Nest has made changes across the entirety of its product line, with updates to its existing products and the launch of a new item. The new version of
Nest Protect and the
Nest Learning Thermostat software update are joined by the
Nest Cam, a network-connected camera stemming from its acquisition of
Dropcam last year, and a new program that could help homeowners acquire a Nest Protect at a lower cost or potentially for free.
The Nest Cam, sat on a magnetic stand, is capable of streaming 1080p video over Wi-Fi in a similar way to its predecessors, complete with a unique 2048-bit RSA key and 128-bit SSL transmissions for security. Offering a 130-degree field of view and a night vision mode, the Nest Cam can be connected to via a mobile app for a live feed, with two-way communication provided through its microphone and speaker.
Nest Cam
For a monthly fee, Nest Aware provides online storage for the Nest Cam, with ten or 30 days of content able to be stored on cloud servers. An alert summary provides video highlights for whenever it detects movement or sound, saving users from having to scrub through hours of footage, with custom activity zones letting users dictate where detection should or should not apply.
The second-generation Nest Protect is 11 percent smaller than the original, and sits closer to wherever it is mounted. A new smoke chamber has a split-spectrum sensor, allowing for it to measure two wavelengths of light to account for fast and slow-burning fires. The new version also has the option of stopping the alarm from sounding via the app, rather than requiring any physical interaction with the smoke alarm itself, with tests for the sensors, power, Wi-Fi, horn, and speaker also able to be triggered from the mobile app. An automatic monthly sound check is also included, with its built-in microphone able to quickly and quietly detect if the speaker and horn work
Nest Protect
Both the original and the new version gain the new Whole Home Nightly Promise, where the Nest Protect briefly glows green when lights turn off if everything is fine, or yellow if it or any other Nest Protect in the home needs attention. Nest is also partnering with some home insurance companies to provide low or no-cost Nest Protects to customers, and potentially a discount on annual premiums. Insurers will be automatically advised by Nest every month about the Protect, including if its batteries are charged, sensors are working, and if its Wi-Fi connection is OK. Customers can opt out of Safety Rewards if necessary.
The first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is receiving a software update to version 4.5. The latest version will now send messages to a phone if a home gets too hot or cold, with another alert when the temperature returns to normal. Nest Protect owners will also see smoke and CO alerts on the thermostat itself, with the added ability to automatically turn off forced air heating and cooling systems if necessary. Home zoning has been improved, with support for up to 20 thermostats per home.
At the same time as the updates to devices, Nest is also updating its app to version 5.0. The central app for iOS and Android now works with all three devices, and provides access to stored events under Nest Aware. Owners of both the Nest Cam and Nest Protect with both located in the same room will benefit from seeing a camera button whenever a smoke or CO alert is pushed to their phone, taking them to a live view of their home. Nest Cam will also record a clip under these circumstances, regardless of whether or not the user has a Nest Aware subscription.
Nest Cam is on sale now for $200, while the Nest Protect is selling for $100, with both shipping this month. The software update for the Learning Thermostat is rolling out over the next two weeks to all customers, and the Nest app update will be available to download from the
App Store and Google Play today. Nest Aware with Video History costs $10 per month for a ten-day capacity, or $30 for a 30-day version.
Top