The End of an Era: Google’s Decision to Discontinue Nest Thermostat Support

In a move that’s sure to send shockwaves through the smart home community, Google has announced that it’s ending software updates for the first-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, released in 2011, and the second-gen model that came a year later. This decision also affects the European Nest Learning Thermostat from 2014. But that’s not all – Google is also pulling Nest thermostats out of Europe entirely, citing “unique” heating challenges.

The Impact on Customers

For customers who’ve had Nest hardware in their home for many years, this news is likely to be frustrating. The ability to control these “smart” thermostats from a phone will soon be a thing of the past. While Google isn’t breaking the core functionality of the thermostats, a lot of the appeal and convenience will disappear as software support winds down. The early Nest Learning Thermostats can at least be used locally without Wi-Fi, which isn’t true of newer models.

The Future of Smart Home Devices

This type of phase-out is a very real fear tied to smart home devices as companies put screens into more and more appliances. Is 14 years a reasonable lifespan for these gadgets before their smarts fade away? There’s no indication that Google plans to open source the hardware, which raises questions about the long-term viability of these devices.

A Silver Lining

There is one bright spot for owners of recent Nest Thermostats: Google says owners “will be able to create and adjust schedules” from the Google Home app later this year for the first time. This is a small consolation, but it’s something.

A Discount to Ease the Pain

In an attempt to ease customer anger, Google is offering a $130 discount on the fourth-gen Nest Learning Thermostat in the US, $160 off the same device in Canada, and 50 percent savings on the Tado Smart Thermostat X in Europe. This is a clear attempt to soften the blow of this decision.

The History of Nest

The original Nest thermostats were released while the company was an independent brand under the leadership of former Apple executive Tony Fadell. Google acquired Nest in 2014 for $3.2 billion. It’s clear that Google has been planning this move for some time, and it’s a sign of the company’s shifting priorities in the smart home space.

What’s Next?

As the smart home market continues to evolve, it’s clear that companies like Google will need to adapt to changing consumer needs and technological advancements. While this decision may be frustrating for some, it’s also an opportunity for Google to focus on newer, more innovative products that meet the needs of a rapidly changing market.

Actionable Insights

• If you’re a customer with an older Nest thermostat, it’s time to start thinking about upgrading to a newer model.
• If you’re in the market for a new thermostat, consider looking at other options that may offer more long-term support and innovation.
• As the smart home market continues to evolve, it’s clear that companies will need to adapt to changing consumer needs and technological advancements.

Summary

Google’s decision to discontinue Nest thermostat support is a significant move that’s sure to send shockwaves through the smart home community. While it’s a frustrating decision for some, it’s also an opportunity for Google to focus on newer, more innovative products that meet the needs of a rapidly changing market. As the smart home market continues to evolve, it’s clear that companies will need to adapt to changing consumer needs and technological advancements.