Google Ends Software Updates for Early Nest Thermostat Models

The Nest Learning Thermostat's first version, which became available in 2011, and the second version, which was released a year later, will no longer get software upgrades, according to a recent announcement from Google. The 2014 European Nest Learning Thermostat is similarly impacted by this decision.  October 25th is the deadline for general support and software updates for the Google Home and Nest apps. In other noteworthy news, Google has made it clear that it has no intention of releasing any more Nest thermostats in Europe. Customers who have had Nest gear in their homes for many years would undoubtedly become irate if they can no longer control these connected thermostats from a phone. Although Google isn't disrupting its essential functions, once software support ends, much of its attraction and ease will go. In contrast to more recent models, former Nest Learning Thermostats can at least be used domestically without Wi-Fi. One encouraging development for owners of new Nest thermostats is that Google reports that later this year, users "will be able to create and adjust schedules" from the Google Home app for the first time.

Nevertheless, as businesses integrate displays into an increasing number of appliances, this kind of elimination is a very real concern associated with smart home gadgets. Is 14 years a fair amount of time for these devices before their intelligence deteriorates? Google does not appear to have any plans to make the hardware open source. Since the Nest portfolio is about to expire, Google is attempting to appease customers by giving a $130 discount on the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat in the US, a $160 discount on the same device in Canada, and a 50% discount on the Tado Smart Thermostat X in Europe.