Nest announces new security-focused Cam IQ, Hello and Secure smart home devices

Nest today announced a new set of security-focused smart home devices at a special event in San Francisco, California.

“Security is an industry that is desperate for innovation,” said newly minted Nest CEO Marwan Fawaz, before introducing the new Nest Cam IQ.

The updated camera features HD video streaming, facial recognition software and a more powerful speaker than the company’s previous Nest Cam IQ outdoor camera. It’s also weatherproof and tamper-resistant, according to Nest.

Your first line of defense. Introducing Nest Cam IQ outdoor. Weatherproof. Tamper-resistant. And seriously sharp. #NestSecurity #NestEvent pic.twitter.com/HQVh8i78T7

— Google Nest (@googlenest) September 20, 2017

The company says it brought in former burglars to help perfect the device. It improved the camera’s software so that it can recognize faces, as opposed to merely being able to differentiate between people, animals and objects. Moreover, the Cam IQ supports two-way talk functionality.

The Nest Cam IQ outdoor will cost $429 in Canada and will start shipping to Canadian customers in November.

Know who’s knocking. Introducing the Nest Hello video doorbell. Coming early 2018. #NestSecurity #NestEvent pic.twitter.com/VmiIKQpu3P

— Google Nest (@googlenest) September 20, 2017

The company also announced a new smart doorbell called the Nest Hello. The device features a camera, allowing users to see who is at their door via the Nest iOS and Android app. It can communicate with the Nest app through either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The camera streams high-definition video at a 4:3 aspect ratio with HDR and a 160-degree field of view. Like the new Cam IQ, Nest Hello includes a microphone, allowing users to converse with whomever is at their doorstep.

The company claims the Hello is the first doorbell that can do both person detection and facial recognition.

Nest did not announce how much the Hello will cost, though it did say it will start shipping the device to North American consumers in Q1 2018.

Tough on bad guys. Easy on you. Introducing the Nest Secure alarm system. #NestSecurity #NestEvent pic.twitter.com/ho0WcxnEpG

— Google Nest (@googlenest) September 20, 2017

Continuing on the security theme, Nest also announced Secure, a new alarm system. Nest Secure is made up of multiple components, starting with Nest Tag, a small keychain that, working in conjunction with Nest Guard, allows homeowners to tag in and out of their home securely.

Like other security systems, Guard features a keypad that allows users to deactivate the system. Guard includes an 85 decibel siren (making it quite loud), a backup battery and a backup LTE modem.

The system also includes a pair of motion sensors, called Nest Detect, which the company says is designed to detect motion, as well as any doorway and window intrusions with the help of an accelerometer.

In the U.S., the Nest Guard starter pack will be priced at $499. It will be available south of the border this November.

Lastly, Nest announced that Assistant, parent company Google’s voice-activated personal helper, will make its way to the Nest Cam IQ indoor camera in an upcoming software update.