Google has announced that it will discontinue software updates for the first-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, which debuted in 2011, and its second-generation counterpart released in 2012. This change also impacts the European version of the Nest Learning Thermostat launched in 2014. According to a blog post from the company, users will no longer be able to control these devices remotely via their phone or through Google Assistant; however, they can still manually adjust the temperature and modify schedules directly on the thermostat itself.
The end date for software updates and overall support within the Google Home and Nest apps is set for October 25th.
Remote control of these “smart” thermostats will no longer be available.
In other notable news, Google has confirmed that it has no intentions of introducing further Nest thermostat models to the European market. “Heating systems in Europe differ significantly and entail various hardware and software specifications, making it difficult to cater to the wide range of homes,” the company explained. “The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen, 2015) and Nest Thermostat E (2018) will still be available for sale in Europe while stocks last.”
The loss of remote control capabilities is bound to disappoint long-time users of Nest devices. While the core functionalities will remain intact, the convenience and appeal will diminish as software support declines. Unlike newer models, the early Nest Learning Thermostats can still function locally without a Wi-Fi connection.
This type of phase-out raises concern among consumers about the longevity of smart home devices as manufacturers increasingly integrate technology into everyday appliances. Is a 14-year lifespan a fair expectation for such devices? There’s no indication from Google that they plan to open-source the hardware.
In an effort to mitigate customer dissatisfaction, Google is offering a discount of $130 on the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat in the United States, $160 off in Canada, and a 50 percent discount on the Tado Smart Thermostat X in Europe due to the impending discontinuation of the Nest lineup.
Originally launched during the time when Nest was an independent entity under former Apple executive Tony Fadell, Google purchased the Nest brand in 2014 for $3.2 billion.
