Google's smart home ecosystem is taking another significant step toward unification as the company extends Google Home app support to older Nest camera models. This move represents a crucial development in Google's ongoing effort to streamline its smart home management interface, bringing devices from as far back as 2015 under a single, cohesive platform.
Expanded Device Support
The latest Google Home app public preview now includes support for the 2017 Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor cameras. This expansion allows users to manage their entire Nest camera ecosystem, dating back to 2015, through the Google Home app. The integration eliminates the need to switch between multiple apps for device management, offering a more streamlined user experience.
Supported Devices in Google Home App:
- Nest Cam IQ Indoor (2017)
- Nest Cam IQ Outdoor (2017)
- Nest Cam Indoor (First-gen, wired)
- Nest Cam Outdoor (First-gen, wired)
- Nest Hello/Nest Doorbell (First-gen, wired)
- Nest Hub Max
Feature Integration
The Google Home app provides comprehensive functionality for transferred Nest Cam IQ devices, including video history review in both event and timeline views, camera settings management, and live stream access through the favorites tab. Users can also create advanced automations, enabling their Nest cameras to work in conjunction with other smart home devices, such as lighting systems.
Migration Process
Users can join the public preview through either the Home app or home.google.com. The rollout begins this week, with existing Public Preview participants receiving prompts in both the Nest and Google Home apps for camera transfer. Importantly, Google has maintained flexibility by allowing users to reverse the transfer of Nest Cam IQ devices back to the Nest app if desired.
Current Limitations
While the integration is extensive, some features haven't made the transition yet. Notable among these is the Supersight close-up tracking capability from Nest Cam IQ, though Google has indicated plans to incorporate more features from the Nest app in future updates. Additionally, the Nest Protect smoke detector and Nest x Yale door lock remain exclusively manageable through the Nest app.
Devices Still Exclusive to Nest App:
- Nest Protect smoke detector
- Nest x Yale door lock
Future Implications
This integration marks a significant milestone in Google's smart home strategy, suggesting a gradual but steady move toward the Google Home app as the primary control center for all Nest devices. While Google continues to support the Nest app, the expanded Home app compatibility indicates a clear direction for the future of Google's smart home ecosystem management.