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Google's New Nest Cams Are Designed for Gemini

Google is rolling out three new wired Nest devices — two security cameras and a doorbell — which mark the introduction of2K resolutionto its smart home product range. These new models represent Google’s first hardware specifically engineered to leverage its advanced AI-poweredGemini for Home platformand are available immediately. This launch also brings Gemini for Home integration to existing compatible cameras and introduces a comprehensively redesigned Google Home app.

New Hardware Details and Availability

The updated lineup features theNest Cam Indoor 2K, priced at$99.99; theNest Cam Outdoor 2K, available for$149.99; and thewired Nest Doorbell 2K, which costs$179.99. While these wired devices are receiving a hardware refresh, it’s worth noting that all Google cameras, including models released as far back as the first Nest Cam in 2015, will be compatible with the Gemini for Home platform.

Design and Durability Enhancements

The physical design of the new cameras largely mirrors that of their predecessors. However, they now come with additional color options, including a distinctiveberry redfor the indoor camera and a sophisticatedgreeny-grey (Hazel)for both the outdoor model and the doorbell. Google has also improved the devices' longevity by utilizing a reformulated resin, enhancing their long-term UV resistance to help prevent yellowing.

Upgraded Visuals and Field of View

All three new cameras support2K HDR video, delivering clearer and more detailed imagery. They boast a taller and wider field of view, complemented by a new sensor with a wider aperture lens that enables full-color video even in low-light conditions. The6x digital zoomnow incorporates a smart zoom-and-crop feature that automatically focuses on whatever triggers an alert (such as a person or a pet) and can maintain that zoomed perspective if preferred. Specifically, the outdoor camera’s field of view has expanded from 130 to152 degrees, and the doorbell now offers a166-degree diagonal view(up from 145 degrees) with a new1:1 aspect ratiofor an enhanced vertical view.

Free Video History and Premium Options

Google is also boosting its complimentary video storage, doubling the capacity for motion-activated clips. Users will now receivesix hoursof 10-second, motion-triggered recordings, an increase from the previous three hours. For extended video history and a wider range of features, users will need to subscribe toGoogle Home Premium(the new name for Nest Aware), which starts at$10 per month.

Gemini-Powered AI Intelligence

The higher resolution and expanded field of view of these new cameras are designed to feed richer data into the Gemini platform, unlocking a suite of advanced intelligence features, includingAI-generated text descriptionsof events. According to Google’s Anish Kattukaran, the cameras are now capable of interpreting and understanding activities in and around your home, rather than just sending basic alerts. For instance, instead of a generic "animal detected in living room" notification, you might receive a more specific description such as "dog jumps out of playpen."

These text descriptions, which were initially rolled out in Public Preview earlier this year, are a cornerstone of the new"Home Brief" featurewithin the Google Home App. Home Brief provides daily summaries of events in your activity feed, aiming to reduce the number of notifications from your security cameras. These summaries are customizable, allowing users to prioritize alerts for specific elements like pets, people, or packages.

Access to Home Brief and the advanced AI descriptions requires the top-tierGoogle Home Premium Advanced plan, priced at$20 per month, which also encompasses 24/7 video recording.

Gemini AI Compatibility for Older Hardware

Google has confirmed that all its existing hardware manufactured since 2015 will support the new Gemini intelligence for cameras. The comprehensive list of compatible devices includes:

Google Home App Overhaul

In conjunction with the new hardware and AI capabilities, the Google Home app is undergoing a significant renovation. Operating on a new architecture, the app finally unifies support for all Nest devices, migrating them from the standalone Nest app. Kattukaran emphasized that this new architecture provides a more stable, faster experience, enabling quicker integration of future features.

The redesigned interface, which began rolling out onOctober 1st, has been streamlined, reducing five navigation tabs to just three: Home, Activity, and Automations. Users can now effortlessly swipe between different views, and the automation editor finally supports both one-time and conditional automations, offering increased flexibility.

A new"Ask Home" chatbotis prominently featured at the top of the app, providing direct access to Gemini via voice or text commands. This enables users to create automations using natural language, inquire about specific home events (e.g., "Did my water leak sensor get tripped?"), or search through video footage (e.g., "Were there any skunks in the driveway last night?").

Revamped Subscription Services: Google Home Premium

Google’s subscription service is also being reimagined with the introduction ofGoogle Home Premium, which replaces Nest Aware. The new service maintains the same pricing structure and tiers while incorporating the new Gemini features:

Google Home Premium Standard ($10 monthly / $100 annually):

Google Home Premium Advanced ($20 monthly / $200 annually):

Integration with Google AI Subscriptions

These new Home Premium features are also being bundled into Google’s separate AI subscription plans. The lower-tierGemini AI Pro ($19.99 per month)will include all features from Home Premium Standard, with the option to add the Advanced features for an additional$10 per month. Subscribers to the high-endGemini AI Ultra tier ($250 per month)will receive Home Premium included at no extra charge.