SmartThings Link for nVidia Shield pre-order - $15 to add ZWave and ZigBee to Shield

Devices & Integrations
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There was talk at the beginning of the year about this but then I didn’t hear anything. Just saw this (hope it isn’t a repost):

What is SmartThings Link?

SmartThings Link is a small device that plugs into the USB port on the back of your NVIDIA SHIELD, allowing it to connect wirelessly with a wide range of smart devices and make them work together. SmartThings Link contains ZigBee and Z-Wave radios.

What are ZigBee and Z-Wave?

ZigBee and Z-Wave are communication protocols that use radio waves to “talk” (like Wi-Fi does). Your NVIDIA SHIELD on its own doesn’t “speak” ZigBee or Z-Wave, but the SmartThings Link does!

What can I do with SmartThings Link?

SmartThings Link allows you to monitor and control connected devices using voice commands or the SmartThings app on your smartphone or tablet. You can also automate connected devices in your home and set them to turn on or off when doors are opened, as people come and go, and much more. (Connected devices sold separately.)

What can I do with just my NVIDIA SHIELD (no SmartThings Link)?

NVIDIA SHIELD has certain smart home functionalities built-in, but you need SmartThings Link to unlock its full potential.

Without SmartThings Link, your NVIDIA SHIELD can only connect to “Works With SmartThings” LAN and cloud-to-cloud devices, such as thermostats, speakers, and more. To connect with ZigBee and Z-Wave devices, you need to plug SmartThings Link into the back of your NVIDIA SHIELD.

Which devices work with SmartThings Link?

SmartThings Link works with a wide range of connected devices, including lights, cameras, doorbells, door locks, thermostats, sensors, and more. Look for the Works with SmartThings logo next time you’re buying a connected device for your home, or visit SmartThings.com/Link to see the full list of compatible devices.

Can I use SmartThings Link by itself?

No. SmartThings Link is not a standalone device. It requires NVIDIA SHIELD with an internet connection and the free SmartThings app for Android (4.1 or later) or iOS (9.0 or later).

Can I order just the SmartThings Link?

Yes, you can order SmartThings Link standalone, but you need to add compatible connected devices to get the best smart home experience. So, we have created a Lighting Kit that include SmartThings Link and compatible devices so you can automate your lights to turn on when you enter a room or change brightness for the perfect entertainment experience.

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Still waiting on Google Assistant on the Shield and the Nvidia Spots

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I bought a shield to replace my HTPC and ended up selling it two months later because it can’t record DRM protected cable. I have a HDHomeRun Prime with a CableCard that worked great with Windows 7 and Windows Media Center. The shield would play protected content but couldn’t record it. Gave up and built a new Windows 7 HTPC and never looked back.

I don’t know how I fell about taking a dedicated hub that has battery backup and is specialized to HA and moving the radios to a USB stick plugged into a media player. Just sounds like a not great idea. Although its good to know SmartThings is spending there time on this instead of all the things we keep complaining about on the forums…

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SmartThings is a pretty big company. They can work on multiple projects concurrently.

But if their resources are low, which do you think they would choose:

  1. Expansion to untapped markets via trojan horsing in set top boxes like the NVIDIA.
    or
  2. Fixing issues that their existing markets are unaware of and won’t affect their purchase decision?

(Hint: #1 has the greater potential of increasing sales given a choice of where to spend the effort).

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it arrived yesterady

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Yes I know I saw right after I posted

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I’m pretty happy with my ST hub. I simply wanted my shield, google assistant, and the NVIDIA spots to voice control my system.

Can I simply make it an interface point instead of my primary hub?

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Is there any ETA to deliver the pre-orders?

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Too bad the Link Shield promo doesn’t ship to Canada.

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assuming there is only one version of this and it’s a US z wave freq.

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I shipped it to a friend in the US and had him ship it to me (it’s on its way). Another option would be a company like mymallbox.

nvidia is frustratingly trying to keep it US only for now, despite emailing owners such as myself more than once about the promo. I spent at least an hour researching SmartThings before being really annoyed at the SmartThings website for giving a confusing can’t ship error.

Others have indicated it works fine in Canada: Either sideload the APK or, more ideally, add a US Google account on the Shield and it will offer to install the software when you plug in the USB device.

Down the rabbit hole I go…

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