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Energy and electricity are essential to our daily lives, helping us power our appliances, smart devices, and lights and heat or cool our homes. A large portion of US energy production, such as the ones coming from coal and gas, leads to the release of greenhouse gases. These gasses negatively impact air quality and pollution and contribute to global warming.
Google's latest planet-saving aspiration is controlling the traffic lights
Plus the launch of Nest Renew for your smart thermostat
Like so many big companies these days, Google's very concerned about the environment, and loves sharing with us all the steps it's taking to be a good corporate citizen. Those have invovled efforts like reducing the amount of carbon-based energy used to power its campuses and data centers. Today Google's announcing its latest progress along those lines, including new environmental data in response to user searches, the introduction of the Nest Renew program, some tweaks to Maps, and an ambitious plan that may one day have Google controlling the traffic lights in your town.
Google is working on a fix for the Nest app bug that's ruining your energy history
A partial outage is affecting the app, but Google is on the case
A number of users have been complaining of broken energy history data in the Nest app over the weekend. The thermostats themselves seem to be fine, but the app data is incomplete, which sounds like a real pain in the posterior. Thankfully, Google is aware of the issue and is currently working to fix it.
Google is offering free Nest Thermostat Power Connectors for a limited time
You’ll receive an email if you’re eligible
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Many of us (like me) lack a so-called common or "C wire" in our home's HVAC wiring. That's a complicated way of saying there's no way for a smart thermostat to draw continuous power separately from the wires that actually control stuff, and that means you might run into issues, like your heating system flipping on when it shouldn't to top up your thermostat's battery, or a non-rechargeable model like the new Nest Thermostat dying faster than expected.It's all honestly pretty obnoxious to deal with, but thankfully Google just announced a new Nest Power Connector that you can install yourself to fix the problem.[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlx2Um6D1Z8[/EMBED_YT]The Nest Power Connector is a boring-looking plastic dongle with five wires sticking out of it that you wire in between your Nest Thermostat and furnace or AC unit. It works with several HVAC system configurations, including heating only, cooling only, or both, and is compatible with 24 VAC systems only — no millivolt or high-voltage support. That should cover most home solutions, but probably not everyone with C-wire issues.The setup process is a relatively simple nine-step affair, if you're willing to muck around in your basement a little, flip off your circuit breaker, and move a few wires around. You can also opt for professional installation if you prefer — it's probably still cheaper than running new wiring to each thermostat, and Google recommends it over self-installs.
Jump on this great Nest Thermostat deal before it's too late
A new low for Nest's most affordable thermostat
Nest got its start bringing smart thermostats to the masses, and last year's model went back to basics for its cheapest device yet. As long as you're okay with the switch to plastic and the lack of a rotating ring, Nest's newest gadget is a great way to upgrade to sync your house's temperature with Google Home. Its usual price is already a bargain, but several retailers have it marked down to just $99 today, a deal that you'll want to grab before it's too late.If you don't remember, Nest's entry-level thermostat makes a few changes from its more high-end devices to lower the price. If you can deal with the plastic body and a mirrored finish overlaying the display, there's a lot to love about this gadget — especially if it's your first dive into the world of smart heating and cooling. Just don't expect fancy add-ons like extra temperature sensors and multistage heaters. For that kind of premium experience, you'll have to jump up to a much higher price point.
Nest Thermostat (2020) review, three months later: The smart home gateway
You can't argue with the $130 price tag
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Nest kicked off the era of smart thermostats in 2011, and since then, there have been improved thermostats, new products, and a Google acquisition. Through all that, Nest's thermostats have remained at the premium end of the market. The company's previous "budget" thermostat was still $180 at launch. The new Nest Thermostat, however, is undeniably a budget device. There's the price, of course, at a mere $130. The hardware also looks much cheaper in real life, but that's not totally unsurprising given the price.
Smart home gadgets are incredibly useful, but they can also be a nightmare to fix when and if things don't work as expected. While I'm sure Google would prefer if all its Nest hardware simply worked right all the time, that's not something you can always depend on. To help with the troubleshooting process, Google is rolling out a pair of new tools for its Nest Thermostat and Nest Cameras that promise to help make the usually frustrating process a little bit easier.
