Nest partners with Yale on lock design, announces Nest Cam API
The Google brand's Works with Nest platform expands today to include a dedicated Nest Cam API and collaboration with Yale on a lock with built-in Weave technology.
At Google I/O in May, execs unveiled a competitor to Apple's HomeKit , an Android-based operating system called Brillo as well as a new, smart home-oriented wireless communication standard called Weave. In the video above, Google's Sundar Pichai explains that "you need a common language, a shared understanding so that devices can talk to each other, and to the Cloud, and to your phone" -- the team developed Weave expressly for that purpose.
Today, Google takes that announcement a step further by introducing "Nest Weave," an extension of its parent company's protocol that's designed specifically to integrate with Nest products and their Works with Nest partners. And to kick things off, Nest has already locked down a brand to be the inaugural Weave-integrated third-party device: Yale.
Specifically, the duo are developing the 'Yale Linus Lock,' a smart lock with a dedicated deadbolt, built-in Weave functionality and real estate in the Nest app alongside the Nest Learning Thermostat , Nest Protect and Nest Cam . Yale hasn't provided any details on cost just yet, but Greg Hu, senior manager of the Nest platform and Works with Nest, confirmed that it would be priced to compete with other smart models on the market.
But pricing does tend to vary a bit by model. The Bluetooth-enabled August Smart Lock designed by Yves Behar costs $250 (and an extra 50 bucks if you want to use the August Connect Wi-Fi accessory for true remote access to your lock), while the Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave Deadbolt we reviewed in 2013 will set you back $275 and Schlage's HomeKit-enabled Sense Smart Deadbolt is priced at a slightly more reasonable $229.
Nest's plans for Weave are clearly larger than a single product category, though. It wants to pair devices with one another locally so that smoke alarms and other safety and security devices will still work even if your Wi-Fi stops. Weave is also supposed to ease problems with latency -- for instance the lag time you might experience when you're turning on connected LEDs -- and beyond. Weave also gives developers options beyond Nest's cloud APIs.
In addition to Nest Weave, the Google brand also announced a Nest Cam API today along with specific integrations that pair Nest Cam with August, Mimo, Petnet, Philips Hue and SkyBell , such as "If Nest Cam detects motion when everyone's away, turn on Philips Hue LEDs." And, Nest is launching an online Works with Nest store today, too, so you can find all of the potential products that work together -- and buy them -- with greater ease.
We're tracking down a review unit of the Yale Linus Lock now, so check back soon for hands-on updates.