Google abandons popular Nest smart home devices

On March 28, 2025, Google announced the discontinuation of its Nest Protect smoke alarm and the Nest x Yale smart lock, marking a significant shift in its strategy regarding smart home hardware in the U.S. since its acquisition of Nest for $3.4 billion in 2014. The announcement indicated that while Google has offered these devices, it is now increasingly willing to withdraw from manufacturing hardware directly. The Nest Protect, which is a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, will be replaced by a First Alert model that retains many features, including compatibility with Google Home and early warning alerts. Simultaneously, Google will also cease support for the Nest x Yale lock that was launched in 2018, originally designed for the Nest Secure home security system. Despite the discontinuation, customers have a short window to purchase the smart lock at a discount while supplies last. Google's decision reflects its growing strategy of collaborating with third parties for new products rather than developing them in-house. As these products are phased out, Google is shifting towards partnerships with third parties to expand its product offerings, focusing on smart home integrations that still offer robust functionality. The new First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detector will work seamlessly with existing Google Home networks, indicating a transition away from direct hardware production to outsourcing. In short, both the Nest Protect and Nest x Yale smart lock signify the gradual retreat of Google from smart home hardware manufacturing. With replacements in place, consumers can still enjoy smart integrations through new devices, yet this pivot raises questions about the future of the company’s commitment to the smart home ecosystem.