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Ring Video Doorbell 4 vs. Google Nest Doorbell (Battery, 2nd Gen): Which is right for you?
The best of the security cam titans may look evenly matched, but which comes out on top?
Adding a video doorbell to your property is an excellent way to generate some quick peace of mind without having to invest in a full security system. This isn't to say that having multiple cameras covering different parts of your home isn't the ideal surveillance option, but if you can't afford multiple lenses or don't want the hassle of all those devices, a video doorbell is a great start.
Google Nest Doorbell Battery vs. Nest Doorbell Wired: Down to the wire
It's mostly about power, but not entirely
We're as annoyed as anyone at increasingly mandatory subscriptions, but even considering the all-but-required Nest Aware fee, Google's Nest Doorbell is still one of our favorite doorbell cams. With good video quality and a number of attractive finishes, there's a lot to like about it. It comes in wired and battery versions, which look nearly identical and both cost the same amount. If you're wondering what the difference is — and which you should buy — you've come to the right place. Here's what you need to know.
The Nest Doorbell with battery is getting a massive price cut for Prime Day
Pick up one of the best doorbell cameras on the cheap this shopping holiday
Smart home cameras are available in abundance today. A quick gander at any of the reputed online retail marketplaces will pull up several options, often leading to confusion, particularly since every product is marketed as the best in its respective category. But as far as doorbell cameras go, not many come close to the functionality provided by Google's 2nd gen Nest Doorbell. Amazon is knocking $60 off this doorbell's original price on the occasion of Prime Day.
How to set up package notifications on your Nest Doorbell
Receive alerts when a parcel is delivered and picked up
The best smart doorbells are an excellent way to interact with visitors and delivery people, even when you're busy or away from home. For instance, when someone rings your door to deliver a package, you can tell them to leave it at your doorstep so that you can pick it up when you're home later in the day. Occasionally, the package can be left at your door without someone ringing, but your Nest camera can still let you know automatically and instantly.
Google periodically updates its Nest doorbells with seasonal ringtones. For the past few years, we've regularly seen limited-time tones around winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and Lunar New Year, plus tones for Halloween and even the Fourth of July. In a blog post authored by Nest audio UX designer Benjamin Decker, Google has announced it will be adding new tones later this year and into 2023 for several global holidays—plus a sweet polka ringtone for Oktoberfest, which starts in just a couple of weeks.
Your Nest Doorbell wants you to start getting into that patriotic 4th of July mood
A handful of new, patriotism-themed ringtones have been rolled out for the Nest Doorbell
Independence Day is less than a week away. Celebrations in the US are looming, which means it's almost time for fireworks, cookouts, and that glorious, overwhelming feeling of freedom. If you want to get into your best patriotic mood now, you can start by putting on your best red and blue clothes — and changing your doorbell ringtone to something that screams America. Google has released a few new ringtones for your Nest Doorbell that will let your guests know that it's almost America's birthday, as if they don't already know.
Google's At a Glance widget on Pixels could start notifying you of packages spotted by your Nest Doorbell
The latest teardown suggests the feature could be under development
Google's Nest Doorbell family, like many other smart video doorbells, leans heavily on software to deliver a compelling feature set, and for the most useful stuff that's going to require a Nest Aware subscription. Users have already been able to get alerts when carriers drop off packages, and now a new report suggests that package delivery notifications may be coming to the Pixel's At a Glance widget, as well.
Google explains why your Nest Cam and Doorbell batteries are acting all wonky this winter
And the suggested workaround is... warmth
Google's battery-powered Nest Cam and Nest Doorbell provide some smarter security for your home with flexible placement options, thanks to their portable power source. But if you've installed them outdoors and, like many, have noticed that the batteries aren't lasting as long when the temperature falls below freezing, you're not alone. The company has heard these complaints and is now providing its customers with an explanation.
One of the great things about using a smart doorbell instead of a conventional one is the ability to customize what you hear when someone comes to your door and pushes that button. As it did during the 2021 winter holiday season, Google has now made new ringtones available for the Nest Doorbell — this time in celebration of Lunar New Year.
