Nest thermostat versus “ugly white crap” smoke detector
Nest Labs, the high-profile startup created by “father of the iPod” Tony Fadell, is reportedly planning to set its sights on a hi-tech smoke detector, following the successful launch of its Learning Thermostat.
Former WSJ journalist Jessica Lessin cites “people close to the startup” as saying that the new device could go on sale later this year. It’s speculated that the smoke detector would also detect carbon monoxide, and would be offered with a subscription-based monitoring service. More mundanely, it could be silenced simply by waving at it (I’m probably not the only person whose cooking requires the occasional ability to silence a smoke detector …).
And the company doesn’t plan to stop there …
Nest is also reportedly working on an iPhone-activated door lock – something which looks set to be next year’s new must-have gadget, with offerings already promised by Kevo, Lockitron and August.
Nest’s Matt Rogers, who previously worked with Fadell on the iPod, recently told TechCrunch that the company wanted to redesign “all the other unloved white plastic crap in your home.”
Update: Nest coincidentally launched an API and developer program today and slated to be in production in 2014. Press release follows:
Nest Announces Developer Program
Nest to Work with Select Partners, including Control4,
to Build Integrated Home Experiences
Palo Alto, Calif. – Sept. 25, 2013 – Today at CEDIA Expo, Nest Labs, Inc. (www.nest.com) announced plans to begin working with developers on creative ways to connect with the Nest Learning Thermostat through integrations such as home appliances, lighting and home automation. By introducing a Web API, Nest is taking the first step toward working with partners to build a simple, secure and connected experience for the home. The Nest Developer Program will officially kick off in early 2014.
Nest is interested in working with developers – from individuals creating their own apps to established companies – who create products, apps or services that work with the Nest thermostat. Visit www.nest.com/developer to participate or get more information about the Nest Developer Program.
“Since we launched in 2011, there’s been steady demand from the developer community for Nest to create an API,” said Matt Rogers, Nest founder and vice president of engineering. “While we’ve always wanted to create a Nest Developer Program, our first priority was to build a great product, customer experience and team. We’ve defined what the Nest experience should be. And now we’re getting ready to open our doors.”
Nest is also announcing its first partner in the developer program, home automation leader Control4.
“We’ve been working with Nest to bring our customers and installers a level of integration that previously hasn’t been available with the Nest Learning Thermostat,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president, products at Control4. “For customers, the partnership means they’ll be able to control their Nest thermostats through any Control4 interface such as a remote, touch screen or mobile app.”
“We are working with Control4 because their open platform is designed to make all the devices in the home work together. It’s the perfect opportunity to integrate with a partner who sees the same opportunity to create a great customer and installer experience as we do,” said Rogers.
About Nest
Nest is focused on addressing home-energy consumption with elegantly designed solutions, including the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Energy Services. Nest thermostats are installed in 90+ countries and have helped save more than 1,000,000,000 kWh of energy to date. Founded by Apple alums Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, Nest is privately funded and based in Palo Alto, Calif. For more information, visit www.nest.com.
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shutup and take my money!
Thermostat: Check. Smoke Detector: Check. Smart Wall Plugs: On the list. Smart Switches: On the list. Smart Blind Pulls: On the list. Smart Doorknobs: On the list. Smart Baseboards: On the list. Smart Lights: On the list. Smart AC Registers: On the list. Smart Hinges: On the list.
In my 1400 sq ft apartment i’ve got 5 Smoke Detectors. I really don’t have much pain regarding their management so while I’m open to looking at new ways of looking improving home products the smoke detector is certainly not going to generate any subscription fees for this home. I need items that have a return on investment in either time savings or financial savings. A Nest door lock…highly interested. Nest smart plugs for AC sockets. Interested. We’ll see what the company offers but for me it would take more than air quality detectors for me to spend 3-5x more for a networked product.
Sounds good, I’ll gladly pay much more than for regular smoke detectors. But subscription service? No thanks!!! I already have way too much subscriptions to manage and worry about! :(
I agree. I’ll pay more for a networked smoke detector with some neat features. No thanks for a subscription service.
They need to create a Wireless Landscape/Sprinkler system. Only a couple products out there today.
Talk about switching from one problem that really isn’t for two that are. Smoke and CO detectors are generally unobtrusive and blend in. As metal bodied devices, they probably would stick out. Also, quality smoke detectors that can link together (dumb link) can be had for $30 each. An electronic sensor to read that signal shouldn’t be a big deal.
I really haven’t gotten onto the Nest bandwagon as it is.