Google-owned Nest today held an event in San Francisco and announced several new products, including an updated Nest Protect smoke detector and the Nest Cam, a new security camera that builds on technology the company acquired from Dropcam.
The second-generation Nest Protect includes a "split spectrum sensor," letting it detect signs of smoke more quickly and allowing it to differentiate between smoke and steam. Rather than being silenced with a wave, false alarms can be turned off using the Nest app. The smoke detector itself is 11 percent smaller than the original version, and it includes a chamber that keeps dust and insects out.
Nest's new Nest Protect will continually test itself to ensure that it's functioning, including testing its alarm when no one is home.
Nest's original Nest Protect smoke detectors had several flaws, including a significant safety issue with the "Nest Wave" feature that let alarms be silenced by waving at them. This feature could be activated in error. Nest pulled the Protect from store shelves for several months because of the problem. The new Nest Protect does not include the Nest Wave feature.
The Nest Cam is a home security device that's similar to the products made by Dropcam, which Nest acquired last year. The Nest Cam includes 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second and it has a 130-degree field of vision with 20-foot infrared night vision. A built-in microphone records sound, a speaker allows for two-way communication, and an 8x zoom feature allows for closer focus on specific areas.
Nest Cam has a new look with a zinc alloy stand that makes it easier to position in a variety of locations, with a built-in tripod mount, magnet, and wall mount included. Nest Cam works with a Nest cloud subscription service called Nest Aware, with pricing that starts at $10 per month.
Nest's app will also be receiving an update, improving interactivity and functionality. For example, if the Nest Protect's smoke or carbon monoxide sensors are activated, the Nest Thermostat will shut off and alert users of the incident. A new temperature feature will also ensure a home does not get too hot or too cold, and if it does, the Thermostat go into override mode to fix the problem. A single app, rolling out today, will control the Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect, and Nest Cam.
Nest Protect is priced at $99, with pre-orders for the device available today. Nest Cam is priced at $199.99 and is available for pre-order today.
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