Nest and Google Home are two famous brands in smart homes. Although Google owns both, the way this company uses the names confuses a lot of people.
So today, we have composed a complete guide here to help you tell the difference between Google Home and Nest App. Let’s refer to it!
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Is There Any Difference Between Google Home And Nest App?
Nest and Google Home are both apps run by Google. However, since Nest used to work at a separate company, the Nest app now still operates some Nest devices, while Google Home controls others.
In other words, you may have to use the two apps at the same time to regulate different devices in your home. Google is still working on it to merge its devices and smart home apps smoothly.
What Is Nest App?
The Nest app is the product of Nest Labs, a big name in the smart home industry. The company has been famous since the debut of the Nest Learning Thermostat in 2011.
Nest Labs continued to produce many iconic products, such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. The Nest app also improved to adapt to customer demands.
In 2014, Google acquired Nest. However, the company still worked separately from Google.
Then, in 2018, it merged with the hardware division of Google. This project aimed to integrate the company’s smart home devices with the Google Assistant app.
What is Google Home?
The Nest had its own devices, while Google introduced smart speakers that operate with its Google Home app.
Besides, after the merge, Google changed the name of Google Home Hub to Google Nest hub. Yet, the name of the Google Home app remains.
Improvements in the apps
As you can see, the Nest app and Google Home come from the same company, and that’s Google. But are they different? How does the newer app improve compared to the previous one?
This comparison will help you picture how the two apps differ:
| Nest App | Google Home App | |
| Producer | Nest Labs | |
| Logo | Nest | |
| Devices | Nest thermostats and cameras | Smart displays and Nest speakers |
Google aims to integrate the two brands under a single vision for household goods, but there are still some degrees of division within the company.
For example, you must use the Nest app to set up a Nest thermostat. Meanwhile, controlling Nest speakers or smart displays requires the Google Home app.
Moreover, customers may still communicate with thermostats and security cameras through Nest’s website. But if they want to buy hardware, they need to access Google Store.
How To Use Nest App?
No matter how confusing it is to distinguish between Nest and Google Home apps, they still work well to serve your needs. We believe that you can understand them more by discovering how to use them.
So in this section, you will learn the features that the Nest app offers you and how they work.
Thermostats
Thermostats operate automatically with minimal human interference. It will soon program itself to provide the ideal cooling and heating for you constantly.
For example, you can use the position of your smartphone to adjust the temperature. The app can tell if you are at your office or home.
The system will develop a thermostat program that you can examine or adjust once it has gotten to know everyone in your home and their daily routine.
And the app does allow you to modify your home’s temperature. You can more about Nest thermostat from this video:
Unfortunately, the Google Home app doesn’t support this feature. It means that you have to install the Nest app to handle thermostats.
Cameras
Nest cameras let you observe every corner of your house. Thanks to the app, you can check the camera feed at any time from anywhere. And of course, you must have an internet connection to do it.
You will receive notifications on your smart device in case of an emergency. This feature will allow you to check your house’s security constantly.
Nest is also proud of its powerful speakers. You may use them to scare off invaders with the speakers’ echo suppression and noise cancellation features.
You can use Google Assistant speakers and display them from the Google Home app as an alternative.
Security System
The alarm system offered by Nest contains three devices: an alarm, a motion sensor, and a keypad. They run on a software called “Nest Guard,” the brain of the whole system.
The sensor keeps an eye out for motion around windows and doors as well as within a room. And you control everything just with the app on your phone.
Smoke Alarm
The Nest Protect sensor will check for carbon monoxide and smoke in your house. The app will inform you immediately if there is any sign of them.
Doorbell
Nest introduced its doorbell system first. But the Google Home app can also offer you the same thing with a new camera view. Depending on your doorbell model, you need to use the Home or Nest app.
If you go for the Nest app, most settings are already available on the app. You will then receive notifications for what the doorbell detects.
Conclusion
Google hasn’t found a way to integrate Nest and Google Home apps. Hence, you need to figure out which device they work with and choose the right one to regulate your smart home.
Our inbox is always open to assist you if you have any problems while handling the apps. Don’t hesitate to reach us for help.
Thank you for reading!
Further Reading: