Newsletter
Since Nest was bought by Google, we’ve been hearing jokes about how the Nest Thermostat will update your Google+ status, and stuff like that. Nest has been pretty adamant that the company is still separate from Google, even though Larry Page is signing their paychecks. They are especially adamant when it comes to customer data. Which we know Google collects just about everything, and uses it to create better products as well as target ads better.
During the press conference this morning in San Francisco, Nest didn’t say a word about Google, or any of their services. However in the press release, you’ll see that Nest is working with YouTube and Google Fiber. Two of our favorite services from Google. Nest is launching a promotional program for their thermostat that is specific to Google Fiber customers. This is for Fiber users in Austin, Kansas City, and Provo, Utah. They will be receiving a discount on the Nest Learning Thermostat. They are looking at $199 along with free installation. Normally the thermostat is $249. Fiber has already announced expansions into 18 additional cities, earlier this year. Once Fiber is available in those markets, the Nest Thermostat will extend to those markets as well. Google hasn’t said much about Fiber, and hasn’t even mentioned how many users they have. So it’s tough to say how many users will be eligible for this discount.
Nest announced a partnership with YouTube as well. Another product that Google acquired. They have selected a couple of content creators – often referred to as ‘YouTubers’ – who will be able to stream directly from the new Nest Cam. Nest is piloting this program with three YouTube channels that consist of consumer electronics, gaming and extreme sports. Now what exactly these YouTubers will do with Nest Cam will be interesting to see.
While Nest is indeed a separate company from Google, still housed in Mountain View, however, the company is pretty much staying away from Google. Other than for financial support. I wouldn’t doubt that Google will be integrating more with Nest in the future however. But collecting data from users thermostats, and smoke detectors might weird some folks out.
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