Google refreshes its Nest video doorbells, security cameras and smart speaker - what you need to know

A day after Amazon announced its new smart speakers and displays, security cameras and video doorbells, Google is doing the same with its portfolio of smart home products. And, like Amazon, Google is also touting the new AI-powered capabilities of its devices with a redesigned Google Home app.

In addition, Google is launching a budget video doorbell and security camera through Onn, Walmart's smart home house brand. Here's a rundown of all of the new Google Nest devices, including their capabilities, prices and when you can buy them.

Google Home Speaker

The one device in the lineup that doesn't have Nest branding is the new Google Home Speaker. It's around the same size and shape as the Apple HomePod mini and Amazon Echo Dot Max, though it has a squatter design, as if someone pushed down too hard on the top.

The bottom of the speaker has a light ring which illuminates when the device is listening. Similar to the Nest mini, there are very subtle lights on the top of the speaker that you can tap to change the volume.

The speaker delivers 360-degree sound, and, like the HomePod mini, you'll be able to pair two to a Google TV streamer for stereo sound from your entertainment center.

The Google Home Speaker will cost $99 (the same as its rivals) and come in four colors: Porcelain, Hazel, Jade and Berry. However, it won't go on sale until the spring, as Google wants to improve the performance of Gemini in the home before it's rolled out.

Nest Doorbell (3rd gen)

Nest's new doorbell boasts 2K HDR video, as well as a 166-degree diagonal field of view and 6x digital zoom. It's the same size as the current Nest Doorbell (wired); Google has not yet announced a battery-powered version of the device.

The Nest Doorbell is available for sale today for $179, the same price as the just-announced Ring Wired Doorbell Plus, which also has a 2K camera.

Nest Cam Indoor (3rd gen), Nest Cam Outdoor (2nd gen)

Like the Nest Doorbell, these cameras will also have a 2K HDR sensor, to pick up more detailed images day and night. They'll also have a 152-degree diagonal field of view with a 16:9 aspect ratio, so they'll be able to take in more of your surroundings.

The outdoor camera has night vision up to to 20 feet, thanks to two 850 nm infrared LEDs. It's IP65-rated for water and dust resistance, and can operate in temperatures from –4°F to 104°F (–20°C to 40°C).

The outdoor camera costs $149, and comes in Snow or Hazel colors. The indoor camera costs $99, and is available in Snow, Hazel and Berry.

One reason why Google's devices always rated highly on our list of the best video doorbells and best home security cameras is that the company offers some advanced features without needing to pay for a subscription.

The same holds true for the latest models, and even improves things. Now, you'll get six hours of video history for free, double that of the previous versions. However, these clips are limited to 10 seconds.

Thanks to the cameras' 2K resolution, you'll also be able to digitally zoom in and crop videos, so you can get a closer look at the action, and intelligent alerts will also let you know if the cameras saw a person, vehicle, animal or package.

Gemini Live

Most interactions with smart home assistants have been largely transactional; you ask it one thing, it gives you a response, and then you move on with your life. Google is introducing Gemini Live, which removes the trigger word (Hey Google) to spur a more free-flowing conversation with its AI assistant.

One example that the company cites is coming up with a dinner menu by listing the ingredients you have on hand, and then following it up with more refinements like "I need a keto-friendly version" or "I need something I can cook in less than 30 minutes."

Google Home improvements

Just as critical as upgraded hardware are the AI capabilities being added via Gemini live, both to the devices as well as the Google Home app.

According to Google, the new app will load up to 70% faster on some Android devices, and loads live camera views up to 30% faster than before.

Finally, Google has also brought support to all Nest Thermostat and Nest Protect devices since 2015 (though the latter is being phased out among the best smart smoke detectors), as well as the Nest x Yale lock.

Within the redesigned app is a new header called Ask Home, where you'll be able to type or speak queries to Gemini Home for things such as turning on the lights, playing music, or creating a smart home automation.

Gemini Home will also better understand the context of your queries, so you'll be able to say "turn off all the lights and close the blinds," and it will know if you're in the living room or your bedroom.

A new Ask Home feature will not only let you search your cameras using natural language ("show me clips of a dog in my front yard"), but you'll also be able to ask questions like "how long was my TV on for last week?"

Supported devices

Google is bringing Gemini to a host of its smart home products, some of which date back a decade. So, if you have an old Nest Cam, you'll still be able to use Gemini to search through videos recorded from it. Below is a list of all the devices that will be compatible with Gemini, as well as the ones that will work with Gemini Live (denoted with an asterisk.)

Costs and what's included

Advanced features, including Gemini Live, AI-powered Notifications, Home Brief, and Ask Home will be available through Google's Home Premium subscription; this replaces the current Nest Aware subscription, which starts at $10/month ($100/year), and also includes up to 30 days of video storage from an unlimited number of cameras.

The Advanced subscription is $20/month ($200/year) and includes 60 days of video storage, 24/7 video history, descriptive notifications, video history search, and daily summaries.

Outlook

Given the fact that Amazon just refreshed all of its home security cameras, video doorbells, and smart speakers, it's a good thing Google is, too.

I like that both companies have finally upgraded the video quality of their cameras to 2K (and 4K for Ring), which brings them up to par with just about everyone else.

While it's not coming out until the spring, I am curious to see how well Google's new smart speaker will perform against the HomePod Mini and Echo Dot Max; not only do all three look the same, but they all cost $99.

The real proof for Google — as well as Amazon — will be in how well their respective AIs make using the smart home easier.