Unlike some competitors, Nest does not offer many choices with respect to security cameras or video doorbells. Nor does it frequently update its lineup.
However, Nest is refreshing its entire portfolio, launching three new home security cameras and one new video doorbell. More importantly, it will add some features that previously required a subscription and make others free. Here is a look at all the company's new products and when they will be available.
Nest Hello has long topped the list of best video doorbells, thanks to its excellent camera quality and features such as person and package detection. However, it required a wired connection, which put it at a disadvantage compared to the battery-powered video doorbells from Arlo and Ring.
The new Nest Doorbell solves this problem by working both wired and on batteries; it has a similar shape to the Nest Hello, but a more minimalist design. The camera has a 3:4 aspect ratio and a resolution of 960 x 1280, similar to the Logitech Circle View Doorbell. Other features include HDR, night vision, H.264 encoding, and 6x digital zoom.
It has 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, the latter only available in the US and Mexico. It comes in four colors (Snow, Linen, Ivy, and Ash) and will be available starting August 24 for $179.
Nest Cam is the company's new all-purpose security camera. Similar in design to the current Nest Cam IQ and shaped like a teacup without a handle, the Nest Cam can be used indoors or outdoors and can operate on battery alone or with a wired connection (an optional solar charger will be available).
It has a 1/2.8-inch, 2MP sensor, a 130-degree diagonal field of view, and a 6x digital zoom. It also has six 850nm infrared LEDs with a range of approximately 20 feet.
It has a built-in 6Ah, 3.65V rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 3.3-foot indoor charging cable; it is IP54 rated so it can withstand most weather conditions and operate from -4º to 104º Fahrenheit.
The Nest Cam will be available on August 24 for $179.
The Nest Cam with Floodlight is a Nest Cam with several floodlights attached to it, similar to the Ring Floodlight Cam and the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight. The floodlights can be set to turn on only when they detect certain objects, such as people or animals, etc. It has the same camera (battery) as the Nest Cam, but the floodlights can put out a total of 2400 lumens, which should be bright enough even on dark nights.
It will be priced at $279 and will be available at the end of August or shortly thereafter.
Nest's least expensive security camera to date, the Nest Cam Indoor, will be available in late August or early September for $99. Unlike the other cameras on this list, the Nest Cam Indoor needs to be connected to work. It comes in four colors, including one with a natural wood base. The camera has a resolution of 1080p and a 135-degree diagonal field of view.
Along with the cameras, Nest also introduces several interesting new features:
Battery backup/local storage: All cameras come with local storage that can record up to 1 hour of continuous video or up to 1 week of typical events. In the case of Nest Cam Indoor, video can be recorded even if the Internet is down.
In addition, Nest has made several features that previously required a Nest Aware subscription free:
- Person, animal, vehicle, and luggage detection - 3 hours of event video recording - Custom activity zones
However, these features are not available with Nest's video doorbells and security cameras currently available.
Nest will not change Nest Aware plans:
Nest Aware ($6/month, $60/year): 30 days video recording, familiar face detection.
Nest Aware Plus ($12/month, $120/year): 60 days of video recording, 10 days of continuous video recording, familiar face detection.
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