The world of smart homes is evolving, and Google is at the center of it. Two of the most beloved products the company has officially said goodbye to are the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm and the Nest x Yale smart lock. For anyone who’s watched smart home technology come of age, it all feels like a part of an ending and the beginning of a new story based on new collaborations and new standards.
The Legacy of Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock
The Nest Protect was a hit ever since it initially debuted back in 2013. It wasn’t a simple smoke alarm—it had wireless connections, smartphone notifications, and sensors that seemed light-years smarter than vintage alarms. The 2015 iteration improved the design and became an instant go-to for homeowners looking for safety with a connected, modern spin.
The Nest x Yale Lock, launched in 2018, was equally revolutionary. With its remote access, passcode management, and seamless integration into the Nest ecosystem, it raised the bar for what a smart lock might become. Both devices, for years, represented the vision of a truly useful, connected home.
Why Google Is Discontinuing These Devices
So why move away from such popular products? Google claims it’s about concentrating on a more open, wide-reaching smart home platform. Rather than attempting to manufacture every device itself, the company wants to collaborate with industry leaders and move innovation along together. The vision is for creating a system that all device makers and developers can utilize, promoting creativity and compatibility across the board.
The New Partners: First Alert and Yale
To take over for the exiting products, Google is partnering with two familiar brands: First Alert, which dominates fire safety, and Yale, a legacy name in locks and security. Together, they’re creating products that fit seamlessly into Google’s expanding smart home network, without sacrificing innovation.
Features of the New First Alert Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
The First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is filling in for the Nest Protect. It’s $129 and available in both hardwired and battery-only options for US and Canadian households. It integrates directly with the Google Home app using Wi-Fi, providing you with voice control, alerts, and notifications.
One of its best features is that it can be paired with existing Nest Protects via Google’s Weave/Thread protocol. This means if you have Nest Protects already installed in your home, the introduction of the new First Alert alarms has everything integrated in a life-saving situation. Some of its other features are automated safety check-ins, advanced voice and app warnings before the siren activation, and silencing the alarms via your phone.
Of course, there are some variations. The First Alert alarm is not used as a presence sensor for Google’s Home & Away routines, nor does it support the nightlight that the Nest Protect offered. The aesthetic is more functional than fashionable, but it compensates for that with sophisticated photoelectric sensing and excellent app integration.
The Yale Smart Lock with Matter: What’s New?
Yale’s new device, the Yale Smart Lock with Matter, is optimized to function smoothly with Google Home and the latest Nest doorbells. It provides a variety of unlocking options—entry code, app, or even a regular key—and includes a long battery life of up to 12 months.
The major highlight is Matter compatibility. Matter is the new smart home standard for everything, and this lock integrates with any Matter-certified platform, be it Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, or Google Home. That flexibility allows your smart home not to be locked into one system.
The lock inherits some of the most sought-after features of the Nest x Yale Lock, such as remote access, passcode management, guest profiles, and activity notifications. It’s also crafted to merge completely with the new Nest doorbells, providing you with security and style.
Moving on to Google Home App and Ecosystem Changes
For years, Nest customers had to switch back and forth between the Nest app and Google Home app, and that was annoying. Google is finally bringing everything together with the Google Home app. That means things like the Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock, which previously leaned on the Nest app, are being transferred.
If you do own these devices, don’t worry about them just halting. Google has vowed regular security updates and support until the devices reach the end of their natural lifecycles. The Nest Protect, for example, is intended to function for 10 years from when it was produced, and Google commits to meeting that. Though both devices remain on sale in some areas, availability is restricted as the stock disappears.
What Current Users Need to Know
If you’re already using a Nest Protect or Nest x Yale Lock, your devices will continue to work and stay supported. Over time, new features will be added to the Google Home app, making management easier.
But as the transition continues, it’s worth thinking about the new First Alert and Yale devices, particularly if you’re planning to expand or upgrade. Not only do these new products integrate perfectly with Google Home, but they also leave you more open to the future.
The Broader Impact on the Smart Home Landscape
Google’s move to phase out its own flagship smart home hardware in favor of partnerships is a significant change for the industry. By adopting open standards like Matter and partnering with well-known brands, Google is taking a bet on a future where interoperability and choice will be the stars.
For homeowners and technology enthusiasts, that translates to more choices, enhanced convergence, and an intelligent, more secure home. The lock-in days are slowly disappearing, paving the way for a new generation of smart home technology that is more flexible and user-centric.
