Google Nest Backtracks on Works with Nest Hard Line

Responding to fallout from developers and consumers alike, Google Nest has revised their plans for sunsetting the Works with Nest (WWN) integration program. In a blog post on The Keyword, Google’s corporate blog, Google Nest clarified their approach regarding the planned transition to the Works with Google Assistant (WWGA) program, with the upshot that existing WWN integrations will continue to work when used with a Nest Account.

A Welcome Reversal

That’s a sharp reversal from the original announcement, where Google Nest stated all integrations would stop working on August 31, 2019—setting off a firestorm of negative responses. With the revised plan, Google Nest says they will instead simply stop accepting new WWN integrations on that date, while not saying when—or if—existing integrations will be turned off for consumers using Nest Accounts rather than the preferred Google Accounts.

In the blog post—Michele Turner, director of product and smart home ecosystem for Google Nest—offered the following statement. “Your existing devices and integrations will continue working with your Nest Account, however you won’t have access to new features that will be available with a Google Account. If we make changes to the existing WWN connections available to you with your Nest Account, we will make sure to keep you informed.”

So, given that position, it does look like WWN will be around for some time, rather than the light switch approach we were expecting. Furthermore, there appears to be recognition from Google Nest that more allowances for WWN-type integrations will need to be made within the new WWGA program.

In the blog, Turner further articulated that position. “We’ll stop accepting new WWN connections on August 31, 2019. Once your WWN functionality is available on the WWGA platform you can migrate with minimal disruption from a Nest Account to a Google Account.”

Nest Home/Away to Live On

Google Nest says the current Nest Home/Away feature for third-party accessories will come to the Works with Google Assistant program. Image: Digitized House.

Turner also discussed how one of the most popular WWN features—the capability to automatically trigger actions for third-party accessories based on Nest Home/Away status—will be accommodated.

“Later this year, we’ll bring that same functionality to the Google Assistant and provide more device options for you to choose from,” Turner stated. “For example, you’ll be able to have your smart light bulbs automatically turn off when you leave your home. Routines can be created from the Google Home or Assistant apps, and can be created using the hardware you already own. Plus we’re making lots of improvements to setup and managing Routines to make them even easier to use.”

Google Nest says they will also be working with Amazon to migrate the current integration that enables Alexa voice control of Nest thermostats and viewing of Nest cam livestreams.

As Google Nest makes more information available, we’ll be sure to bring it to you.