How to give your phone the official Cyberpunk 2077 theme
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Google's Black Friday deals start today: $50 off Pixel 5, $150 off Google Home Max, and more
More to come November 25
We're fast approaching Black Friday, every major retailer's favorite day of the year. There are sure to be savings of all sorts popping up on the big day, but we've got the list of deals you can get on Google products starting today right here — and there are some deals you can't afford to miss.Google is or will be offering sales on pretty much all of its headlining products, including the new Pixel 5, Nest Audio speaker, the Nest Hub, and the Nest Learning Thermostat. Even Google Home Max, which is yet to be updated with Nest branding, sees significant savings of $150 off.Some of Nest's most popular smart home products like the Nest Hello camera and Nest Learning Thermostat will be on sale as well. If you've been looking to upgrade to Nest Wifi, you'll be able to get a router and point combo for 80 bucks off.Available now:
Ask us anything about the new Nest Thermostat (Q&A)
Subscribe to the Android Police Newsletter to read our answers
Google's Nest brand has seen a resurgence in recent years, introducing hot new products like Nest Wifi and Nest Audio. But as cool as these gadgets are, Nest's intelligent thermostats are still some of its most recognized products to date. Our Managing Editor Ryan Whitwam has been using the latest Nest Thermostat for a little over a week, and he's ready to answer your questions.
Philips Hue is discontinuing integration with Nest products, but only temporarily
A result of Google's continued branding bungling
Google and branding have a complicated relationship. The company has never been especially good at sticking with a single direction, often reversing course or renaming an entire product line after it's been released. The "Works with Nest" program is being replaced by "Works with Hey Google" program, and the transition might cause some confusion to customers using Philips Hue lights with certain Nest products.
Google's new Nest Thermostat is already down to $113 ($17 off)
It's just been released a month ago, but can be hard to install
Google unveiled a new version of its Nest Thermostat last month, which was also meant to be cheaper than the previous version, costing $130. Surprisingly, it's already $17 off on Amazon, selling for just $113.
You can now buy the new, more affordable Nest Thermostat at the Google Store, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more
Just in time for the cold weather
Google's completely redesigned Nest Thermostat is now generally available for purchase at retailers, escaping pre-order limbo at the Google Store as sales open at other storefronts. It's minimal, attractive, and pretty cheap at just $130, making it pretty low-risk if you want to pick one up before we publish our full review.
Google unveils completely redesigned Nest Thermostat priced at just $129.99
The old Nest Thermostat will continue existing, though
Google hasn't released an updated smart thermostat since the Nest Thermostat E in 2017, but a new one is coming in just a few weeks with a simpler design and a lower price tag. You can pre-order the new thermostat today in four great colors for a mere $129.99. That's $40 less than the Thermostat E and $120 less than the 3rd Gen Nest. Despite what you may have heard, there are no Soli-based gestures. There is a Soli sensor inside, but it's just for motion detection.
New Nest thermostat from Google hits FCC, may have Soli-like gesture support
Nearly identical frequencies point to motion gesture support
A new and previously unknown thermostat from Google just hit the FCC. The (probably Nest-branded) thermostat was filed confidentially, so things like images aren't included in the FCC's library of information regarding the product, but there is one very curious detail: Explicit support for 60GHz frequencies at power levels identical to the Pixel 4. These ultra-high frequency bands are only really used for a few things, and our bet is on Google's Soli motion gestures.
Google is aware of 'w5' Wi-Fi failures on some Nest thermostats and providing replacements
If troubleshooting doesn't work, it's a known issue and you can get a replacement
In the last few months, we've seen an increase of reports regarding a "w5 error" for Nest thermostats, causing them to be unable to connect to Wi-Fi. Some device owners have accused an update of being the cause of their woes, but whatever might be triggering the problem, Google tells us its a known issue affecting a very small number of users, and the company is issuing replacement devices if and when other troubleshooting methods fail.
Seasonal Savings coming to all Nest thermostats to help save on energy bills
The smart home gets a little smarter
The arrival of the smart home has made everything from switching off lights to turning on the coffee maker easier than ever, but there are some problems that take extra smarts to solve. For Nest smart thermostats, that extra help comes in the form of the company's Seasonal Savings program, a feature designed to helps to save on energy costs. Previously restricted to users with specific utility providers, it's now starting rolling out to all Nest thermostats.
Guard your deliveries with a Nest Hello doorbell, only $180 for Costco members ($40 off, plus 6 months Nest Aware)
Ding-dong, savings calling
The Nest Hello doorbell debuted almost 2 years ago, and our review of it was a rave. If you're in the market for a new doorbell, you're in luck: Costco has the Nest Hello — including a 6-month subscription to Nest Aware — on sale for $180, $40 off the standard price.
Nest has returned from yet another service outage
But at least you're already at home, so you can keep an eye on your stuff yourself
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If you're having trouble connecting to your Nest Cam's live feed, adjust your Nest Thermostat, or set up a new Nest product right now, you aren't alone. The service is suffering (another) partial outage as we speak. Although cameras appear to be coming back, thermostats are still out.
Nest was the first smart thermostat company to hit the streets, and it's still the best in the biz. Its most recent offering in its Learning Thermostat collection, the third-generation model, is currently available from Rakuten via Altatac for 2.51 with a coupon code. This is even lower than Black Friday pricing.