Google's Nest Thermostat receives a full redesign after nearly a decade

zohaibahd

Posts: 933   +19
Staff
What just happened? If you're looking to reduce your energy bills and live a little greener, you'll want to check out the 4th-gen Nest Learning Thermostat. Google has just taken the wraps off the gadget, which comes with a completely new look paired with some improved AI smarts.

Let's start with the design because it simply looks gorgeous. The display is now a massive 60% larger than before with a domed crystal front that eliminates any bezels for a clean, borderless appearance. It comes in three luxe metal finishes – Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian, and Polished Gold – to complement basically any interior design vibe. There's also a new subtly curved profile that makes it almost seem to float off the wall.

Under the hood, the AI has leveled up to better learn your temperature preferences and heating/cooling patterns. It can now create more optimized schedules – and faster too – by detecting changes in behavior based on motion detected in your home, such as when you leave or return. It then adjusts the temperatures accordingly.

The improved sensors can also factor in real-time weather conditions that could impact your indoor climate. If it's sunny and your place is naturally warming up, it'll reduce heating levels. Or if humidity is making it feel muggier than the thermostat setting, it'll adjust things accordingly.

Speaking of sensors, each thermostat now comes packaged with Google's redesigned Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen). You can strategically place these puck-shaped sensors around your home to give priority to certain rooms or average temperatures across multiple areas.

There's also a new System Health Monitor feature that keeps an eye on your HVAC performance and can alert you to potential issues before they become costly breakdowns.

Some interesting extras include Smart Ventilation to automatically circulate fresh air when outdoor conditions are ideal. A humidity monitor prevents mold buildup or stubborn window condensation.

While previous Nest Thermostats also had an excellent feature set, the new 4th-gen model takes things to another level with all its cutting-edge tech on offer.

As for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint further, the thermostat helps with the Nest Renew program. This feature enables the thermostat to automatically adjust your energy usage patterns to coincide with times when the power is cleaner.

The one potential downside is the $279.99 price tag (plus $39.99 for any additional temperature sensors). But considering all the energy savings and preventative maintenance benefits, it could easily pay for itself over time. You can pre-order the new Nest Learning Thermostat now for an August 20 release date.

Permalink to story:

 
Let's start with the design because it simply looks gorgeous. The display is now a massive 60% larger than before with a domed crystal front
The last thing I want on my wall is a 60% larger thermostat. I'll also note that many of these features are only available if your unit supports them -- humidity control, for instance, requires an installed dehumidifier, which most units lack.
 
Remarkably over priced for a T-stat. The "learning" feature simply is not necessary since the vast majority of people know their routine's and can set up any programmable thermostat to suit their needs. Just another Apple Overkill to take your hard earned dollars .....
 
And still no mention, in the article at least, of improved security. I would not be interested in it even if it had improved security, but, IMO, people should be concerned about security especially since IoT devices are known for a lack of security and could potentially open a homeowner's network to attack from multiple vectors.
Remarkably over priced for a T-stat. The "learning" feature simply is not necessary since the vast majority of people know their routine's and can set up any programmable thermostat to suit their needs. Just another Apple Overkill to take your hard earned dollars .....
While I'm not necessarily a fan of Apple, this is a Google product.
 
Can it auto control humidity yet? ecobee can raise and lower humidy based on outdoor temps so my windows dont fog up and freeze.(minnesota winters) there has been an open thread at google for years and they have never added. the main reason I keep going back to ecobee.

looking at this it looks like they finally added this feature possibly..
 
The last thing I want on my wall is a 60% larger thermostat. I'll also note that many of these features are only available if your unit supports them -- humidity control, for instance, requires an installed dehumidifier, which most units lack.
its not 60% larger. the display is. before there were huge bezels. the old units have humidity control too. just not the auto control I think this new one has.
 
its not 60% larger. the display is. before there were huge bezels. the old units have humidity control too. just not the auto control I think this new one has.
A fair point. But according to Google's website, this new model is 3.9" in diameter. The 3rd gen was 3.3", and the one before that 3.27". So it's closer to a 42% increase by area.
 
Never never never never will I own a smart thermostat connected to my WiFi....Last thing I will tolerate is the power company fcking with my A/C temperature because their grid is overloaded... yes this has already happened in TX. Google it.
 
Never never never never will I own a smart thermostat connected to my WiFi....Last thing I will tolerate is the power company fcking with my A/C temperature because their grid is overloaded... yes this has already happened in TX. Google it.
You realize those consumers in TX (and other states ) chose to participate in -- and be paid for - a program while allows the power company to do this, right?
 
You realize those consumers in TX (and other states ) chose to participate in -- and be paid for - a program while allows the power company to do this, right?
Yes. Doesn't mean anything. Any household utility connected to the cloud opens doors for someone to access (legal or illegal)... the buck stops there for me.
 
Never never never never will I own a smart thermostat connected to my WiFi....Last thing I will tolerate is the power company fcking with my A/C temperature because their grid is overloaded... yes this has already happened in TX. Google it.
they only do this if you sign up for it. at least here in minnesota.
 
Back