Google is stepping back from smart home hardware once again, marking a significant shift in its product strategy. The company has officially discontinued two of its well-known Nest products: the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector and the Nest x Yale smart lock. These devices, once part of Google’s broader smart home ecosystem, will no longer be manufactured.
This decision follows Google’s previous discontinuation of the Nest Secure security system and the overall slowdown in new smart home product launches. While Nest-branded cameras, doorbells, and smart displays have remained stagnant, Google continues to focus its attention elsewhere, particularly on artificial intelligence and partnerships with third-party manufacturers.
While the Nest Protect smoke detector and Nest x Yale smart lock are still available for purchase while supplies last, their replacements will come from other brands, such as First Alert and Yale, without Google’s direct involvement.
Google’s Shift Away From Smart Home Hardware
Background of Nest Products
Google acquired Nest in 2014 for $3.4 billion, aiming to establish itself as a leader in smart home technology. Nest quickly became synonymous with smart home innovation, with its thermostats, security cameras, smart locks, and smoke alarms gaining popularity among homeowners. However, Google’s focus has gradually shifted over the years. The company has not released new smart speakers, smart displays, or security devices in recent years, indicating a retreat from the smart home sector.
Nest Protect Smoke Alarm Discontinuation
The Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector was one of Nest’s most popular products, offering features such as:
- Early warnings for smoke and carbon monoxide detection.
- Voice alerts instead of loud, jarring alarms.
- In-app notifications for real-time monitoring.
- Battery-powered and wired versions for different household needs.
Google has confirmed that it will no longer manufacture Nest Protect devices. While they are still available for purchase for $119 on the Google Store, once current stock is depleted, no new units will be produced. Given that smoke detectors have a 10-year expiration period, many existing Nest Protect users will soon need replacements.
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Nest x Yale Smart Lock Discontinuation
Google’s Nest x Yale smart lock, first launched in 2018, was another key component of its smart home ecosystem. The lock provided:
- Keyless entry via smartphone app or PIN code.
- Integration with Google Assistant for voice-controlled locking and unlocking.
- Remote access with Nest Connect.
However, since the discontinuation of Nest Secure, using the lock has become more complicated. Originally designed to work with Nest Secure as a hub, the lock now requires a $70 Nest Connect to function remotely.
Google has now officially announced that it will cease production of the Nest x Yale lock. The device is currently available for $229 while supplies last.
What Will Replace Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock?
Although Google is discontinuing these products, it is not leaving its customers without alternatives. Instead of manufacturing replacements, the company is partnering with First Alert and Yale to introduce new products that will integrate with Google Home.
First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
The First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detector will be the official replacement for Nest Protect. This device will:
- Work with both Google Home and the First Alert app.
- Feature voice alerts and early warnings, similar to Nest Protect.
- Offer wired and battery-powered versions.
- Maintain compatibility with existing Nest Protect networks.
- Retail for $129.99 upon launch in the coming months.
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Yale Smart Lock with Matter
For smart lock users, Google has once again partnered with Yale to introduce the Yale Smart Lock with Matter. This new lock:
- Will support the Matter smart home standard.
- Will feature Thread connectivity.
- Will integrate fully with Google Home.
- Will be available for purchase this summer.
Unlike the Nest x Yale lock, the new Yale Smart Lock will not carry the Nest branding, further signaling Google’s retreat from in-house smart home hardware.
Google’s Changing Smart Home Strategy
Google’s shift away from in-house smart home hardware is not entirely unexpected. The company’s focus has increasingly turned toward AI-driven innovations, such as Google Bard, Gemini AI, and other AI-powered services.
Google has also been more willing to outsource smart home products instead of developing them internally. This approach mirrors what happened with Nest Secure, where Google discontinued the product and instead partnered with ADT to provide home security solutions.
Currently, the only smart home products Google seems committed to are:
- Nest Thermostats – Still receiving updates and new models.
- Chromecast and Google TV devices – Continuing to receive attention.
However, Google has not launched a new Nest camera, smart speaker, or doorbell in several years, leading many to believe that it may never do so again.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to discontinue the Nest Protect smoke alarm and Nest x Yale lock reflects its broader shift away from smart home hardware. While these products remain available for purchase while supplies last, future replacements will come from First Alert and Yale, not Google itself. With its attention now focused on AI and third-party partnerships, Google’s direct involvement in smart home technology appears to be diminishing significantly.
Also Read: Google’s AI-Only Search Results: Major Changes in Online Searching
FAQs
1. Why is Google discontinuing Nest Protect and Nest x Yale lock?
Google is stepping away from in-house smart home hardware, opting instead to partner with third-party companies like First Alert and Yale for replacements.
2. Can I still buy the Nest Protect smoke alarm?
Yes, but only while supplies last. Google has stopped manufacturing it, and it is available for $119 on the Google Store.
3. Is the Nest x Yale smart lock still available?
Yes, the lock is still on sale for $229, but Google is no longer producing new units.
4. What will replace Nest Protect?
The First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detector will be the official replacement, integrating with Google Home and offering similar features.
5. What will replace the Nest x Yale smart lock?
The Yale Smart Lock with Matter will serve as a replacement, offering Matter and Thread connectivity and full Google Home integration.
6. Will existing Nest Protect devices stop working?
No, existing Nest Protect devices will continue to function normally, but they will need to be replaced once they reach their 10-year expiration.
7. Will Google provide support for discontinued Nest devices?
Yes, Google has stated that it will continue to support existing Nest Protect and Nest x Yale smart locks, but no new units will be produced.
8. Is Google exiting the smart home market entirely?
Not entirely. Google is shifting its focus to thermostats and streaming devices, while outsourcing other smart home products to partners.
9. When will the First Alert smoke detector be available?
The First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detector is expected to launch in the coming months for $129.99.
10. When will the Yale Smart Lock with Matter be available?
The Yale Smart Lock with Matter will be released this summer.