Google unveils Nest WiFi Pro and wired Doorbell 2 with Matter support
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Google wants to pack its Pixel event with too many product launches, which is why it announced ahead of time the new Nest WiFi Pro mesh router that boasts Wi-Fi 6E connectivity alongside the improved wired Nest Doorbell 2. The Internet search giant also teased a revamped Google Home app for mobile users and Wear OS while adding support for the Chrome browser.
TL;DR
- New Nest WiFi Pro adds WiFi 6E connectivity.
- 2nd gen Nest Doorbell wired version has better image quality.
- Google introduces the Home app with support for Chrome browser.
Just in time for the Matter release, Google unveiled new smart home products that are fully compatible with the universal home standard. Both the Nest WiFi Pro and 2nd gen Nest Doorbell share some of the colors of the upcoming Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. This pair of devices is available to pre-order today for the price of $200 and $180, respectively.
Google's first router with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
The Nest WiFi Pro (2022) with Wi-Fi 6E arrives in a glossy look and rounded table-top design. Unfortunately, it dropped the Google Assistant function and support for previous meshes and nodes. What does this mean? It now works as a standalone mesh router without a speaker and microphones. However, users will be able to connect it with the same model via an Ethernet cable for a more robust network.
Other advantages of the Google Nest WiFi Pro are the Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and built-in Thread radios. The former taps the 6GHz frequency to provide faster and more stable connection than the 2.4/5GHz frequency on older models. According to Google, a single Nest WiFi Pro can cover 2,200 sq. feet of area with up to 5.4Gbps ideal speed.
Wired Nest Doorbell 2
In addition, Google introduced a wired Nest Doorbell 2 or 2nd gen model with a reduced footprint. The camera-equipped doorbell boasts a 3:4 aspect ratio to match most vertical viewing situations in smartphones. While it is stuck with 960p video resolution, Google says the updated software behind it produces fined-tuned image quality and better AI recognition.
What comes free with the smart doorbell camera are smart notifications and live video with two-way audio. The basic Nest Aware subscription will be $6/month, providing 30 days of access to your event history. Bumping it to Nest Aware Plus subscription will include 24/7 video history for 10 days and up to 60 days of event access.
All-new Google Home app for mobile, Wear OS and Chrome
The latest version of the Google Home app for mobile and Wear OS (3) was also announced. It will ship with a refreshed interface that highlights Spaces and automation sections on top of better navigation and controls.
Google mentioned that users will be able to customize the Spaces or create their own automated script through the editor. Both features are scheduled to arrive next year. Lastly, the app's camera features are planned to be rolled to the Chrome browser in due time.
