Google's Nest on Tuesday announced its third generation smart thermostat, a leaner and more visually appealing model with a couple of noteworthy improvements. Like the two before it, the newcomer is simply known as the Nest Learning Thermostat.
The first thing you'll likely notice about the new Nest is the display which now measures two inches in diameter (2.08 inches, to be exact) and has a higher resolution. That's 40 percent larger than before which enables a new feature called Farsight, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the thermostat from across the room instead of just a few feet away.
The third generation Nest also has a slightly slimmer profile so it won't stick out against the wall as much.
Those with a furnace will likely appreciate the new Furnace Heads-Up feature which checks for shutoff patterns that may indicate a persistent problem. If an anomaly is detected, you'll get a notice regarding the potential issue. Furnace Heads-Up is also coming to first and second generation Nest units later this year via software update.
All things considered, it's a modest upgrade from the previous generation whose features may make it more attractive to newcomers. For those who already have the second generation, however, there's little reason to upgrade.
The third generation Nest goes on sale today priced at $249, the same price its predecessors debuted at. The outgoing second generation model will see its price drop to $199 while supplies last.