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Google Unveils Fourth Generation Nest Learning Thermostat
This week marks a significant milestone for Google as it introduces the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), nearly ten years after the last major update to the flagship device. The new thermostat features a complete redesign, enhanced capabilities, and supports the emerging smart home standard, Matter, enabling seamless integration with Apple Home.
Priced at $279.99, the new Nest Learning Thermostat surpasses the cost of its third-generation predecessor, which debuted in 2015. Along with the thermostat, customers will receive a new Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) designed for monitoring temperatures in various rooms. Preorders are currently available, with shipments scheduled to begin on August 20th, restricted to customers in the US and Canada.
The need for durable smart home devices is increasingly apparent, as consumers prefer not to replace their thermostats frequently. The previous model was released nine years ago, and technology has advanced considerably since then. Google’s latest offering represents the most significant redesign in the thermostat’s history, which first launched in 2011.
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) showcases a comprehensive redesign that modernizes its appearance and functionality.
Unlike its competitor, Ecobee, Google has opted not to incorporate an array of features like smart speakers, displays, or home hubs into its new thermostat. Instead, Google emphasizes the superiority of the thermostat in its core function—regulating temperature intelligently.
Leveraging AI technology, the updated model promises to learn users’ heating and cooling preferences with enhanced efficiency, further refining system management capabilities.
One of the noteworthy upgrades includes Google’s Soli radar sensor, which enhances the device’s ability to detect user presence and supports Matter for improved compatibility with other smart home devices. Consequently, the Nest Learning Thermostat can now seamlessly integrate with Apple Home apps, adding versatility to home automation (the 2020 Nest Thermostat is also Matter-compatible).
Interestingly, Matter connectivity operates solely over Wi-Fi, with no inclusion of the Thread networking protocol—a surprising choice since the original Nest thermostat inspired the development of Thread technology.
Anish Kattukaran, head of product at Google Home, explains that Google envisions users employing other devices, such as the new Google TV Streamer 4K, as Thread hubs. This allows the Nest Thermostat to concentrate on its primary role: ensuring comfort while promoting energy savings.
The new selection of Nest Learning Thermostats (4th gen) showcases a modern aesthetic while evoking design cues from earlier models.
Having seen the thermostat at Google’s New York office, it’s clear that the device boasts an impressive design shift. The enlarged 2.7-inch screen is more than double the size of its predecessor while maintaining a sleek and flattened profile. Design inspirations are drawn from the Pixel Watch, evident in its curved glass interface and customizable dial options.
Available in three metal finishes—black, silver, and gold—the thermostat presents an elegant look. The gold variant, in particular, stands out with a subtle sheen that complements its modern design.
The familiar rotating dial remains a key feature, now enhanced for smoother operation. The increased size also aids users in making precise selections with greater ease during navigation.
The Dynamic Farsight feature dynamically alters the thermostat’s displays when approached, utilizing the new Soli radar sensor for improved usability.
The design showcases a borderless screen that supports an exciting new Dynamic Farsight feature. This allows for charming animations and customizable display options, such as indoor temperature, a digital clock, or weather updates, and offers detailed information as individuals approach the device.
The new screen layout now includes extra fields, akin to watch complications, enabling users to monitor elements such as humidity, outdoor temperature, and a real-time air quality index—an advantageous tool in regions affected by seasonal air quality issues.
Enhanced features in the new thermostat not only address usability but also aim to reduce unnecessary temperature fluctuations.
Intelligence mechanisms also incorporate new energy-efficient technologies. The Natural Heating and Cooling functionality allows the thermostat to account for environmental factors, which can help save energy by reducing artificial heating on sunny days.
Updating Eco Mode, the Adaptive Eco feature adapts heating and cooling based on climate conditions, preventing energy spikes when the thermostat is inactive. Moreover, a new Smart Ventilation feature ensures that ventilation systems operate in synchronization with real-time air quality data.
The System Health Monitor replaces HVAC Monitoring, providing real-time alerts about system performance.
The enhancements to HVAC monitoring, now known as the System Health Monitor, deliver insights regarding system performance and potential alerts about operational issues. A Humidity Helper feature aims to stabilize humidity levels to mitigate condensation and mold growth issues. These innovations are exclusive to this model upon its launch.
According to Kattukaran, this fourth-generation thermostat is designed to be the most compatible yet, accommodating a broader range of systems, including humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and other ventilation components. The updated model supports 12 wire connections, an increase from the previous 10, and continues to operate effectively in systems without a C-wire.
Introducing the New Nest Temperature Sensor
The redesigned Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) maintains its primary function of measuring temperature in various rooms.
Another addition is the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen), which comes with the thermostat. While the sensor resembles its predecessor in functionality, it features a new aesthetic to complement the updated thermostat design. Its main responsibility remains to provide temperature readings from different areas of the home.
However, it’s worth noting that the sensor lacks occupancy monitoring, a feature available in competing models. An improvement is that multiple sensors can now coordinate temperature averages across different rooms, allowing for greater customization.
Users can integrate up to six sensors, designating active devices based on specific schedules via the Google Home app, which enables the thermostat to respond appropriately to varying temperature needs throughout the day.
With its modern profile, the latest Nest offers substantial innovations over its forerunners.
The latest iteration of the Nest Learning Thermostat enhances the already popular device with significant upgrades. Although it competes with established features found in Ecobee devices, the arrival of such sought-after capabilities is a welcome addition. Featuring an attractive design, this device could easily be mistaken for a stylish piece of wall art.
The Nest Learning Thermostat retails for $279.99, while the Nest Temperature Sensor is priced at $39.99 (or $99.99 for a set of three). Both are currently available for pre-order on store.google.com and select retailers, with shipments starting on August 20th.
Source
www.theverge.com