Google Transitions to Home Premium Subscription Model
In a strategic shift, Google is restructuring its smart home ecosystem by sidelining the Nest branding for various products and services. The tech giant is re-emphasizing the ‘Google Home’ identity, particularly for its range of smart speakers, while discontinuing the Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus subscriptions.
Introducing Google Home Premium
With the introduction of Google Home Premium, users can access advanced features across Google’s smart speaker offerings, displays, doorbells, and security cameras. The original Nest Aware subscription model, which debuted nearly ten years ago, initially operated on a per-camera billing system.
Changes to Subscription Structure
After a relaunch of the Nest Aware service between 2019 and 2020, Google adopted a more straightforward flat-rate pricing strategy, allowing users to pay a single fee for all their Nest cameras. Throughout the years, this pricing model has seen several increases.
Subscription Plans Overview
Google Home Premium provides two tiers of membership:
- Standard Plan: Priced at $10 per month (or $100 annually), this plan includes features like Gemini Live on the latest Nest Cam devices, access to smart assistance via Ask Home, and up to 30 days of event-based video history. Additionally, it provides intelligent alerts for familiar faces and other key notifications related to home security.
- Advanced Plan: Available for $20 monthly (or $200 per year), this option enhances the Standard plan by offering up to 60 days of event-based video history, more contextual camera alerts, Home Brief summaries, and a searchable video history feature through Ask Home.
Subscription Clarifications
It’s essential to distinguish Google Home Premium from Google AI subscriptions. Users with an existing Google AI Ultra plan will receive the Advanced plan for their smart home devices automatically. Those subscribed to Google AI Pro will gain access to the Standard plan at no cost, with an option to upgrade to the Advanced plan for an additional $10 per month.
AI Innovations with Gemini For Home
As part of this transformation, Google has introduced Gemini For Home – an AI assistant aimed at enhancing smart home interactions. This innovative feature includes Gemini Live, AI-driven notifications, Ask Photos, and video history search capabilities. Currently available through an early access program, Gemini For Home is designed to integrate seamlessly with all smart speakers, displays, security cameras, and doorbells introduced by Google over the past decade.
For further details on these developments, please refer to the original source.
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