Google Nest Thermostat gets an Upgrade

Google just announced their latest version of the new Nest Thermostat and it looks nothing like the previous versions. A long overdue update to this smart thermostat as it has been 2 years without any update to this smart thermostat from Google/Nest. At first glance, the Nest has gone through a re-design with some new features and some features that are not around any longer.

The new Nest Thermostat can be pre-ordered here and will begin shipping on October 30, 2020.

Key Changes:

• The Nest Thermostat has a completely new, simpler design.
• A new lower price for the Nest Thermostat of $129.
• Google introduced a new way to control the Nest Thermostat and is no longer using a rotating outside ring.

New Design and User Experience

The new Nest Thermostat has a completely updated design that includes a face with a mirror type finish and is now made of plastic with no metal external components. In place of the rotating bezel, you now have a touch sensitive slide bar on one side of the Nest Thermostat that you tap to engage, and then swipe up or down to increase/ decrease the temperature. This new design eliminates all the moving parts and allows Google to bring the price down considerably.

The new device boasts a simplified software user experience. Missing from the new Nest is the ability to automatically learn your temperature preferences and create a schedule for you. However, it can recommend schedules or scenarios (based on if you’re home or away) to help users save on energy costs, which Google states that estimates can save people 10-12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills.

Google does state that the install and setup process is similar or even easier to the other models, and the Nest Thermostat is compatible with nearly as many HVAC systems currently today. The new Nest can also support multiple zone systems by linking multiple Nest Thermostats together and running them together.

New Features and Functionalities

A new feature to the Nest is that it uses Google’s Soli radar, which can detect when someone walks by and will automatically light up the screen. The Soli radar (used in the Pixel 4 smartphone) replaces the Farsight technology that was on the previous versions of this smart thermostat.

The thermostat uses Google’s HVAC monitoring feature, which can notify a user if it notices something isn’t working properly and can recommend a professional who can assist in these situations. The Nest Thermostat no longer supports the Nest’s sensors for balancing the system off a specific room. This is a feature that might be missed by some people. Instead of a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, the Nest Thermostat now runs off two standard AAA batteries. (Google says it should last for “multiple years” on a set of AAAs.)

When it comes to controlling the device, it can be managed via the Google Home smartphone app, and like prior versions it supports voice control via the Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa. ECO modes and the popular Home/Away Assist feature are still around so that if the Nest detects that you have left the house (based off of GEO locations from your smartphone) it will adjust temps according to your pre-set ECO temperatures.

The new Nest Thermostat comes in 4 colors: white, black, sand and fog. A color-matched trim kit is also available for an additional $14.99. The Nest Thermostat is also Energy Star certified, just like the other Nest thermostat models.

Click here to view the preview video of the new Nest Thermostat.