The sun is setting on the days of the Dropcam and Nest Secure, but the clouds have a silver lining. Google announced that they are pulling the plug on the two smart home products on April 8, 2024 but are offering user discounts on their current products to replace them when they end support.
The company is offering free Nest Cams and ADT security systems. The two retirees are currently managed on the Nest app that is slowly being phased out and no longer work with Google Home.
What’s the Deal?
The product you have determines the replacement you’re eligible for. Dropcam users who have a Nest Aware subscription will be eligible for up to two free Nest Cams Indoor cameras, and those who don’t have the subscription will receive half-off coupons.
Nest Secure users will be offered a free replacement DIY system from ADT—that includes an ADT Smart Home Hub, two door/window sensors, and a motion sensor. The Google Nest and ADT partnership is a new and exciting development in smart home security.
Those affected by Google’s move will also receive a year free professional monitoring, after which time the service will cost $20 per month.
If you’re one of the people trying to sell your Dropcam or Nest Secure on eBay, it’s worth it to hold onto it instead and get your free replacement or discount, depending on if you have the subscription or not. If you’re looking at a Dropcam on eBay—your money is better spent on a new Nest Cam.
Also Retiring
Starting September 29, 2023, Google is retiring all existing Works with Nest smart home integrations. This phase out started in 2019 as the company started favoring Works with Google Assistant (now Works with Google Home).
If you still rely on an old Nest-branded integration, you’ll need to make the switch to Works with Google Home replacements by that September date.
A Consumer-Friendly Move
While it’s frustrating when our tech becomes outdated, Google’s giving plenty of time and notice to consumers to upgrade or get their replacements. The offer of free replacements or discounted replacements for Dropcam and Nest Secure owners is a consumer-friendly move.
Though it’s a sort of forced upgrade, Google really didn’t have to offer anything at all, so it’s a pretty sweet deal! Be sure to check your email for details on how to get your smart products replaced.
