Google rolls out new Nest Cam features to Google Home for web

By Jon Bitner Updated March 18, 2024

Nest Cams on a counter. — Nest

While many users access Google Home on their smartphone or smart display, the platform is also available via web browser. The web-based Google Home experience wasn’t exactly the best way to access your smart devices, but that’s rapidly changing as Google rolls out new updates to the client — the latest of which adds a ton of new ways to access your Nest Cams.

Google began rolling out the update late last week, and most users should now have access to the improved Google Home for web experience. The big draw is access to your Nest Cam history and the option to download clips. Prior to this update, it was impossible to view recorded clips via Google Home for web, forcing you to instead jump into the official Google Home app.

The updated Google Home for web app. — Google

Other notable additions to the platform include the ability to customize your video clips and access to Public Preview content. Google notes that the custom clips functionality will be “rolling out over the next few weeks” and will support Nest Cam and Nest Doorbell products. If you can’t access the new functionality yet, you might need to wait a few more days for the update to reach your account.

If you’re a fan of testing out new features before they go live, be sure to check out Public Preview. This gives you access to up-and-coming features — though you might run into a few bugs during use. Now that this program is available to Google Home for the web, here’s a look at some of what you can access:

A script editor for Google Home automation.
Garage door detection for Nest Aware members
Added support for first-gen Nest Cams

Keep in mind you’ll need a Nest Aware subscription to access most of these features, which starts at $8 per month. To check out the updated Google Home for web platform, head over to home.google.com.

Topics

Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…

Smart Home

Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In: Which budget security camera is best for you?

The Blink Mini 2 placed on two books.

Blink and Ring are two of the best-known security companies, and they're responsible for many of the best security cameras on the market. The Blink Mini 2 and the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In are popular choices for frugal shoppers, as they carry reasonable price tags, yet offer most of the features you'd expect from a well-rounded camera. But if you only need one, which is right for you -- the Blink Mini 2 or the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the most affordable security cameras money can buy. It clocks in at just $40, though Blink often slashes its price to just $30. If you'd like to use the camera outside, you can bundle in the Weather Resistant Adapter for a total of $50. The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In is more expensive at $100, though with the launch of the Stick Up Cam Pro, it's typically available for $70.

Smart Home

Google Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): which is better for your front door?

Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen on doorway

Take a stroll through any neighborhood, and you're bound to encounter more than a few video doorbells. These nifty devices have grown in popularity over the years, with companies like Ring, Google, Arlo, and Wyze offering their own take on the hardware. But of all the products available today, few are as well-regarded as the Google Nest Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen).

These two devices are easy to install, capture high-quality footage, and bring an added layer of security to your front door. But which of the two is the better purchase -- the Nest Doorbell or the Ring Video Doorbell? Here's a look at both video doorbells to help you decide.
Design

Smart Home

Matter gains support for kitchen appliances, adds new energy-tracking features

Matter received its big 1.2 update in late 2023, and now the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) is ready to officially roll out Matter 1.3. The latest version of the interoperability standard is now available for use, offering added support for appliances like microwave ovens and lclothes dryers, while also introducing new features for water and energy management.

The full list of new device types supported by Matter 1.3 include microwave ovens, ovens, cooktops, extractor hoods (such as vent hoods), and laundry dryers. These aren't quite as exciting or mainstream as the nine device types introduced with Matter 1.2, but it's great to see the CSA continuing to broaden the reach of the Matter network.