Google unveils AI-powered Nest indoor and outdoor cameras, and a new doorbell

Summary

As part of its Google Home event on Wednesday, the company unveiled a revamped lineup of Nest devices — Google’s brand of smart home security cameras and doorbells — including a new $149.99 Nest Cam Outdoor, $99.99 Nest Cam Indoor, and $179.99 Nest Doorbell. All devices are designed to showcase Google’s AI assistant Gemini AI in the smart home, and all three come with 2K HDR video, a high-definition format that delivers sharper images than previous models and the highest resolution Google has shipped yet, it says The company notes it chose this sensor because it would offer the level of fidelity that its Gemini models could use both now and going forward as the technology evolves. Plus, it wanted to ensure that users would be able to zoom and see a certain degree of detail — like a license plate on an unknown vehicle outside their home, perhaps — and balance that with a desire not to consume too much data. Image Credits:Google In addition to the 2K HDR, the cameras offer a wider and taller field of view compared with prior devices. The new 152-degree diagonal view allows users to see more of what’s happening. On the doorbell, meanwhile, Google increased both the field of view, now 166 degrees, and the aspect ratio to 1:1, offering a more square image. This should allow the device to see a more detailed view, including the head and feet of somebody standing at the door, and to the left and right of them, including packages on the ground. Image Credits:Google A new sensor and the wider aperture give the cameras better low-light performance, too. Google says the devices allow for 120% more light sensitivity than older models and can stay in full-color mode longer at dawn and dusk. And they’ll still offer infrared vision, which uses heat signatures to see in complete darkness, for nighttime viewing. Plus, when users are alerted to an event at the door, the preview images will now be zoomed in to show whatever triggered the alert, making it easier to see. Or, if a user w...