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zach-coleman

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Apr 10, 2022
1,283
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Seattle, Washington
It seems like Matter/Thread are both ready to go on Google and Apple's end. Are you able to do a link like this without a middleman in practice yet?
 
I was very confused as to why but I finally found out it is because Google is planning to support Matter, but only in future devices. And the Nest Doorbell has not yet been refreshed with Matter. Putting this in here in case somebody comes across this with a similar question.
 
Cameras are also not a device type yet support by Matter. Supposed to be in the next Matter update.

Also, the device requires a Thread radio. Not sure if the Google Nest doorbells have them.
 
Cameras are also not a device type yet support by Matter. Supposed to be in the next Matter update.

Also, the device requires a Thread radio. Not sure if the Google Nest doorbells have them.
I would presume since Google said that they would support Matter on all of their devices, they would get that sorted out. Hopefully, at least!! I think they make the nicest Doorbell Cameras and Thermostats.
 
I would presume since Google said that they would support Matter on all of their devices, they would get that sorted out. Hopefully, at least!! I think they make the nicest Doorbell Cameras and Thermostats.
It’s not on Google to implement cameras. Google really has no say until the CSA adds cameras as a device type. Whole I have no doubt that it will happen in the future, but at the same time, I learned my lesson not to buy a product based on a promise.

Go down to Device Type and you can see what is currently available for Matter certification.

 
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It’s not on Google to implement cameras. Google really has no say until the CSA adds cameras as a device type. Whole I have no doubt that it will happen in the future, but at the same time, I learned my lesson not to buy a product based on a promise.
Not buying until I see it in practice, don't worry. Thanks for the list.
 
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I have Nest products and thinking about a Starling hub. (Am also investigating Raspberry Pi options for HomeBridge)

We like complaining about Apple, but Google's head is so far up their asses on their own Nest product line, how can you expect them to have Matter integration figured our already? (BTW: Google acquired Nest 9 years ago!)

• Google Nest Protect. Only works in the Nest app. Does not appear, nor can it be added, to the Google Home app.
• Google Nest Outdoor Cams Gen 1. Works in the Nest app and the Google Home app. No options for Zones, etc. in the Google Home app.
• Google Nest Outdoor Cams Gen 2. ONLY works in Google Home app. Therefore, no options for Zones, etc.
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat. Works in the Nest app and the Google Home app.
• Google Nest Thermostat. ONLY works in Google Home app.

There is a Nest feature where the Protect can immediately shut down your HVAC system via Nest thermostat when it detects carbon monoxide or smoke. How well does that work when Google Home cannot see Protect and your Nest Thermostat can only be seen by Google Home?

So what? They are literally forcing you into the Google Home app, which is a complete turd compared to the Nest app, all while the Google Home app does not yet support the full Nest product line, nor does it come close to supporting the features or settings of the Nest app.
 
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My mom has the newest nest battery doorbell, but used to have an older one. It allows you to set zones in the google home app. I’m not sure if this is like a “third gen” thing or what. I just checked and put down a zone as a test.

It sounds like they need to update the learning thermostat. It looks like it is pretty old, the marketing pictures include an image of the Pixel 3XL. My mom has the cheaper plastic one they used to make, but not the one with the mirror finish and the capacitive swipe bar thing. It rotates like the more expensive one. I won’t get a nest thermostat if it doesn’t rotate, that’s like my favorite part of the product.
 
It allows you to set zones in the google home app. I’m not sure if this is like a “third gen” thing or what. I just checked and put down a zone as a test.

I just used Zones as an example and that was only for the Nest Outdoor cams.

However, the Nest Learning thermostat is fully configurable only in the Nest app as I just verified. Aside from "Name", there are no settings/options whatsoever in the Google Home app for this device. The Nest app is currently the only access point for the dozens of features and configuration options.

It sounds like they need to update the learning thermostat

Oh please no, and why? Once they "update" a Nest product, it no longer works in the Nest app.

If Google is serious about killing off the Nest app, they really need to update the Google Home app so that all Nest products show up and all settings/features are accessible... even then the Google Home GUI still looks like hot garbage compared to Nest.

9 years into this Google Nest acquisition, and a subset of Nest products only works in the Google Home app, while a different subset only works in the Nest app, and a third subset half-ass works in both apps. Average consumer needs a Venn diagram before purchasing Google-Nest anything.
 
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I have Nest products and thinking about a Starling hub. (Am also investigating Raspberry Pi options for HomeBridge)

We like complaining about Apple, but Google's head is so far up their asses on their own Nest product line, how can you expect them to have Matter integration figured our already? (BTW: Google acquired Nest 9 years ago!)

