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Revolv arrives on Android, adds official Nest support

With new competition entering the game, Revolv is working to widen its base of appeal.

Ry Crist Senior Editor / Reviews - Labs
Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.
Expertise Smart home technology and wireless connectivity Credentials
  • 10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team
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Ry Crist
2 min read

Revolv Smart Home Solution
Colin West McDonald/CNET
Revolv announced the release of its long-awaited Android app today, a move that should help widen the $300 smart hub's appeal as it continues its push to anchor the connected home. In addition to the Android launch, the Revolv team announced official support for the Nest Learning Thermostat , which will replace the unofficial, reverse-engineered support the system employed previously.

Both moves should help serve as something of a booster shot as Revolv works to fight off new competition from the freshly re-designed Staples Connect Hub , as well as the Wink Hub , which sits next to Revolv on the shelf at Home Depot. Both of those options already have Android apps, and both cost significantly less than Revolv does.

revolv-android-app.jpg
Revolv

Smart hubs like Revolv promise to integrate multiple connected devices into a single interface, working like a dedicated router for smart home gadgetry. With several wireless protocols built right in, Revolv is capable of controlling a fairly wide range of popular smart home devices, including Philips Hue LEDs , Yale Real Living deadbolts , and Belkin WeMo Switches . Until now, the Revolv app you'll use to control all of it was only available to iOS users.

With official (as opposed to unofficial) Nest support, Revolv users can expect deeper control over their connected thermostats than before, including one-tap, multi-device control over a room's temperature and ambiance.

Revolv is also highlighting new support on both apps for multiple users within a single home. With a new "intelligent occupancy" feature, Revolv claims to use smartphones as presence sensors, tracking when authorized users come and go to judge whether or not there's anyone in the house who shouldn't be there. This focus on smartphone presence detection is similar to a central feature of SmartThings , yet another competitor Revolv likely has its eyes on.

All updates to both the existing iOS app and the new Android app are scheduled for release today. The Revolv Hub can be found for sale online at Amazon, Smarthome.com, or Revolv's own website. You can also find it in-store at select Home Depots nationwide.