Is Nest Still Owned by Google?
Yes, Nest is still owned by Google; it has been fully integrated and rebranded as Google Nest, bringing the smart home products of Nest and Google Home under a unified umbrella.
The Evolution of Nest into Google Nest
Nest Labs was initially an independent company, founded by former Apple engineers, gaining recognition for its innovative smart thermostats and smoke detectors. Google acquired Nest Labs in 2014, marking a significant step into the smart home market. Over subsequent years, Google pursued a deeper integration of Nest's hardware and services with its own smart home ecosystem, which included products like Google Home smart speakers and displays.
This integration culminated in 2019 when Google officially announced that Nest would operate as Google's primary smart home brand, transitioning into Google Nest. This strategic move aimed to consolidate Google's smart home efforts, offering a more cohesive and comprehensive experience for users.
What This Means for Users and Products
The rebranding to Google Nest signifies a complete integration, where Nest products are now part of the broader Google hardware family. This means:
- Unified Ecosystem: Devices previously branded as Nest (such as thermostats, cameras, and doorbells) now fall under the Google Nest brand alongside other Google devices like Nest Hub displays and Google Wifi.
- Centralized Management: Many Google Nest devices can be managed through the Google Home app, simplifying control and automation for users. This unification aims to provide a more streamlined user experience for all smart home devices.
- Continued Support for Existing Devices: Users with existing Nest products can still manage their devices, including Nest Aware subscriptions and order history, and access support through dedicated Google Nest channels. The transition ensures that legacy Nest devices continue to function and receive necessary support.
Key Aspects of the Google Nest Integration
| Aspect | Pre-Integration (Nest Labs) | Post-Integration (Google Nest) |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Independent, then acquired by Google | Google (specifically under its hardware division) |
| Brand Name | Nest, Nest Labs | Google Nest |
| Product Line Unification | Separate from Google Home products | Unified with Google Home products under one brand |
| App Management | Primarily Nest app | Primarily Google Home app (with continued support for Nest app for some legacy features) |
| Product Focus | Smart thermostats, cameras, smoke/CO detectors | Broader smart home devices, including displays, speakers, and Wi-Fi systems |
Benefits of the Integration
The transition to Google Nest has brought several benefits, enhancing the user experience and expanding the capabilities of smart home devices:
- Enhanced AI and Assistant Capabilities: Nest devices can leverage Google Assistant's advanced artificial intelligence for voice control, routines, and contextual awareness, making smart homes more intuitive.
- Streamlined User Experience: By bringing Nest and Google Home products "under one roof," Google aims to create a more consistent and user-friendly experience across its entire smart home portfolio. Users can more easily set up, control, and automate devices from a single ecosystem.
- Future Innovation: The combined resources and expertise of Google and the former Nest team foster greater innovation in smart home technology, promising more advanced and integrated products in the future.
For more information on the range of products and services, you can explore the official Google Nest section on the Google Store.
