Homeowners can soon purchase a smart outdoor security system from Nest, the Google-owned home technology company announced today. The new Nest Cam Outdoor is the company's first outdoor product, but not its first step towards advanced home security.
Nest already has an indoor security camera, but the new weatherproof outdoor model will provide homeowners with a 24/7 live view of the exterior of their home. The product comes at a time of increased demand from Nest consumers for an outdoor camera—30% of Nest indoor camera users were actually pointing their devices out the window for an exterior view. The camera retails for $199 and will be available to consumers in the fall.
The camera has a magnetic base so it’s easy to install and mount on your own, and is plugged into a power source, so dead batteries won’t be a concern for homeowners.
Unlike camera models that only wake up when motion is detected the Nest camera will continuously record activity around the home for owners that have a Nest Aware subscription (which costs $30 per month), and save footage for up to 30 days. The camera will also alert owners with an image through the Nest app when there is motion or a “conspicuous sound” such as a crash from a window breaking. With a Nest Aware subscription, Nest can detect and send an alert if there is a person in a pre-selected “activity zone,” like the driveway or at the front door.
The camera even has a built-in speaker and microphone, so homeowners can speak through the app if they aren’t home, scaring off suspicious visitors or just letting the delivery man know to leave a package on the steps.
The outdoor camera can be connected to other smart Nest products, like the indoor security camera, and Nest light bulbs and window shades, which can make it appear as if a homeowner is home even if they’re not.
