Google Unveils New AI-Powered Nest Cameras & Doorbell

Google Revamps Nest Lineup with AI-Powered Cameras and Doorbell

During its Google Home event on Wednesday, the company introduced an updated range of Nest devices. These include the Nest Cam Outdoor, priced at $149.99, the Nest Cam Indoor at $99.99, and the Nest Doorbell, available for $179.99. Google’s smart home security camera and doorbell brand is now designed to integrate Gemini AI, its advanced AI assistant.

All three newly released devices feature 2K HDR video. This high-definition format provides a noticeably sharper image quality than previous generations. It represents the highest resolution Google has implemented in its shipped products to date.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Fidelity

The selection of this particular sensor was deliberate. Google aimed for a level of detail that would be beneficial for its Gemini models, both currently and as the technology continues to develop. A key consideration was balancing image clarity with data consumption.

Users will now be able to zoom in and discern finer details, such as a license plate on a vehicle. This capability is achieved while carefully managing data usage.

Expanded Field of View for Comprehensive Monitoring

Beyond the 2K HDR, the new cameras boast a wider and taller field of view compared to their predecessors. The updated 152-degree diagonal view provides users with a more expansive perspective of their surroundings.

The Nest Doorbell also received an upgrade. Its field of view has been increased to 166 degrees, and the aspect ratio has been adjusted to 1:1, resulting in a more square image.

This enhancement allows for a more detailed view of visitors. The device can now capture a clear image of a person’s head and feet, as well as objects to either side, like packages left on the ground.

Improved Low-Light Performance

A new sensor and a wider aperture contribute to significantly improved low-light performance. Google states that the new devices offer 120% greater light sensitivity than older models.

This allows the cameras to maintain full-color mode for a longer duration during dawn and dusk. Infrared vision remains available for nighttime viewing, utilizing heat signatures in complete darkness.

Enhanced Alert Previews and Zoom Capabilities

Preview images for alerts will now be automatically zoomed in to highlight the specific event that triggered the notification. This makes it easier for users to quickly assess the situation.

Furthermore, users can now permanently zoom and crop the doorbell’s view to focus on a specific area. This customized view will remain fixed, providing continuous monitoring of a designated zone.

Gemini Integration Enhances Nest Security Devices

Google is focusing on leveraging its Gemini AI capabilities and enhancing core functionalities to differentiate its Nest products from competitors in the smart home security market.

A key improvement is the doubling of free event history recording, now extending to six hours, accompanied by a 10-second video clip for each recorded event. Users desiring extended storage can opt for subscription plans offering 10 days, 60 days, or other durations.

The integration of Gemini significantly refines the way notifications are delivered to users.

Currently, users often receive a high volume of alerts for camera events, requiring them to manually determine relevance. Gemini aims to resolve this by providing more contextualized notifications.

Rather than a simple motion detection alert, users may receive a notification such as “dog jumps out of playpen,” complete with a zoomed-in video preview.

“This transformation is driven by what we term ‘semantic scene understanding,’” explained Anish Kattukaran, chief product officer for Google Home and Nest, during a pre-announcement press conference. “Gemini’s multi-modal nature – a complex undertaking – allows it to interpret the events unfolding within the video feed,” he added.

“Consequently, we move beyond alerts like ‘person detected’ or ‘package delivered’ to Gemini identifying a FedEx driver delivering a package and then departing,” Kattukaran clarified.

Furthermore, the Google Home app will feature a “Home Brief” summarizing the previous 24 hours’ activity. This includes details on package deliveries, pet activity, visitor identification, and other notable events. Users can customize the brief’s length and focus, prioritizing information about children, pets, or other areas of interest.

Users can query Gemini for specific information, such as the children’s school arrival time, the landscaper’s visit, or UPS delivery status.

Gemini will also broaden access to advanced features, including home automation routines and improved energy usage insights.

Instead of manual configuration, users can instruct Gemini to enhance home security, prompting the AI to suggest routines involving blind closure, door locking, or simulating occupancy through automated lighting control during absences.

The new cameras are packaged without plastic and are available in updated color options. The Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd gen., $99.99) comes in Snow, Hazel, and Berry, while the Outdoor Cam (Wired, 2nd gen., $149.99) is offered in Snow and Hazel, boasting an IP56 rating for weather and dust resistance.

A green indicator light will continue to illuminate when the camera is actively processing or streaming video. Google maintains its commitment to video encryption, two-step verification, and prohibits the use of footage for advertising or personalization purposes.

The Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd gen., $179.99) is available in Snow, Hazel, and Linen.

These devices are available through major retailers and the Google Store, initially launching in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The new Nest Doorbell will initially be available in the U.S. and Canada.

To broaden market reach, Google has partnered with Walmart to introduce more affordable options, including the onn Indoor Camera Wired ($22.96) and onn Video Doorbell Wired ($49.86), both offering 1080p resolution. Access to enhanced Gemini-powered features requires a paid subscription.

Google Home Premium: A Rebranding of Nest Aware

The Nest Aware subscription service is undergoing a transformation and will now be known as Google Home Premium. Despite this change in name, the subscription levels and associated costs will remain consistent.

Currently, Google Home Premium offers two tiers: Standard at $10 per month, and Advanced at $20 per month.

A significant benefit is the inclusion of Google Home Premium with existing Google One subscriptions, at no additional charge.

Subscription Tier Benefits

• Google AI Pro subscribers ($20/month) will receive the Google Home Premium Standard tier as part of their package.
• Users with the Google AI Ultra subscription ($250/month) will gain access to the more comprehensive Google Home Premium Advanced tier.

This integration streamlines access to features for users already invested in the Google ecosystem.

Furthermore, Google is consolidating its smart home control into a single application.

The functionality previously divided between the Nest mobile app and the Google Home app is now unified within the Google Home app.

While the Nest app will not be immediately discontinued, Google is prioritizing a smooth transition for its users.

The company intends to ensure a seamless shift before ultimately phasing out the separate Nest application. (Further details regarding the updated Google Home app can be found here.)