• Google Nest Protect. Only works in the Nest app. Does not appear, nor can it be added, to the Google Home app.
• Google Nest Outdoor Cams Gen 1. Works in the Nest app and the Google Home app. No options for Zones, etc. in the Google Home app.
• Google Nest Outdoor Cams Gen 2. ONLY works in Google Home app. Therefore, no options for Zones, etc.
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat. Works in the Nest app and the Google Home app.
• Google Nest Thermostat. ONLY works in Google Home app.

There is a Nest feature where the Protect can immediately shut down your HVAC system via Nest thermostat when it detects carbon monoxide or smoke. How well does that work when Google Home cannot see Protect and your Nest Thermostat can only be seen by Google Home?

So what? They are literally forcing you into the Google Home app, which is a complete turd compared to the Nest app, all while the Google Home app does not yet support the full Nest product line, nor does it come close to supporting the features or settings of the Nest app.
If you have some Google/Nest products that you want to get into HomeKit, I highly recommend the Starling Hub. Can’t say enough good things about it and frankly, can’t think of anything bad to say about it either.

If HKSV is important to you, just make sure you check which cameras support it with Starling. Mostly the newer ones only.
 
If you have some Google/Nest products that you want to get into HomeKit, I highly recommend the Starling Hub. Can’t say enough good things about it and frankly, can’t think of anything bad to say about it either.

If HKSV is important to you, just make sure you check which cameras support it with Starling. Mostly the newer ones only.

Yes, Starling seems like an easy/reliable way. No, my first gen Nest Outdoor cameras are not HKSV compatible; and I have a Google Aware subscription.

What do you know about HomeBridge as it relates to Nest? I have some ideas for some home-baked HomeKit integrations with Arduino IDE and some ESP32 boards... so setting up HomeBridge with a Raspberry Pi is within reach.

I actually also had an idea for an ESP32 device hidden in my car so HomeKit could control my door locks and remote start... the downside is that would only work when I am parked within my own wifi range.
 
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1. Is is true that with HKSV compatible cameras, I would not need a subscription to anything and HKSV video does not count against my iCloud quota? I already have a monthly 2 TB iCloud sub.

2. What do you know about HomeBridge as it relates to Nest? I have some ideas for some home-baked HomeKit integrations with Arduino IDE and some ESP32 boards... so setting up HomeBridge with a Raspberry Pi is within reach.
1. That is correct unless you are using Nest cams with Starling. Starling still requires a Nest Aware subscription for HKSV to work. Other cams native to HomeKit and HKSV do not require a third party sub far as I know.

2. I have no experience with HomeBridge, Home Assistant or any of the other open source platforms, although I’ve been meaning to give it a a shot. I have a HOOBs still sitting in the shipping box I received about six months ago. Was hoping to use it as a starter kit for getting into the more serious stuff. Just can’t find the time right now. I’m doing 180 hours of ordered OT per quarter at my job 😬
 
Starling still requires a Nest Aware subscription for HKSV to work.

If one already has Nest Aware, then in that case, what is the point of also having HKSV?

I looked at Hoobs too ... keep us posted.

All this stupid 💩 and each one with their own app. Samsung SmartThings sucks. LG ThinQ is flaky and lame. Google owns Nest and after 9 years still hasn't figured out how to get all Nest products into Google Home. Apple really has an opportunity to dominate with HomeKit if they want to.

At this point, if a third party came along with a comprehensive system that could bring all together in one app, I'd try it despite the fact that Matter is coming.


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If one already has Nest Aware, then in that case, what is the point of also having HKSV?

I looked at Hoobs too ... keep us posted.

All this stupid 💩 and each one with their own app. Samsung SmartThings sucks. LG ThinQ is flaky and lame. Google owns Nest and after 9 years still hasn't figured out how to get all Nest products into Google Home. Apple really has an opportunity to dominate with HomeKit if they want to.

At this point, if a third party came along with a comprehensive system that could bring all together in one app, I'd try it despite the fact that Matter is coming.


I just prefer for everything to be under one roof. For instance, if I get a notification that someone rang the doorbell, it shows a clip from the Home app recording that can then instantly be opened in the Home app and thusly control other related devices, like the porch lights and such.
 
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Me too and that's the point. In this case, the Starling hub can't do that without HKSV?
It can but it’s just streaming via HomeKit. Can’t look at recordings of it doesn’t support HKSV. Then you’ll need the Nest or Google app or whatever the hell they got going on now lol.
 
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