Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) bas finally revealed new updates for its connected home devices and software through its Nest Labs after a year in waiting.
The Smart devices in the home project are intended to place Google on the forefront when it comes to cutting edge technology. Nest Labs released the updates just as questions were beginning to probe the company’s efforts with the technology. There is a new camera called the Nest cam. It is an upgrade from the previous one known as the Dropcam.
The Nest cam records high-resolution videos and uses a special algorithm to identify suspicious activities in the home. It then notifies users if anything unusual is detected. The camera will be on store shelves in Germany, U.K. and the United States within the coming week. It will retail at around $199. Nest has also revealed a new update for the carbon monoxide and smoke detector that will be able to detect how fast a fire is developing and can even be switched off using a mobile application.
The new protector device will cost $99, similar to the first edition. The previous model was recalled in May 2014 due to a design flaw where an accidental hand wave would prevent it from going off during a fire. Its wave feature was designed to silence the alarm by detecting a hand wave. However, the device was reintroduced to the market with the wave feature disabled two months after it was recalled.
Nest Labs also has a new version of its mobile application that can be used to control the cameras, the thermostat, and the smoke detector. There are also different applications for the thermostat and camera system. Nest CEO claimed that the organization is trying to make things more efficient and is also making plans to bring in more devices into the automated systems. Nest Labs has been criticized for the slow pace in which it has been developing its products and services.
