Nest Goes Back To Google For Sake Of AI

Nest is back under Google’s control, making it easier to integrate Google’s artificial intelligence technology, as well as Assistant, into future Nest products.

According to CNET, the move will also help the world’s largest search engine compete with Amazon and Apple.

Google acquired Nest in 2014. Nest’s CEO, Marwan Fawaz, will now report to Google’s hardware chief, Rick Osterloh.

“All of Google’s investments in machine learning and AI, they can very clearly benefit Nest products. It just makes sense to be developing them together,” Osterloh said in an interview earlier this week. “It’s the natural thing to evolve to.”

Fawaz was also in attendance at the meeting, which took place in a room designed to look like a home, complete with a kitchen and a washer-dryer.

Both executives were quick to point out that Nest, which is popular for its internet-connected thermostat, is here to stay, and that coming back under Google’s control will “supercharge Nest’s mission,” said Fawaz.

One of the biggest goals is integrating Google’s AI technology into future Nest products. Nest has already begun building Assistant into devices such as its Nest Cam IQ indoor camera, allowing users to ask the camera anything they could ask Google Home or any other device running the Google Assistant. And Assistant will also enable live video from the Nest Cam IQ to be played onto the user’s Chromecast.

And within the next two years, Nest and Google will begin to develop products together. In addition, Google wants to offer bundled packages for both company’s devices, much like last year’s deal that matched Nest products worth over $100 with a free Google Home Mini. Fawaz also revealed that customers might eventually be able to use their Google accounts with their Nest apps.