[17671]

I am interested in the Google Nest Video Doorbell since I am striving to keep my Smart products as much as possible under one brand if possible. I certainly enjoy the Google brand so the Google Nest brand makes smart sense to me. When you have a Google Nest product like a Google Nets Video Door bell or a Google Nest Thermostat do they need to create their OWN account on the Nest Server or can you use your Google credentials within their app?

This may not mean anything important to the rest of you but to a few certain people, this means a lot. I am one of those guys who don't just blindly put my info on any server out there I am striving to minimize my digital footprint as much as possible, I am very happy with Google so does nest products use Googles credentials or do they need their own login

 

[17671]

So it appears the older nest products (Pre-google acquisition) are designed to connect to the Nest app / Nest account to set up the devices. After that, you can "migrate" your nest account into your google account and then your google home will see the devices. The newer google products are designed for the Google Home app and you can discover them and configure them right in the google home app.

So even though you can migrate your nest account over to google, the way it works is google still treats the original nest products / nest account as a linked account and not fully integrated into googles eco system. only the newer nest products are fully integrated, not that it matters to people, often people will not be interested in how it works behind the scenes.

 

[17671]

That is what I am trying to avoid. I could buy the older google nest hello doorbell its on sale, they're trying to rid of the inventory, then have to open a nest account and migrate it over to my google account
or
I can fork over a little extra and get the google nest 2nd gen which is designed for the google home eco system
I probably would prefer to get the 2nd gen as it would be more easier to integrate into my existing google ecosystem with less steps.

 

[17671]

if that were to happen we are all screwed. Either way, I would rather have my data on one cloud (google) instead of two clouds (google and nest's)

 

[17671]

This is why its a must to do your homework and research when buying a doorbell camera instead of just buying the cheapest one you see. Lot of people will simply go and look for a quick sale and buy the cheapest one, but to their surprise they may need to pay monthly fees to unlock the useful features you want it to do.

While its true the more expensive ones may have more standard features, this is not always the case.

Also most people should be aware by now we live in the digital age. If they want a fancy off the shelf consumer products like video doorbells or thermostats or surveillance cameras or smoke alarms that are simple to install and use, be prepared to give up some level of your personal data or privacy. There are also options out there which are less intrusive at collecting or using our personal information, however those probably have a more complex installation and setup and are not so do it yourself friendly

I am okay with using google devices and with some of my personal and private information being used by google. I accept this when I use their products. I also accept that if some other company were to acquire them I would also be okay with them handling my personal info as well. This is the same thing as people who bought nest products and are okay with google purchasing the company and now being in control of the data they hold

 

[17671]

I am all about protecting ones privacy and I go out of my way to do it, I often do a yearly analysis of my Digital Footprint and try to minimize it as best as possible. The answer we are looking for is Education. No one wants to come forward and educate the general public about the risks of their privacy, but we get bombarded with advertisements about smart this, smart that.

In order not to deviate from the topic, When you buy a product from a company like Nest or Fitbit you have no idea if down the road they will be acquired by another company such as Alphabet (Google) who will be in control of the products and the consumer data. We know smart products aren't going away, so just make a wise chose when purchasing, stick to reputable brands., and if possible, find alternate ways of paying for your subscriptions like with gift cards instead of divulging your credit card.

I think I am going to purchase the Google Nest Doorbell cam 2nd generation for either Black Friday or Boxing Day. I am aware of the privacy concerns, but I also have a need to protect my home and property. There have been an outrageous number of car thefts and break-ins in the GTA. Simply doing nothing about it is not a good answer anymore.