I recently switched from my aging Arlo cameras to Google Nest Cams as we use the Google ecosystem in our home.
I was surprised to learn that the features lacked on being able to control when my new Google Nest Cams and Doorbells record events.
On my Arlo cameras, like my new Google Nest cameras/doorbells, I am able to use geofencing (presence sensing) to decide when and when not to record events based on if an authorized user is detected at home via the reported location of their cell phone.
On my Arlo cameras however, I'm also able to specify that regardless of my location (home or away), I want to record events after a specified time (after dark until the morning when I awake). This way any events which happen while I'm asleep can be reviewed the following morning.
Currently Google Nest Cameras/doorbells don't have this option. Also, their presence sensing notifications are based on each user's phone. So when I leave the house and another authorized user is home, I still get notifications when the dog or kids are playing outside.
My best attempt at remedying this situation is setting a mix of household routines based on home or away and specific time settings. When it detects that no one is at home, the cameras all turn on. When it detects that at least one user is at home, the cameras all turn off. Then on another routine, the cameras all turn on at my specified time in the evening, then they return off at my specified time in the morning. This is annoying as I have to turn cameras on and off manually if I'd like to check on them while an authorized user is home.
A more simplified option should be offered allowing the user to receive notifications of events when no authorized users are at home, coinciding with a set a schedule of times they want the cameras to record events, regardless of their physical location.
