Nest Protect moves to the Google Home app

Google's transition from Nest to Home is almost complete. Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm, the last device exclusive to Nest, has just made the leap to Google Home, eliminating the need for users to switch between apps to receive alerts or manage connected devices. Smart home owners can now control all their Nest devices as well as compatible third-party gadgets entirely from the Google Home app. 

For now, support for Nest Protect will only be available for Android users who have joined the Public Preview program for Google Home. iOS support is expected shortly. In a blog post released by Google's Nest team, users who port their Nest Protect smoke alarms will be able to receive status alerts and emergency notifications, carry out safety checks, run automatic sound testing, and view their live camera feed when the Nest protect detects smoke or carbon monoxide. US-based Nest Aware subscribers can also use the Google Home app to call nearby emergency services. 

Google is also expanding the feature support for Matter-compatible smart locks on the Google Home app. Password management, for example, is becoming more robust for house members and guests, allowing house managers to manage access, edit passcodes and schedule guest profiles with descriptive labels such as "dog walker" or "landscaper"

Public preview users now have a bevy of new smart lock settings to tweak, including one-tap lock, one-tap unlock and a time-bound automatic relock setting. There is also a new "Vacation mode" from the Home app, which effectively disables the touchpad so that entry via passcode is denied. Like with the porting of the Nest Protect, these feature enhancements are first available for Android users on Public preview although Google promises iOS support in "early 2025". 

Not every smart lock that supports Matter will be able to access these features, but Google specifically mentions the Nest × Yale lock. Buy it for 10% off on Amazon.