Google Nest teases ‘more helpful home devices in the coming months’

In discontinuing the Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock yesterday, Google Nest reiterated its commitment to “building devices for the home.”

Yesterday’s “Upcoming changes to our device portfolio” announcement talked about ending production on two devices that haven’t been updated in years. The 2nd gen smoke and CO alarm dates back to 2015, while the Nest x Yale Lock was introduced in 2018.

Both are seeing sequels from third-parties that are committed to interconnectivity and/or feature, if not design, parity. 

The very first item in Frequently Asked Questions section of that announcement was as follows: 

Does this mean that Google Nest is no longer building devices for the home?

Absolutely not. Last year, we launched our smartest and most beautiful thermostat yet, the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen), and the Google TV Streamer, a more premium device built for the new era of entertainment and smart home needs. Expect even more helpful home devices in the coming months and years. See the full range of Google Nest products.

On the smart home front, the 4th gen Nest Learning Thermostat is at the forefront of its range, with Google waiting nine years to release a follow-up. That said, we do have the 2020 Nest Thermostat. 

Then we have the four Nest Cams, as well as the two Doorbell configurations, from 2021-2022:

• Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)
• Nest Cam + outdoor power cable
• Nest Cam with floodlight
• Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
• Nest Doorbell (Wired or Battery)

Then there’s the Google TV Streamer, and whether the company will make a cheaper model down the road. 

Finally, it remains to be seen what Google is doing with smart displays and speakers. The Gemini-powered Google Assistant remains in testing and more than works on existing hardware. It remains to be seen whether that launch will be accompanied by new devices.

“Coming months” in yesterday’s commitment feels notable, with speakers and displays the most likely candidate for refreshed hardware over cameras. 

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