Latest news with #NestAwarePlus
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Google slammed over ‘utter nonsense' video doorbell subscription fee hike – three alternatives people are switching to
Some rival doorbell devices let you store videos for free ALARM BELL Google slammed over 'utter nonsense' video doorbell subscription fee hike – three alternatives people are switching to Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOUSEHOLDS using Google's home security gadgets have hit out at the company's decision to raise subscription fees. Nest is a popular rival to Ring, with doorbell and video camera devices among the portfolio. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Google acquired Nest for $3.2billion in 2014 Credit: Getty 2 Customers will have to pay at least £2 / $2 more a month for their subscription Credit: Getty The devices are free to use for live monitoring and answering to whoever is knocking at the door. But much like Ring, if you want to store video recordings in the cloud you'll need to pay a subscription fee. Well, that fee is rising from next month and customers have called it "utter nonsense". "I'd rather throw my Nest devices in the trash and outlay the upfront cost for another brand rather than be subject to another price increase," one user raged on Reddit. "It's getting hard to support Google/Nest when they keep f***ing us over," another commented. "We have had Nest Aware for many years now and after today's email enough is enough," a third person wrote. The increases are coming for customers in the UK and US. Nest Aware, which provides 30 days of event video history, is going up by £2 / $2 a month to £8 / $10. For an annual subscription, it'll now set you back £80 / $100, up from £60 / $80 previously. Nest Aware Plus, which gives you 60 days of event video history as well as bonus 24/7 video history, is being hiked too. Black bear stuns homeowners by ringing doorbell Until now, you'd have to pay £12 / $15 per month, but going forward it'll be £16 / $20, an increase of £4 / $5. The same goes for annual subscriptions, which jump from £120 / $150 a year, to £160 / $200. "Subscription prices can change to keep up with market shifts, which can include inflation and local tax updates," Google says. "We'll notify you through email at least 30 days ahead of a price increase in your country or territory."
The Verge
3 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
Google is raising the price of Nest Aware subscriptions again
Google is raising the price of its Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus subscriptions starting in August 2025. According to emails sent out to subscribers today, the cost of the entry-level Nest Aware service is increasing from $8 per month or $80 per year to $10 per month or $100 when paying for a full year up front. Nest Aware Plus is going from $15 per month or $150 per year to $20 per month or $200 annually. Google says the new pricing will go into effect 'on your first bill that occurs on or after August 15, 2025, or at the end of your promotional period (whichever is later).' The company last increased its Nest subscription prices in September 2023. Google's Nest devices can be used without a subscription, but you'll only have access to a few hours of saved footage without either Nest Aware or Nest Aware Plus. Nest Aware includes 30 days of event-based video history. Nest Aware Plus expands that to 60 days, plus the last 10 days of 24/7 footage from supported devices. Both subscription tiers include features like Familiar Faces that can recognize friends and family, sound detection that alerts you when glass breaks or smoke alarms are triggered, and the option to call the 911 emergency call center nearest your home through the Google Home app while you're away. Price increases are never welcome, but the new Nest Aware subscription fees are comparable to what Google's competitors charge for advanced AI-powered features that can recognize faces and accurately describe the content of videos. Ring Home's Premium plan is currently $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. Arlo Plus is cheaper at $7.99 per month if you have just one camera, but for multiple cameras it's $17.99 per month. Both Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus support an unlimited number of devices in the same home. Google didn't specify a reason for the increases, though there is a Gemini-powered camera intelligence feature for Nest Aware Plus currently available to a limited number of 'select Home app users' through Google's Public Preview beta program. The feature generates more descriptive captions of recorded camera events, such as 'the dog is digging in the garden.'
