Google Nest device owners in the US will now have to pay a higher price to access the more advanced features and longer footage history of their security cameras and doorbells. According to a report by 9to5Google, subscribers have received notices informing them of the changes. The standard Nest Aware subscription now costs $8 per month or $80 per year, compared to the previous pricing of $6 per month or $60 annually.
In 2019, Google began offering whole-home Nest Aware subscription plans, which covered all of a user’s devices. Prior to that, users had to pay for a separate subscription for each camera. The plan provides users with intelligent motion detection capabilities, which can differentiate between different types of activities. It also includes features such as dog barking alerts and person speaking alerts. Additionally, subscribers have access to a 30-day video history with recorded events. Without a subscription, users can only access up to three hours of recorded footage saved on their device.
Google’s subscription service also offers a higher tier called Nest Aware Plus, which now costs $15 per month or $150 per year. This represents an increase of $3 per month and $30 per year from the previous pricing of $12 per month and $120 per year. In addition to all the features of the basic plan, the Plus tier provides access to 10 days of continuous video history and 60 days of video history with recorded events.
Google has explained the price increases on a support page, stating that subscription prices can change to keep up with market shifts, including inflation and local tax updates. While the new prices are effective for new subscribers, existing members can expect to see the price increase reflected in their bills starting from November 6 or later. Google has also stated that it will notify members outside of the US 30 days in advance of any price changes, indicating that the price hike may expand to other territories.
The decision to increase subscription prices for Nest Aware has received mixed responses from users. Some argue that the increase is justified, given the additional features and benefits provided by the service. Others, however, are disappointed with the higher cost, particularly those who have multiple Nest devices in their homes and rely on the service for comprehensive security coverage.
As the smart home market continues to grow, competition among companies offering similar products and services is intensifying. This price increase by Google may be an attempt to generate more revenue and maintain profitability in a highly competitive market. It could also be a reflection of the increasing costs associated with developing and maintaining advanced features and cloud storage capabilities for Nest devices.
While it remains to be seen how customers will react to the price hike, it is worth noting that Nest Aware still provides significant value for users who prioritize security and convenience. The intelligent motion detection capabilities and extensive video history can greatly enhance the effectiveness and usefulness of Nest devices. Additionally, Google’s reputation for reliable and secure services may give customers confidence in the subscription offering, despite the higher cost.
In conclusion, Google has raised the prices of its Nest Aware subscription plans, requiring Google Nest device owners to pay at least $20 more to access advanced features and longer footage history. The price increase applies to both the standard Nest Aware subscription and the higher-tier Nest Aware Plus subscription. While some users may be unhappy with the higher cost, others may see the value in the additional features and benefits provided by the service. As the smart home market evolves, pricing adjustments are common in order to keep up with market shifts and maintain profitability.
