Google has announced a new Nest thermostat, and you probably won’t be surprised to find that, like seemingly every new tech device, its smart features are powered by AI: in this case, Google’s Gemini.
The new thermostat model has been a long time coming. The simple and elegantly designed third-generation thermostat was launched in 2015. But since then, similarly designed and easy-to-use models from brands such as Ecobee in the US and Hive in the UK have gained traction.
So what does the 4th-gen model do to set it apart from its competitors? We’ve got all the information you need, including price, release date, and features.
When will the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th generation launch?
In the US, the 4th generation is available for pre-order now on the official Google store as well as Amazon US and Canada.
It is for sale on 20 August.
No UK launch date has been announced yet, but we’d expect it to arrive at some point, hopefully this year.
How much does the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th generation cost?
It is available for $279.99 in the United States and $379.99 in Canada.
Again, no UK pricing has been confirmed.
What are the specifications and features of the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th generation?
Design
The thermostat itself has been completely redesigned. Its 2.7-inch display is 60% larger than the previous model, and the frame is hidden behind layers of mirror and colored films for a seamless finish.
Apparently, it was inspired by the design of the Pixel Watch, which Wired reports took design cues from the 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat, suggesting there could be a lot of group hugging going on in Google’s design department.
You’ll still interact with it the same way you did with the 3rd-gen model, rotating the dial to change the target temperature and tapping for more information.
It comes in three colors: Polished Silver, Polished Gold, and Polished Obsidian. That’s less than the 3rd generation, but you probably won’t be disappointed with the options available.
The main display feature is what Google calls Dynamic Farsight. Thanks to the Soli radar sensor inside the thermostat, which works as a very effective motion detector, it can detect when someone is nearby and update its screen accordingly.
When there is no one nearby, the screen displays a clock face. Then, when someone approaches, an animation of the outdoor weather appears, as well as the indoor temperature.
Sustainability is literally built into the device: not only will its AI features help save power whenever possible (more on that later), but it also uses 100% recycled cobalt in the battery, which Google says is a world first.
A third of the device’s materials are recycled, its packaging is fully recyclable, and Google promises it’s built to last.
Smart Features
But it’s its new smart features that should win it over. It will quickly learn your habits and, thanks to its Smart Schedule function, will suggest changes to your heating and cooling program to save energy and ensure your comfort.
Users will receive notifications of suggestions and can choose to accept them or let the thermostat make changes automatically. It will also take into account the weather outside when heating or cooling your home for maximum efficiency.
In “Adaptive Eco” mode, the thermostat switches to energy-saving mode when you’re away. This is similar to Tado’s “geofencing” feature, which uses your smartphone’s GPS to determine your location. But the Nest 4th generation doesn’t have to rely solely on this feature, as it also has the Soli motion sensor built into the thermostat.
If you come home unexpectedly while it’s in energy saver mode, it aims to get your home back to an ideal temperature within an hour of your arrival.
Sensors
One of the problems with any smart thermostat is that it bases its heating and cooling decisions on the temperature of the room it’s installed in.
The 4th generation Nest comes with an all-new pebble-shaped Nest Temperature Sensor that you can place elsewhere in your home. The thermostat can then use both readings to make decisions about how to keep rooms, like a baby’s room, from getting too cold.
But you don’t have to limit yourself to two rooms. You can purchase an additional sensor for $39.99 (or three for $99.99) to place around your home.
If you already have a Nest thermostat and want this feature, good news: the sensors will also work with older Nest thermostats.
Compatibility
Google says it’s the most widely compatible thermostat ever, designed to work with complex home heating and cooling systems: heat pumps, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilation systems. If you have the latter, the 4th-gen Nest will monitor outdoor air quality and automatically shut off ventilation if conditions are poor.
It’s also compatible with Matter, so if you want to build your smart home system around the new standard, it’s an option to consider.
The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th generation promises a lot. We’ll see if it delivers in our review. In the meantime, check out our top recommendations for the best smart thermostats we’ve tested.
The thermostat isn’t the only new thing Google has announced. Check out its new TV streaming player, which could rival Apple’s 4K TV.
Table of Contents
