Skip to main content

Report indicates Google is discontinuing the Nest Secure system

The Google Nest Secure alarm system was a huge announcement for Google that many people believed to be the next big thing, but according to a report, Google is discontinuing the Nest Secure. However, existing users can expect continued support of the system for the time being.

The Nest Secure system originally launched at $499 in 2017, but dropped within a year to $399. The original model included a central hub, door and window sensors, and several other sensors known as Nest Detects. Nest Secure came under fire a couple of years later in 2019 when Google announced Google Assistant support for the device, revealing an onboard microphone that users had not previously known about.

This raised many privacy concerns regarding the always-listening nature of smart devices, many of which are still debated today. The reason why Google decided to discontinue the Nest Secure system isn’t clear, but Google does emphasize one point: the company is not out of the home security game.

In addition to Nest Secure, Google produces the Nest lineup of home security cameras, thermostats, and other smart home devices. Google also partnered with ADT after a $450 million investment. This means that ADT will integrate Nest devices into their lineup, giving Google a very real presence in an established home security company.

It is possible Google decided to discontinue the Nest Secure because it was not profitable enough to maintain. With the ready availability of devices like the Nest Hello Doorbell, the Nest Outdoor/Indoor Security Camera, and other options like this, customers are able to put together their own home security system piecemeal and choose only the coverages they want. For many customers, a door/window sensor would be redundant if they already had a security camera watching the entrances — plus there are plenty of other security systems to consider.

Another possibility is that the Nest Secure system has been pulled from stores so it can be reworked and redesigned. However, this is unlikely. The company has a long history of launching projects and then abandoning them if they do not work out as intended, even long-term projects. A few of these include Google TV, Google Hangouts, and even Google Play Music. We’ve reached out to the company for comment, but haven’t received a reply yet.

Editors' Recommendations

Patrick Hearn
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
The most common Google Home problems and how to fix them
best google home compatible devices hands on 4652

Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home make up the three biggest smart home platforms on the planet. Google Home is popular thanks to its lineup of Nest products, which includes the Nest Hub Max, Nest Doorbell, and Nest Cam, along with many other devices. Best of all, Google Home supports a wide array of third-party products, giving users an easy way to link all their gadgets together and control them from one streamlined app.

But, as you'd expect, getting all these devices working seamlessly isn't always as easy as it sounds. The Google Home platform is also susceptible to the same issues as other smart home platforms, which include various connectivity hiccups and problems with voice commands. Solving these problems is usually pretty easy -- that is, once you know where to look.

Read more
Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is the best security camera?
The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on display the 2023 Amazon Fall Devices and Services event.

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the cheapest security cameras you can buy. It's pretty well-rounded too. It's capable of filming in HD and offering support for outdoor use when paired with an optional accessory, making it a great choice for shoppers on a budget. That makes it wildly different from the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, which carries a hefty price tag and supports both indoor and outdoor use right out of the box without the need to purchase a secondary accessory.

But is the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro a better investment than the affordable Blink Mini 2? From pricing and video resolution to the installation process and additional features, here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro to help you decide which is the best choice for your home.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
How to save Ring Doorbell video without a subscription
Ring Doorbell mounted outside a front door.

Take a walk through any neighborhood, and you're bound to see a few Ring video doorbells installed next to front doors. The brand is increasingly popular, thanks to an ever-growing product lineup that makes it easy to find a device for all budgets and security needs. But one of the peskier features of Ring is the need for a Ring Protect Plan -- a monthly subscription service that unlocks the majority of the camera's most useful features.

One such feature locked behind a Ring Protect Plan membership is the ability to save Ring doorbell videos. Without a plan, you'll really only be allowed to view a live feed of your video doorbell. The plans are pretty generous, with the Basic plan costing $5 per month and offering video history for up to 180 days, making it a worthwhile investment for homes worried about their security.

Read more