Discover Google's New Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen): A Smart Home Revolution

Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Generation): A Modern Update to a Smart Home Essential

Google has officially unveiled the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen), marking nearly a decade since its last significant update. Featuring a sleek new design and enhanced smart capabilities, this thermostat is poised to lead the way in smart home technology. Priced at $279.99, it now includes the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen), allowing temperature monitoring in multiple rooms. Preorders are currently available, with shipping set to commence on August 20th in the USA and Canada.

New Design and Features

The 4th generation Nest Learning Thermostat has undergone a transformation, boasting a larger 2.7-inch screen that is over double the size of its predecessor while maintaining a slim profile. Its design echoes the aesthetics of the Pixel Watch, featuring a curved glass display and customizable watch-like themes. Available in three sophisticated brushed metal designs—black, silver, and gold—the thermostat is not only functional but visually appealing.

• Dynamic Farsight Feature: Offers weather animations and customizable display options, such as indoor temperatures, clocks, and outdoor air quality index.
• Upgraded Dial: The larger rotating dial improves ease of use and precision.
• Virtual Companions: Three customizable fields display humidity, outdoor temperature, and more.

Intelligent Learning Capabilities

With an emphasis on intelligence, Google’s latest thermostat utilizes AI to learn your heating and cooling habits more quickly and accurately. One notable improvement is its ability to inform users about its functions, eliminating the frustrating "black box" scenario present in previous models. Users can accept suggested changes rather than having the thermostat operate independently.

Energy-Saving Features

• Natural Heating and Cooling: Autonomously pauses heating when the home naturally warms due to sunlight, helping to save energy.
• Adaptive Eco: Adjusts Eco Mode according to specific weather conditions, optimizing energy use.
• Smart Ventilation: For compatible systems, it manages ventilation based on outdoor air quality.

Advanced Compatibility and Monitoring

Google claims the 4th-generation Nest is the most compatible model to date, supporting more HVAC systems, including humidifiers and ventilation equipment. It also maintains functionality without needing a C-wire in most setups. New features like the System Health Monitor replace the previous HVAC Monitoring, tracking performance and sending alerts when issues arise.

Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen)

Accompanying the thermostat is the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen), designed to blend with the new thermostat's aesthetic. This sensor measures the temperature in different rooms and can average readings from multiple sensors.

• Cable Hookups: Supports 12 wire connections compared to 10 on the previous model.
• Active Sensor Management: Users can set active schedules for each sensor in the Google Home app.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment

The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) represents a significant leap forward in smart home technology, marrying aesthetic design with intelligent performance. Although it plays catch-up in certain features seen in competing products like Ecobee, the new changes are a welcomed evolution. The thermostat is available for preorder at $279.99, with the Nest Temperature Sensor priced at $39.99 ($99.99 for a pack of three).

FAQs

• When will the Nest Learning Thermostat ship? It will start shipping on August 20th.
• Does the 4th Gen Nest support Apple Home? Yes, it now works natively with Apple Home thanks to Matter support.
• What are the primary benefits of the new features? The enhanced learning capabilities and energy-saving features provide users with better temperature control and cost savings.