Google's Nest upgrades 'connected' security devices lineup

Nest's acquisition of Dropcam last year was definitely a big move into the smart home security system segment but whether the company would build its own ecosystem or rely on one of the various smart home protocols already on the market remained unclear. Now, with Nest announcing the release of Nest Cam and its new Nest App 5.0 in an effort to redesign its entire line, it is clear that the company wants to be at the center of IoT.

Nest Cam is still much like its predecessor, the Dropcam Pro, in terms of hardware capabilities. One of the few upgrades is that the new surveillance camera records and streams at 1080p HD. Another is the noticeable sleeker body integrating a magnetic base for installation on refrigerators and metallic surfaces.

Also among the upgraded products in Nest's selection are the second-generation Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm and the Nest Leaning Thermostat. The smoke alarm has advanced multispectrum sensors that distinguish fire type while the thermostat can now notify the owner of extremely low temperatures to warn them that their pipes could freeze.

What is interesting is the nonhardware development. With all the said Nest devices controlled by a single unified interface on a smartphone or tablet, the Nest app, the company could be able to make progress in the smart home standards war.

If the ease-of-use promised by the new app is realized, it will be only a matter of time before other hardware manufacturers in the Works With Nest program have their own apps integrated into the Nest app completely. Current companies involved in the program include Philips Hue, Kevo, LIFX and several others. While all work with Nest component devices, all currently use standalone apps. If Nest is able to demonstrate that working even more closely with them is a formula for success, then more third-party product makers will likely sign up as partners/developers.