Google’s Nest Labs has updated its entire smart home product line, introducing the Nest Cam HD video camera, its second generation Nest Protect smoke alarm and new features for its Nest Learning Thermostat, along with a new app.The new line sees Nest continuing its push into the emerging smart home market, providing an enhanced range of functionality and smart device interactivity.
The Nest Cam, which builds on the earlier Dropcam features, sports a new design and streams 1080p HD video over Wi-Fi. Its magnetic base can stick to metal, be mounted to the wall or screwed onto a universal tripod, with the cam able to twist around, bend at an angle, or be mounted upside down.
Improved night vision and motion detection is supported by eight high-powered infrared LEDs and new algorithms, with Nest stating the sensors detect the difference between a flashlight and sunlight, meaning night vision won’t get confused and switch to day mode when a bright light passes in front of the camera.
The Nest Aware subscription service, which is available for an additional monthly fee, starting at US$10 per month, provides a range of services such as compiling video history, an alert summary, clips and time lapses, the creation of custom activity zones around areas of interest, and advanced motion sensing.
Meanwhile, Nest has introduced its second generation Nest Protect smoke alarm, which is 11 per cent smaller than its predecessor, designed to sit more flush against a ceiling or wall, featuring a stainless steel screen with tiny hexagonal holes which let in smoke for assessment while keeping everything else out.
The Nest Protect, which automatically performs tests on its speaker and horn once a month, has up to a 10-year lifespan.
Nest’s Learning Thermostat software 4.5 update incorporates new features, including safety temperature alerts, sending messages to the user’s smartphone if their home is too hot or cold, and can work in conjunction with the Nest Protect, providing smoke and CO alerts right on the thermostat.
The Nest Thermostat and Nest Protect can work also together to turn off a user’s forced air heating/cooling system in a smoke or CO emergency.
Nest’s fifth generation Nest app, available for both Android and iOS, provides for control of all Nest products.
Sporting a new look, the Nest app’s new home screen features a spot for each Nest Thermostat, Nest Cam or Dropcam, with all Nest Protects rolling up into one icon, while displaying live video previews of all Nest Cams, allowing for quick view of different rooms.
The Nest App additionally features a range of new functionality for smartphones, such as enhanced interactivity for both Nest Cam and Dropcam, including zoom and enhance.
The Nest app 5.0 is available now from the Google Play Store and iOS App Store.
