Google has upped the ante on giveaways to existing Google Nest cam owners by offering a free Nest Mini speaker for those committing to annual, second-generation Nest Aware or Nest Aware Plus services. In this case, the free Nest Mini has a value of $49 based on the latest pricing in the Google Nest store. And this may be a good deal for many Nest users, since the annual plans for the new Nest Aware begin at $60. Last week, we reported on the existence of an offer for free Nest Hubs to some customers, and it looks like this new offer may be getting broader distribution.
Also: Read our detailed Should You Upgrade to New Nest Aware? article for much more detail on the new Nest Aware.
Offer Good Through September 30, 2020
Now, there are caveats as well as time and supply limitations to this offer. Per the email offer we received directly from Google on June 10, 2020, here is the fine print that applies:
“Subscribe to an annual subscription of the new Nest Aware or Nest Aware Plus between June 1, 2020 at 12am PT and September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm PT. You will receive an email with instructions for redeeming one free Nest Mini within 3 weeks. To redeem, you must click on the link contained in the email and complete the checkout steps as directed. Offer available only to US residents aged 18 years or older with US shipping addresses. Offer cannot be combined with any promotional codes, or with other offers running at the same time. It’s non-transferable, and it isn’t valid for cash or a cash equivalent. Limit two (2) free devices per user. Available only while supplies last. Shipping charges may apply at checkout. Void where prohibited.”
But there is yet another caveat you will need to comply with to cash in on the free Nest Mini offer. Read on.
Nest Account Migration to Google Required
In what may come as a surprise for some Google Nest customers, their Nest accounts must be migrated to a Google Account in order to subscribe to the new Nest Aware services. We wrote extensively about this account migration issue some months ago, and its impact on what was the Works with Nest integration program with third-party smart home accessories. Google is heavily pushing all customers to migrate their accounts from Nest to Google, as they sunset Works with Nest in favor of the Works with Google Assistant program. All the more reason for Google to get more smart speakers in the homes of these customers. By the way, G Suite accounts cannot be used here, but Gmail accounts are OK.
Cost of Old vs. New Nest Aware
In many cases, Nest camera owners can save money by moving from the first-generation to second-generation Nest Aware plans (see the detailed cost comparison below). But Google is allowing customers—at least for now—to stay with their original first-generation plan. That may be a good option for those still using some Works with Nest services, but most (if not all) of those integrations are rapidly falling by the wayside.
Table: Costs of Nest Aware First Generation vs. Second Generation (Source: Google)
| Nest Aware (1st Generation) | One Camera | Two Cameras | Three Cameras |
| 5-day 24/7 video history | $5/month $50/year | $8/month $80/year | $11/month $110/year |
| 10-day 24/7 video history | $10/month $100/year | $15/month $150/year | $20/month $200/year |
| 30-day 24/7 video history | $30/month $300/year | $45/month $450/year | $60/month $600/year |
Nest Aware (2nd Generation) | All cameras, speakers, and displays in home | ||
| 30-day event video history | $6/month $60/year | ||
Nest Aware Plus (2nd Generation) | All cameras, speakers, and displays in home | ||
| 60-day event video history 10-day 24/7 video history | $12/month $120/year |
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