Samsung Electronics is expanding its Galaxy Upcycling programme with an initiative that lets older Galaxy smartphones be converted into IoT devices through a software update.

The South Korean tech giant has implemented the beta service for Galaxy Upcycling at Home in the USA, UK and Korea. Users will be able to turn their old Galaxy devices into smart home devices such as a childcare monitor, a pet care tracker and other tools that meet individual lifestyle needs.

The programme provides enhanced sound and light-control features, by repurposing built-in sensors. Users can transform their old devices through SmartThings Labs, a feature within the SmartThings app.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), Galaxy devices can more accurately distinguish sounds in everyday surroundings, and users can choose to save certain sound recordings. For example, if the device detects sounds such as a baby crying, dog barking, cat meowing or a knock, it will send an alert directly to the user’s smartphone and the user can listen to the recorded sound.

Devices can also be used as a light sensor to measure the brightness level of the room. Users can set the device to turn on the lights or the TV automatically through SmartThings if the room becomes darker than the pre-set standard of light.

For a device to detect sound and light continuously, it needs to be actively operating for long periods of time. For this reason, Samsung equipped the Galaxy Upcycling at Home upgrade with battery optimisation technology to reduce battery usage. Devices will also be able to connect effortlessly to SmartThings, allowing them to interact with other IoT devices in the SmartThings ecosystem.

“Smart home devices are a fast-growing trend for consumer electronics, and we believe that Galaxy devices currently not in use can play an important role in turning every home into a smart home,” said Jaeyeon Jung, vice president at Samsung Electronics. “The programme transforms Galaxy devices into SmartThings devices and demonstrates the power of our intelligent IoT platform to broaden the possibilities of what users can do with their old phones. Through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users will have access to the complete SmartThings ecosystem, enabling them to explore broader updates and features without having to purchase a new device.”

Sung-Koo Kim, another vice president at Samsung Electronics, added: “We created Galaxy Upcycling at Home to enable more people to repurpose their old devices into useful tools, allowing both Samsung and our users to be mindful of the impact we have on the environment. We are rethinking how we use existing resources, and we believe the key to upcycling is to transform old technology into something new by adding value. We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into our day-to-day lives, and through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users can join our journey towards a more sustainable future.”

This innovation is part of Samsung’s continued commitment to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global blueprint for the world to achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future for all by 2030 through 17 sustainable development goals. Galaxy Upcycling at Home focuses on Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production – by reducing waste and promoting more sustainable production practices and consumer behaviour.

By offering consumers a way to upcycle their products with features and alternative purposes, Samsung is helping extend the lifecycle of its products while diverting its users from contributing to global e-waste.