Google recently announced the exciting news that it is rolling out support for its Nest Hello doorbell in the Google Home app. This means that users can now transfer Google’s original video doorbell camera, also known as the Nest Doorbell (wired, 1st gen), from the Nest app to Google’s Home app. Additionally, Google is making its garage door detection feature available to all users with compatible hardware, moving it out of Public Preview.
The garage door detection feature utilizes a Nest Cam to alert users when their garage door is left open. This feature was initially launched last fall in Google’s Public Preview, where users had the opportunity to try out upcoming features. Now, it is accessible to all Nest Aware subscribers in the US and Canada, with subscription plans starting at $8 a month or $80 a year.
One of the great aspects of garage door detection is that it does not require any additional hardware. Unlike a smart garage door controller that typically needs to be wired to the garage door’s electrics, users only need to point their compatible Google Nest cam at the door. This makes it a simple and cost-effective solution for monitoring the status of your garage door.
Nest Hello users will soon have the option to transfer their video doorbell to the Google Home app if they are part of Google’s Public Preview program. This transition will enable users to manage the doorbell, view recorded videos, and connect it to other devices in Google Home for automation purposes. The integration of the Nest Hello doorbell in the Google Home app brings most of the doorbell’s functionality to a single platform, making it more convenient for users.
Google has been gradually moving its legacy Nest cameras to the Google Home app over the past few years. While the Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 1st gen) have already been integrated, the addition of the Nest Hello doorbell opens up new possibilities for users. Google is actively working on transitioning additional Nest devices into the Home app, although some devices such as the Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor models, as well as the Nest Protect smoke alarm, are still only accessible through the Nest app.
Google’s move to support the Nest Hello doorbell in the Google Home app is a significant step towards streamlining the user experience for smart home device owners. The integration of the garage door detection feature further enhances the utility of Nest Cams for monitoring the security of your home. As Google continues to transition its legacy Nest devices to the Home app, users can look forward to a more cohesive and streamlined smart home ecosystem.
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