Next year, Google will stop giving support for two old smart home products. Both the Dropcam security camera and the Nest Secure home security system will cease to work one year from today, on April 8, 2024, according to emails from Google. With discounts on more cutting-edge options, including coupons for free Nest Cams and ADT security systems, the company is trying to lessen the blow.
Both Dropcam devices and the Nest Secure are still only handled via the semi-retired Nest app; Google Home is not compatible with either. Dropcam cameras come in a variety of models, all of which are being retired. These won’t be available after April of next year, and video histories won’t be available through the Nest app either. If users with affected Dropcams are Nest Aware subscribers, Google will provide them with up to two free Nest Cam Indoor cameras. Dropcam users who aren’t paying members will receive coupons for 50% off.
It’s also time to say goodbye to the Nest Secure home security system. The tech “will no longer work” in April of next year, according to Google. It won’t be used in the Nest app or able to connect to the internet at all. ADT’s replacement Self Setup System with “An ADT Smart Home Hub, 2 Door/Window Sensors, and a Motion Sensor for free” is being made available by Google to “Eligible Nest Secure users”. The kit won’t contain any Nest hardware, in contrast to the just-announced Nest/ADT bundles. Affected users can also obtain expert alarm monitoring for free for a year. But, Google says you can cancel at any time. After that, it will cost $20 per month.
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Google is discontinuing several products
Legacy Works with Nest links are also being retired, according to 9to5Google. They will even leave the scene even sooner: on September 29. All current Works with Nest smart home integrations will cease to work. In lieu of Works with Google Assistant, Google began to phase out Works with Nest in 2019. The simple line is that if any of your smart home automation still relies on old Nest integrations, they will cease to function in September despite the drawn-out and complex transition. Most Works with Nest interfaces already have Works with Google Home alternatives. Thus, the impact of Works with Nest ceasing services is probably minimal.
Having to upgrade smart home hardware can be unpleasant, but giving free replacements for old hardware is user-friendly. Check your email for advice on how to get any of these older devices replaced if you’re still using them.
