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Last spring, Google announced that it would be winding down support for a couple of legacy products this year. The end-of-life date communicated last year is practically here: if you're still using Dropcam cameras or the Nest Secure smart security system, you've got until April 8 until they're no longer supported by the Nest app, effectively rendering them useless. If you haven't redeemed your replacement offer yet, there's never been a better time.
Brinks is winding down Nest Secure alarm system monitoring in 2023
It'll still work as an alarm, though
Google-owned Nest released the Nest Secure smart security system, comprising a keypad/siren home base and motion sensors for doors and windows, in 2017. It didn't last long. Officially discontinued in 2020, it's still technically supported, but only through the aging Nest app — not Google Home, where other Nest devices have lived for some time. At the end of next year, though, it's losing functionality that, for some, is crucial: home security company Brinks Home will no longer offer professional monitoring for Nest Secure systems by the end of 2023.
Google swears this is your very, very, (very) last chance to add a Nest Detect to your system
Expand your Nest Secure while you still can
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What's the only thing Google likes more than introducing new products and services? You, in the back? Yes, that's right: killing them off. Last fall, we spotted the writing on the wall as the Nest Secure home security system was being retired, including its Nest Detect sensors. In the months since we've had a few opportunities to snag more of those sensors as they sporadically returned to the Google Store, but now we're getting word that they're finally about to leave for good.
Google confirms the Nest Secure has been discontinued, additional sensors will be available in December
It was released in 2017 and never received a direct successor
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Google released the Nest Secure in 2017 as a simple security system with motion sensors and a keypad, but it never received an upgrade, even as other Nest devices were updated again and again. Google has now confirmed to Android Police that the Nest Secure is discontinued, though it will continue functioning.
Google's $279 Pixel 3a sale expires tomorrow (May 28)
And a whole bunch of Nest deals are reaching their ends, too
The Google Store started a sale last week on the Pixel 3a and a whole bunch of Nest stuff. The 3a phones have grown into old age for their product cycle, so if you do want to get a new one while supplies last, you only have through tomorrow to do so.
In the coming days, Google's modular Nest Secure alarm system will gain a new ability. The microphone inside the Nest Guard keypad, which was previously used only for the Assistant functionality, will start pulling double-duty to detect for the sound of glass being broken on windows and doors. The idea is that even if your Nest Detect sensors aren't disturbed by a broken window, the Guard may still be able to alert you to a break in.
If you're looking at getting a home security system for the home you're trying to smarten up, you're spoiled for options. The Nest Secure alarm kit might be one you're considering, featuring a hub that doubles as a Google Assistant speaker, motion sensors, and tags along with an app that allows you to arm and disarm whenever and wherever you are. We've seen it come down in price with a few recent sales, but its once again down to its lowest price yet at almost half-off. You just have to make the purchase today.
Nest products are known to be well designed, easy to use, and reliable. What they're not so popular for is their price, which tends to be quite high. When the brand launched its Secure starter kit, it priced is at $400, which was probably a bit too steep. However, its all-in-one alarm system is now available for $230-$250, making it far more affordable than before.The bundle includes the Guard base station, a pair of Detect sensors, as well as two RFID tags to disarm the system quickly. The hub features a built-in siren to deter intruders and connects to your network over Wi-Fi. It can be operated using your phone, the keypad or the included tags. The Detects are quite versatile, as they act as both motion and door or window sensors, depending on how you mount them. They're also designed to recognize your pet, so it doesn't inadvertently set off the alarm. Lastly, they can light up the path at night while you walk past them for added convenience. Of course, the kit can be extended to add more devices, with support for up to thirty Detects and ten tags, with the option to de-activate lost ones for extra security.
Google purchased Nest a long time ago in 2014. For quite a while, the company remained relatively autonomous and independent under the Alphabet umbrella, but recently, Google has folded Nest and its product right into its hardware division. Most notably, the Home Hub is now called Nest Hub, and Nest devices are losing their ability to connect to IFTTT, all in the name of security. However, with Nest accounts being migrated to Google accounts at the moment, users are experiencing inconveniences – some people report they haven't been able to connect their Secure and Nest IQ cams with the Assistant for weeks.
It's understandable for mobile tech enthusiasts to be suffering from a bit of an attention-span issue right now. After all, we're just a little over a week away from the start of Mobile World Congress 2019, one of the biggest new-product expos of the year. With all those fresh hot devices waiting in the wings, how are we to focus on anything else? Somehow, though, we're managing to keep at least some attention on the present, and over the past week we've covered a lot of tempting deals — here are some of the best that are still active:
Nest launched its home security bundle at $500 a while back, which was pretty tough to justify. It has since come down $100, and today it's on sale for $100-120 less than that. Plus, you can get those spendy all-in-one Nest Detect sensors for an all-time low price of $39.
Last spring, the Nest Secure finally picked up Assistant-based controls, letting you do things like arm/disarm, and check the status of your home security setup from your phone or Google Home. It would appear that was merely the first step in deeper Assistant integration following the merger of Nest with Google's hardware team. Starting today, your Nest Secure won't just accept commands from your Google Home, it'll start to behave like one itself. That's right, it's getting the Assistant.
It has been a big week for deals here at Android Police, and better still, a whole bunch of them are still going strong, as their savings continue to be available for shoppers looking to take advantage. Whether you're shopping for a new phone, some smart-home accessories, or just looking for a new source of entertainment, these deals have got you covered.
The Nest Secure is a smart security system that's super-easy to set up. However, it was also really expensive at launch. Today, Nest has knocked 20% off the price of the full Secure system, and this is a permanent price drop. If you want extra Detect sensors, those are a little cheaper, too.
The Nest Secure launched last year with a few cool features including all-in-one Detect sensors and NFC tags to disarm. It lacked one seemingly obvious feature—Google Assistant support. Nest is finally rectifying that oversight with an over-the-air update. You can arm the Secure, check your security level, and (sometimes) disarm it by voice.
The Nest Secure has been out for a few months now, and it has yet to see much in the way of discounts. That changes now that Best Buy has dropped the price of the home monitoring system by $100. You can pick up the starter pack right now for $399, and there are even some slightly cheaper listings on eBay.
Nest has made its name by adding smart features to things that you might already have around the house. It's worked pretty well in the past with devices like the Nest Thermostat, but home security is a more serious business. It's different than a thermostat—people rely on a security system to control access to their homes. The new Nest Secure is trying to take the place of an existing product with an important function. It's a balancing act between convenience and safety, and Nest mostly gets it right. The hardware is capable and innovative, and setup was a breeze for me. However, it's missing a few features, and the price is high at $500. That's just the starter pack, too. If you want to outfit all your doors and windows, get ready to spend a whole lot more.
The Nest Secure home security system plugs into the Nest app to let you know if something is going down in your house. However, it has optional support for professional monitoring if you want a bit more peace of mind. Nest noted during its announcement that Moni security monitoring would come to Next Secure later, and apparently that means today. You can register your Next Secure with Moni right now, but it comes with a monthly cost.
When Google recently decided to sell only company-made hardware in the Google Store, Nest products were kept in stock. That's not exactly a surprise, given that it's a subsidiary of Alphabet, just like Google. Now the lineup of Nest security cameras, thermostats, and other smart home security accessories sold in the Google Store is expanding.
Nest started shipping the Nest Secure system a few days ago, but there will be another way to get Nest's new security system later this week. T-Mobile has announced it will sell a Nest Secure bundle beginning November 10th. It includes some extra hardware, financing, and a small discount on your monthly service fees.