Google Brings Nest Hello Support to the Home App

Google has announced the rollout of support for its Nest Hello doorbell in the Google Home app, offering users a more streamlined and integrated experience. This update enables users to transfer Google’s original video doorbell camera — the Nest Doorbell (wired, 1st gen) — from the Nest app to the Google Home app. Alongside this, Google has made its garage door detection feature available to all users with compatible hardware, moving it out of Public Preview.

Nest Hello Integration in Google Home App

With the new integration, Nest Hello users can manage their video doorbell and view recorded videos directly in the Google Home app. This functionality was previously exclusive to the Nest app. Users enrolled in Google’s Public Preview will soon see an option to transfer their video doorbell to the Home app, allowing for a more unified smart home experience.

The new feature sends alerts through the Google Home app when your door is open, closed or left open. Image: Google

This update also facilitates better integration with other devices in the Google Home ecosystem, enabling users to set up automations that use camera events as triggers. However, it’s important to note that once transferred, the doorbell cannot be accessed simultaneously in both the Nest and Home apps, though users can revert the transfer if desired.

Garage Door Detection Feature Goes Live

Google’s garage door detection feature, which was previously available only to Public Preview users, is now accessible to all Nest Aware subscribers in the US and Canada. Nest Aware subscriptions start at Rs700 per month or Rs6500 per year.

The Google Home app has transitioned most of the Nest app's video playback features, including switching between timeline and event views. Image: Google

This feature uses Nest Cams to notify users when their garage door is open, closed, or left open. It works with the Nest Cam (indoor, wired, 2nd gen) and the Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) when wired for power. Unlike smart garage door controllers that need to be wired into your garage door’s electrics, this feature only requires pointing a compatible Google Nest cam at the door. While it can notify you of the door’s status, it doesn’t control the door.

Transition of Legacy Nest Devices

Google has been gradually transitioning its legacy Nest cameras to the Google Home app. So far, the Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 1st gen) and Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 1st gen) have been integrated. The addition of the Nest Hello doorbell is a significant step forward, but several devices still need to be transitioned, including:

• Nest Cam IQ Indoor

• Nest Cam IQ Outdoor

• Nest Protect Smoke Alarm

These devices can show live footage in the Home app but require the Nest app for recorded video access. Google has confirmed it will not transition the original Dropcams and Nest Secure system, having ended support for these products earlier this year.

What’s Next?

Google is “actively working to transition additional Nest devices into the Home app,” aiming to provide a more cohesive smart home experience. The new integration and features are a welcome update for many users, simplifying the management of their smart home devices and enhancing functionality within the Google Home app.

For more tech news and updates, stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News.