Yes, you can still use your Nest Secure as a home security system, but you won’t be able to buy any new devices or get customer support from Google. This is because Google has discontinued the Nest Secure product line in October 2020, and has not announced any plans to replace it with a new version.
Nest Secure was a smart home security system that consisted of a Nest Guard hub, Nest Detect sensors, and Nest Tag key fobs. The system was designed to be easy to install, use, and control with the Google Home app or voice commands. The system also integrated with other Nest products, such as Nest cameras, Nest thermostats, and Nest Hello doorbells.
Nest Secure offered several features to protect your home, such as:
Home and Away Assist: The system automatically armed or disarmed itself based on your location and schedule.
Quiet Open: You could open a door or window without triggering the alarm by pressing a button on the Nest Detect sensor.
Pathlight: The Nest Detect sensors lit up when you walked by them at night, providing a soft glow to guide your way.
Remind Me: The system reminded you to arm it if you left home without doing so.
No Rush: You could adjust the amount of time you had to enter or exit your home before the alarm sounded.
Dog Pass: You could set the system to ignore motion from your pets up to a certain size and weight.
Google did not provide a clear explanation for why it decided to discontinue Nest Secure, but there are some possible reasons:
Low sales: Nest Secure was not a very popular product, as it faced stiff competition from other smart home security systems, such as SimpliSafe, Ring, and ADT. Nest Secure was also relatively expensive, costing $399 for the starter kit and $59 for each additional sensor or key fob.
Lack of innovation: Nest Secure did not receive any major updates or improvements since its launch in 2017, except for the addition of Google Assistant support in 2019. The system also lacked some features that other systems offered, such as cellular backup, professional monitoring, and video verification.
Shift in strategy: Google may have decided to focus on other aspects of its smart home ecosystem, such as Nest speakers, displays, cameras, and thermostats. Google may also have plans to launch a new home security product in the future, possibly under the Google Home brand.
What does this mean for Nest Secure users?
If you already own a Nest Secure system, you can continue to use it as normal, as Google has confirmed that it will keep the system online and functional. However, you won’t be able to buy any new devices or get customer support from Google. You may also face some issues with compatibility, security, and reliability in the long run, as Google may stop providing software updates and bug fixes for the system.
If you are looking for a new home security system, you may want to consider some alternatives, such as:
SimpliSafe: This is a DIY home security system that offers a wide range of devices, such as sensors, cameras, sirens, and smart locks. The system is easy to install and use, and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. You can also opt for professional monitoring and cellular backup for a monthly fee.
Ring: This is another DIY home security system that offers devices such as sensors, cameras, doorbells, and smart lighting. The system is also easy to install and use, and works with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can also opt for professional monitoring and cellular backup for a monthly fee, or use the Ring Protect Plan to access video recordings and other features.
ADT: This is a professional home security system that offers devices such as sensors, cameras, doorbells, and smart locks. The system is installed and monitored by ADT technicians, and works with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can also use the ADT app to control and monitor your system remotely.
Nest Secure was a smart home security system that offered several features to protect your home, but it was discontinued by Google in 2020. You can still use your Nest Secure system, but you won’t be able to buy any new devices or get customer support from Google. You may also want to look for some alternatives, such as SimpliSafe, Ring, or ADT, if you are looking for a new home security system.
