Google Discontinues Nest Protect Smart Smoke Alarm, Smart Lock
Google's Nest Protect is being discontinued, as is the Nest x Yale Smart Door Lock, as part of a move to build a platform 'that all device makers and developers can use,' the company told me in a statement. Here's what it all means.
Nest Protect launched in 2013—I've had one since just after that date—and was one of the first smart smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. It's fair to say it revolutionized the market: no longer would the smoke from a particularly feisty toaster cause a small ceiling-mounted device to squawk noisily as you frantically waved a towel below to disperse the smoke.
Instead, a calm but authoritative voice would speak. 'Warning: there is smoke in the bedroom. The alarm will sound. It's going to be loud,' it would say, while you smoothly used a smartphone app to confirm everything was under control.
Also, no longer would you be woken in the middle of the night by an incessant chirping somewhere in the house when the battery needed replacing.
Google says that it's partnering with First Alert and a new First Alert Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm will launch soon.
I'll be honest, I'll miss the Nest. I love how if I am walking past it in the dark, it gently glows to offer a subtle nightlight. I live the design which was ahead of its time.
Ah, well. The new model from First Alert will be $129.99, which is a good price. It promises a seven-day warning of low battery to avoid the dreaded chirps. And it can be controlled from the Google Home app, alongside existing Nest Protect units. They will be able to trigger a live feed from your Nest security cameras but, alas, no nightlight.
The Nest Protect is available still from Google while stocks last, and will be supported until its expiration date (in ten years' time).
Also coming to the end of its time is the Next x Yale smart door lock, though existing models will continue to receive software and security updates.
Instead, there'll be the Yale Smart Lock with Matter—Matter being the smart home platform with wide compatibility—and is designed to complement the look of the Nest doorbell. The new lock will cost $170 and be available this summer.
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