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Google has made some big changes to its home safety offerings, discontinuing both its Nest Protect smart smoke and CO alarm and its Nest x Yale smart lock.
Nest Protect debuted over a decade ago in 2014, largely picking up positive reviews by enthusiasts for its modern feature set and detailed safety updates. The Nest x Yale smart lock, which debuted in 2018, also picked up broadly positive reviews.
But this shouldn’t be a cause for concern for most existing Nest users. Both devices will continue to receive security updates and continue to work as normal through to their expiration dates. Fire alarms typically expire in 10 years in the US, meaning many users still have years left to enjoy their devices. If you're keen to grab one while you still can, both devices will remain available at the Google Store and other retailers while supplies last.
This doesn’t mean that Google is exiting the home security market; it’s just now taking a different approach and partnering with third-party manufacturers, after announcing at I/O 2024 that it was reimagining its smart home platform, Google Home, as a platform for all developers.
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Google has announced a partnership with home safety firm First Alert to launch the First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. The new device will not only integrate with existing Nest Protect devices, but you'll also be able to control both through the Google Home app. For example, if one of your existing Nest devices detects danger, that information will automatically be shared with the new First Alert device.
The new alarm device will be available in the coming months in the US and Canada, on the Google Store and FirstAlert.com, for roughly $129.99. Meanwhile, the Nest x Yale lock will be succeeded by the Yale Smart Lock with Matter, a new smart lock designed to complement Nest doorbells, pegged for release in summer 2025.
Though Google appears to be stepping back from producing its own home safety products, other companies are entering the space. Amazon's Ring recently added a smart smoke and CO detector to its portfolio, teaming up with fire safety firm Kidde on a collection of new alarms.
If you're unsure about how to replace your Google Nest, check out PCMag's guide to the best smart home security systems.