (this one isnt a router -- just a hub).

You can also access the SmartThings app and your SmartThings devices from Samsungs Family Hub fridges and select Samsung Smart TVs.

A Samsung smart speaker called the Galaxy Home is coming soon, too, which will put Bixby in a standalone smart speaker like those featuring Alexa, the Google Assistant or Siri, the latter via the HomePod.

The Galaxy Home is also supposed to have its own SmartThings hub.

SmartThings gave me a lot of trouble in 2015 when I tested the second-generation hub, along with tons of SmartThings sensors and third-party devices.

But knowing how much SmartThings has grown over the years, it felt only fair to see if it had also matured into the platform Ive always wanted it to be.

Unfortunately, SmartThings was as temperamental as ever, just on a larger scale.

At the CNET Smart Home where we test many of our connected home gadgets, theres a Family Hub refrigerator, a Samsung Q6 Series TV and a second-gen SmartThings hub.

Note: The 90 second-gen SmartThings hub is still sold today and costs more than the 70 third-gen SmartThings hub.

The second-gen model we used has a larger design and offers battery backup.

Smartthings App For Mac Desktop