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Alongside a new IP camera, Nest today released a 2nd generation version of their Protect Smoke + CO Detector. So what’s new over the previous model? For starters, battery life is extended from a cool 7 years to a whopping 10+ years. Most people recommend changing fire alarm batteries at least once per year to be on the safe side so we’re not sure , but it’s nice to know that the Nest can last much longer.
The new Protect also adds a split-spectrum humidity sensor to better differentiate between steam and fire smoke (because nothing is more annoying than your fire alarm going off just because you decided to stir fry some vegetables). Protect can also be silenced from your phone with the new app, which could prove to be a nice convenience feature for those moments when you can’t quite get to the smoke detector (and hopefully not because there’s a massive fire blocking the way).
That function can be accessed through Nest’s latest app that acts as a hub to control all their products. Beyond all that, it’s gotten a touch of refinement in its chassis, and still maintains the same $99.99 price tag.
No reason not to go with this one if you don’t already have the previous model. For everyone else? It’s up to you to decide whether the battery and sensor improvements are worth buying 2015’s rendition. It’s up for order right now on Google Play.
I don’t know how to contact droid life writers so I’ll leave this moto 360 Android wear 5.1 update here. The rollout stats today per Ernest’s comments at the end of the thread. https://productforums.google.com/forum/m/#!msg/android-wear/Dm-_S6xxtS4/ufaVRDlDRmoJ
Thanks!
Pulled the trigger, have been waiting for the 2nd gen model to come out to pair with my thermostat. Looking forward to seeing how they tie together.
Same here…let us know how it goes
The original version added little functionality to the thermostat beyond decreasing false positives for the “Away” feature. The article above mentions humidity sensing in the new version; perhaps they found a way to incorporate that, as well (perhaps to improve humidity accuracy by averaging readings from multiple sensors)
interesting. I bought one on sale a few months ago. Would be nice to have the slight improved model but Generation 1 is still good .
it’s 10 year product life…not battery life.
Unless it’s significantly better at its primary function, I can’t justify the cost for my house. Being able to control it from my phone is a nice to have, but it’s just too expensive since I’d need 10.