Google Nest Doorbell reviewed

The new Google Doorbell has been released to accompany the Google Nest Cam which we looked at recently. You can see more about this product here on their website.

Google Nest Doorbell reviewed

You can see why this product is paired and released with the Google Nest Cam, as you will need both together for them to work effectively. It is using face recognition software too. Does this mean the genie is out of the bottle too in terms of privacy versus ease of use for the purchaser. You can see why the designers want to build it in, to be able to offer all those other aspects that make it easy for the person behind the door, either physically or virtually. As a product it is solid, smooth and well designed, as a service it does raise some important questions.

What happens if the person knocking on the door is wanted by the police for other crimes and misdemeanours? Do the police get an instant notification at the same time or even before you do, in terms of the location of someone they might also like to talk to, as well as delivering you your pizza? Suppose you are in failed state, or Kabul perhaps where there is a change of government, and they might have their own reasons for identity their own persons of interest too.

Lining everyone up with smart doorbells, and then being able to also bring in for questioning, or worse, any persons of interest then becomes a less appealing prospect perhaps – if you are a woman, or anyone who does not share their world views.

As always you can argue that the technology is neutral, rather it is just how the user choses to apply it. However it is perhaps therefore super important to consider these applications before putting the products out there. It would be good to at least talk with someone from the product department to hear more about these potential misuses of the product. To date however Google have been determinedly opaque in terms of any conversations around these aspects of their technology and products. It would be great if this changes in the very near future before we merely have angst ridden hand wringing when technology like this is misused with negative consequences.

What you get with the purchase ->

1 Nest Doorbell
1 base plate
Release tool
2 wall anchors
2 wall screws
Wire connector
20° wedge
2 spacers
2 wedge screws
1 charge cable (3 feet)
Quick start guide
Safety & warranty document

More about the product

Google Nest’s mission is to create a home that takes care of the people inside it and the world around it. All of this starts with helping you understand what’s happening within the walls of your home and outside of it.

One of Nest’s first goals was to simplify home security, and we did this with our first line of cameras. So when we started dreaming up what our next generation of cameras and doorbells would be like, we wanted to incorporate the way the connected home — and your expectations — were heading. That included smarter alerts, wire-free options for installation flexibility, greater value and beautiful designs, plus enhanced privacy and security. We wanted our new line to give you the most comprehensive set of intelligent alerts right out of the box, and easily work with your other Nest products, like displays.

Today we’re introducing our next-generation Nest Cams and Doorbell: Google Nest Cam (battery) is our first outdoor/indoor battery-powered camera ($179.99); Google Nest Doorbell (battery) is our first battery-powered doorbell ($179.99). Then there’s Google Nest Cam with floodlight, our first connected floodlight camera ($279.99) and finally the second-generation Google Nest Cam (wired), a wired indoor camera and our most affordable Nest Cam ever ($99.99).

Security with smarts

Because we’re all overloaded with notifications every day, our next-generation cameras and doorbell are made to send you the most helpful alerts. They detect important events that happen in and around the home, including alerts for people, animals and vehicles — and in Nest Doorbell’s case, also packages. Our new cameras and doorbell can do this because they process what they see on-device, which means more relevant notifications and added privacy and security. On-device processing means that all of this works right out of the box, no subscription required.

Nest devices that work together

Customers have told us how much they appreciate that their Nest products all work well together. These new devices are no different. With the new Nest Cams and a display, you can keep an eye on the backyard from your kitchen and get alerts when the doorbell rings. Our new cameras are also fully integrated with the Google Home app, giving you access to all your compatible home devices in one place. With a Nest Aware subscription, you can unlock even more: Extend your event video history from three hours to 30 or 60 days, gain advanced features like familiar face detection (not available in Illinois) and get continuous 24/7 video history on wired Nest Cams with Nest Aware Plus.

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