Browser access to new Nest Outdoor Camera ...NOT the app

[ConfusedKevin]

I've had 3 older Nest cameras for years, and they worked great, through both the app and PC browser and 24" screens. One camera broke, so I bought a new generation Outdoor Cam. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to get any useful features through Google Home on my PC. I also cannot figure out how to add the new camera to the much more useful Nest portal. Why would I want to be restricted to the tiny cell phone screen for creating clips, and analyzing video activity? Google Home web portal lets me see live feed and that's it. 

I don't share camera feed, I have no "works with Nest" complications and I'll pay for features. I can even live with my old cameras being on one portal, and the new camera being on a different portal. I'll even use 2 different email accounts, if I have to. But, I am definitely not going to pay to watch a tiny video of vandals, for example.  I need to see license plates, for example. I want to watch history, create clips etc, like I used to be able to do with Nest, on the big screen.  Has Google gone backwards, or what am I doing wrong?

Thanks,

[gilleslibre]

You're not confused, you have it right all the way. The Google browing method is deficient and does not offer the same functionality as the Nest browsing method. 

[Rubes]

It has gone backwards. Any camera released in 2021 and later no longer has access to the original Nest app or Nest web portal. It’s all Google Home now.

[ConfusedKevin]

They make a Full HD, 1080p outdoor camera...and the only way to look at history is on a 6" screen?! That's like designing a Formula 1 race car, and you're only allowed to drive it in a school parking lot, with huge speed bumps.

Do you happen to know if I return this camera, and find an older gen model on eBay, can I add it to my existing Nest account? 

I'm in disbelief. 

[gilleslibre]

I don't know if you can still add cameras to the Nest account. Recently I tried just that with a first generation doorbell camera and I couldn't get it to connect to the account of the Nest app. I had to return that doorbell camera and get a second generation doorbell camera from Google and voilà, I got it connected on the first try to the Google home app. 

[Rubes]

Your mileage may vary but I’ve always had success adding previous gen (pre-2021 releases) cameras. I’m still on the Nest system, I have not migrated to Google and still on the first gen Nest Aware. About 4 months ago I purchased two Nest indoor IQ cams (clearance at Lowe’s) and they added to my Nest app and Nest Aware subscription with no problem.

[MplsCustomer]

@ConfusedKevin 

We've been frustrated ever since we bought one of the battery cameras 16 months ago and found out the same thing.

Google Nest does now have a beta/preview website, home.google.com, where you can watch livestream video from ALL of your cameras. It's been up for over a month now, but it has no history access.

[Jimmy_J]

google has gone significantly backwards and is why I've left their products in my dumpster and went with Echo products.  they work seamlessly and the customer service and support is better than google could ever do. thanks for sharing your experience.  i hope folks will get to read and NEVER buy a google product.

[aatienza]

Hey folks,

We hear you. Our team is working hard to deliver the best experience for our users — we'll take this as feedback. Keep your eye on the Google Nest Community page https://goo.gle/2JvnMRy for any updates. Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns as I will be locking this in 24 hours if I won't hear back from you again. Feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

Check out this link on how to file feedback.

I appreciate the help, everyone.

Thanks,

Archie