Nest's holiday doorbell ringtones have arrived, no subscription needed
Come on, get into the holiday spirit
The holiday season wouldn't be complete without changing your doorbell's ringtone to a seasonal chime that's sure to annoy the hell out of the rest of the family. If you own a wired or battery-powered Nest Doorbell, the time has now come to head into the Nest app and choose your seasonal theme.
Nest Doorbell (battery) review: Worthless without a subscription
$180 is only the start, it's basically useless without a monthly or yearly Nest Aware subscription
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Most of us have a doorbell, but most of us probably don't have a smart doorbell, even if our house is otherwise loaded with ostensibly "smart" gadgets. It's actually a pretty useful thing, too, letting you keep an eye on packages, speak to folks that drop by while you're away, or just see who is at the door. Along with the release of Google's new security cameras, it's trying to make them a little more accessible for customers, reducing the cost of the optional subscription and opening up which features are available without one. The new battery-powered $180 Nest Doorbell joins the existing wired option, and it is probably worth a look if you're heavy into the Assistant ecosystem but can't plug in, though there are some notable issues.
You can now start using Nest Doorbell’s seasonal Halloween chimes
Alongside new tones exclusive to the battery-powered Nest Doorbell
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We’re only a week into autumn, but I’m already all in. Apple cider in my fridge, a pumpkin on my doorstep — it’s fall’s world, and I’m just living in it. If you’re ready to dive into the Halloween season as soon as possible, Google’s annual Halloween-themed doorbell chimes are now ready for use with your Nest Doorbell, alongside a few permanent additions to the company’s latest gadget.
Google says a second-gen wired Nest Doorbell is coming in 2022
Complete with continuous recording via Nest Aware
Google introduced a new wireless version of the Nest Doorbell last month, with a Wi-Fi connection and a battery in order to record camera events. But it lacked an important function that the older wired model could handle: continuous recording. It can't even record continuously when it's connected to dedicated power. Plenty of Nest users weren't impressed, saying they'd stick with the older version or find another solution. It seems that Google was listening.
Google rep explains why the Nest Doorbell can't record continuously even when it's wired
You'll need to either buy the older wired model or pair it with a second cam for that
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If you were hoping to pick up one of the new Nest Doorbells and wire it in for continuous recording, Google tells us that won't be an option. Even though the new battery-powered Nest Doorbell can be plugged in permanently, so you don't have to recharge it, it still won't support continuous 24/7 video recording, even though the new battery-powered Nest Cam will.
Nest's new battery-powered security camera and video doorbell now shipping in the US
Buy them today, install them this weekend
After announcing a bumper crop of smart security hardware earlier this month, Google appears ready to begin delivering its new battery-powered Nest smart home devices to the masses. Google Store shoppers can now cart both items and get actual ship dates.
Google promises to replace some Nest cameras for free if they're stolen
Try this one weird trick to get a free second Nest Cam — and go to jail for fraud
According to a support page (spotted by AP alum/Ars Technica editor Ron Amadeo), Google will replace the new battery-powered Nest Cam and the newer and older Nest Doorbells if they are stolen. Google reserves the right to say "no" if things seem sketchy, and you have a few hoops to jump through, but it should make sure you aren't out $180 if someone absconds with your new camera or doorbell.
Nest has a new doorbell, battery-powered camera, smart floodlight, and the cheapest Nest Cam to date
A Nest Cam for every part of your house — hopefully excluding the bathroom
Though the company leaked it a bit early, the new Nest lineup of smart security cameras is now official and covers a wide spread of options, from new battery-powered cameras to the cheapest Nest Cam yet, and even a brand new floodlight. Price range from $280 down to $99. Availability for the four new models varies, with pre-orders for the new $180 battery-powered Nest Cam and $280 Nest Doorbell starting today. And if you're cheap (like me), Google's also expanding what you can do without a Nest Aware subscription.
Google Store mistakenly reveals unreleased Nest hardware
We should be expecting new a new Nest Cam and a Doorbell soon
Google discontinued the Nest IQ outdoor camera at the beginning of the year but promised a new lineup of cameras would land later during the year. The company seemed to be delivering on its promise as a "wireless streaming device," most likely a security camera, passed through the FCC in March. We're one step closer to getting our hands on these new products, as the company mistakenly published them on its online store for a short while.