The Nest Cam IQ indoor security camera has received a significant update, which adds Google Home-like functionality.
The camera is now compatible with the Google Assistant, meaning you can speak “OK Google” commands into the microphone and receive answers via the built-in speaker.
As part of the update, users will be able to add calendar appointments, control other smart home gadgets like the Nest thermostat, and much more.
Effectively, it’s now a smart speaker as well as a security camera, but it won’t be capable of playing music or making hands-free phone calls.
Related: Google Home review
That’s more down to the quality of the speaker than an inability to perform the function. However, the voice commands can be used to control audio playback on other Chromecast enabled devices.
Following the software update, Nest Cam IQ users will still need to enable the Assistant via the Nest app. To turn it on, browse to settings and hit “Connect Google Assistant.”
As well as the new Google Assistant functionality, Nest is also adding a new subscription cloud recording service for as little as $5 a month.
The new Nest Aware subscription will give users access to the last 5-days of 24/7 video recordings, while you’ll also get the usual array of smart alerts. The new dollar-a-day plans also stretch to the $30 and $10 tiers.
Back in the fold
These significant changes come after Google fully integrated Nest back into the company. The move should help improve the Google Assistant and assist with the firm’s smart home push.
In our review the Nest IQ Cam earned an 8/10 score. It won praise for it’s excellent image quality, face recognition technology and the ability to track intruders across a room. We marked it down for the expense and its reliance on the Nest Aware subscription service.
Our reviewer David Ludlow concluded: “A very slick camera, with exceptional image quality and some smart features, but it and the ongoing subscription costs make this an expensive choice.”
With the more affordable Nest Aware subscription, the IQ just got a little more cost effective.
How many Google Assistant devices do you have in your home? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
