The photo is from a test setup part of the FCC’s evaluation process. The product is strapped to a testing apparatus, while the photo has the geometry for radiation patterns overlaid on top. Long story short, the first live image of the SmartThings Station isn’t particularly revealing. However, we can see that the product is a square or maybe a rectangular slab with rounded corners. Samsung has seemingly painted it in dark grey or black. Unfortunately, that’s all we can make from this FCC listing. It does appear to be a wireless charging pad, which is what its model number (EP-P9500) also suggests. Samsung has historically used “EP-P” as the prefix for its wireless charger accessories, followed by a number. Perhaps the first leak about this product in September referred to it as the Wireless Charger Hub. The Bluetooth certification in October revealed that the Korean firm will call this product SmartThings Station. Samsung patented this branding a couple of weeks before the Bluetooth approval. However, it’s still unclear what SmartThings capabilities this “Station” will offer. Samsung’s wireless chargers have just been chargers so far. It hasn’t added any smart functionalities to those yet. But the upcoming EP-P9500 could mark the launch of a unique product from the Korean behemoth. The FCC documents reveal this gadget will boast Zigbee, Bluetooth LE, and Wi-Fi support along with WPT (Wireless Power Transfer). Maybe we are looking at some sort of SmartThings hub. Perhaps it could be part of Samsung’s energized push into the smart home industry. We will have to wait and see.
Samsung may launch the SmartThings Station early next year
Samsung has yet to officially announce the existence of the SmartThings Station. We can’t tell when the company plans to launch this product. But rumors are that it could arrive around the same time as the Galaxy S23 series. And the new flagships will reportedly go official in early February next year. The Korean firm may be looking to sell the smart wireless charger to Galaxy S23 buyers. We will keep you posted with all the latest information about the new Samsung flagships as well as the SmartThings Station.
