Google has sent e-mails to customers advising that it’s Works with Nest program will officially be retired as of September 29, 2023 while support for Nest Secure and Dropcam will end next year.
Introduced in 2014, Works with Nest was designed so other smart home device makers could ensure seamless integration with Nest devices. This meant you could set it such that lights would automatically turn off when the Nest thermostat detected you were away, for example.
But Google notes that the connected home has evolved since then, and there are many updates that enhance how you can interact with and manage devices with Google Home, including not only Google and Nest-branded devices, but other compatible products as well.
Works with Nest was officially retired in 2019 as Google worked to unify third-party connected devices under a single platform that developers could build on. The service has still, however, been supported for the last several years since then. Now, however, support is scheduled to finally end for legacy devices that are still in market.
Through September 28, 2023, all current Works with Nest connections will remain active, and you can continue to use Works with Nest as you do now. In the coming months, customers will have the option to use a script editor to create advanced home automations to offer new features and capabilities. Google is also working closely with partners to provide replacement integrations where possible. As of September 29, 2023, the connections will no longer work and you’ll lose access to them.
“We’re committed to helping you and minimizing disruptions,” says the Nest team at Google. “If you need help, our support agents are standing by.”
Additionally, support for Nest Secure and Dropcam HD and Pro will be ending as well on April 8, 2024. On that date, the hardware will no longer be available in the app.
Google notes that, after partnering with ADT in 2020 for smart home security, the Nest Secure service will be phased out. All features will continue to work through to the end date, and the product will work as well. After that, however, you won’t be able to access the poduct in the app. Google is providing owners of Nest Secure a self-setup system from ADT, up to a US$485 value, or US$200 that can be used in the Google Store. If you have Nest Secure, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to redeem the offer, including using a unique coupon code.
Dropcam was one of the first smart cameras Nest launched to market a decade ago, but Google says it has become difficult to update it with the current advancements in technology. Thus, support will stop for the camera, which will no longer work after April 8, 2014. Owners should download video history and save it before this date if there’s footage they want to keep. Nest Aware subscribers will receive an indoor wired Nest Cam to help with the transition. The Nest Aware subscription will also transfer to the new camera. Dropcam owners who don’t have Nest Aware will receive a 50% discount toward a new Nest Cam. If you own a Dropcam and it’s registered, you will have received an e-mail with instructions on how to redeem the offer.