Google Technology Goes Backwards.....Again

[Slade]

I really want to be a Google security fan again, but they continue to make it tough.  Does anyone else wonder why we take one step forward and three steps back with each new Google camera or doorbell?  This is beyond frustrating. 

The design of the new Nest Doorbell (battery) is much larger (supposedly to support the battery) which is only a minor issue, but the real frustrating parts are:

• It can not continuously record when it is hardwired.  This should have been a no brainer as they can do it with the new nest cameras (battery) when they are plugged in (and have the appropriate subscription obviously).
• The first time in the history of cameras that the resolution (MP) went DOWN.  Every other camera gets better resolution with newer versions since the technology gets better and cheaper.  This is now a 1.2MP camera.  Not right in this modern day.
• You can only view the camera and event history through the app and not online like you can with the "real" nest version.  The phone app version is just ok for quick looks.  However, events often take a second to kick in so you miss some before it starts recording. Because it doesn't have continuous recording (when hardwired) you miss some things.  In addition, the nest app is a MUCH better and user friendly interface to view the camera video.
• Don't call it a Nest Doorbell if you can't use the Nest app!

With the new Nest Camera (battery) there are very similar frustrations.

• You can only view the camera and any history through the app and not online like you can with the previous Nest cameras through the Nest website.  The phone app version is just barely ok for quick looks.  Just like above with the doorbell you miss things on events, but at least it continuously records.  However, when you have their most expensive subscription plan that continuously records, playback in the phone app stops playback when you hit an event.  You then start it again for the event and it stops at the end of the event.  You then have to hit start again to continue the playback.  Why anyone considered that user friendly in the app design especially when paying the premium....fire them.
• Who designed where the plug goes in?  The last outdoor camera they finally got smart and had the power cable hidden to run through the bracket to the wall.  This one sticks out and is UNDER the camera so the cable is both visible and in the wrong place.  Most of the time you want to angle the camera down (since it will be at least 6 feet up on an outside wall),  The plug sticking out of the camera prevents you from angling it down as far as you may want.  They advise not to turn the camera upside down (although they give a setting in the app if you do because you will impact the motion sensor).  Why not just put the plug in the top of the camera towards the rear of it so it does not impact anything?  Why not make it hidden AGAIN......like they did on the last outdoor camera.  
• Don't call it a Nest Camera (battery) if you can't use the Nest app!

Hardware and app design is not Google's strength.  They really need to understand their strengths and weaknesses.  In this case I like the concept of what they are doing with these two devices, but they missed the mark or went backwards on some very basic hardware design and software features .

[EmptyNester]

Hello Slade,  You summed it up nicely.  As far as I can tell Google has destroyed the NEST cam product and there is no longer any future in this product.   My confidence in their ability to fix this is minimal at best.   All they have to do is let the new gen cams work with the NEST app and this nightmare could be over.  

[Jeff]

Hey, Slade.

Sorry for the frustrations you're feeling with the direction of the products. I can understand the disappointment. Eventually all products will be managed in the Home app and there will be a single place for everything to be controlled, but yes, the transition is a little bumpy for those caught in the crossover time. As for your other frustrations, I can pass those along to our feedback teams. Hopefully you will enjoy the products more over time as they are updated and improved. In the meantime, we always invite the feedback, even if it's negative.

Thanks.

[Slade]

The home app is half the problem. That is going in the wrong direction.  Other than getting a device connected, which is very easy, the app is otherwise a non user friendly app. Some of the functions are not easy to use, some don’t work the way they should from an everyday usability perspective, and some just don’t work. I would be happy to provide some specific examples of constructive input to the product development team if you would like to setup a brief call. I really liked the Nest app and where it was going, but this has left me and others users really questioning the direction and future of the product.

The hardware is the other half of the issue. Again, I would be happy to provide some specific examples of helpful input to the product development team if you would like to setup a brief call.

I waited for the new hardware line to come out before investing again. I spent a lot of money as I was excited from the announcements only to invest a lot of money and be very disappointed. I really want to be a fan and advocate again for the Nest line. Please let me know if I can provided direct helpful feedback to the product team.

[Brad]

Hey there,

I just wanted to jump in real fast and thank you for your feedback. Please feel free to submit your feedback to us. I've put instructions for feedback below.

1. Open the Google Home app

1. .
2. At the top right, tap your account.
3. Tap Feedback 

1. tap the type of device you'd like to submit feedback for.
2. To display available emails, in the "From:" section, tap the arrow on the right. Select your email address.
3. In the feedback summary, write a brief description of your issue.
4. Be sure to check the box for Screenshot and System logs.
5. To submit feedback, at the top right corner, tap Send 

If you need anything else, please let me know.

Best Regards,

Brad.

[Brad]

Hi there,

Just checking in to see if you still need assistance with this issue. If so, please let me know and I would love to look into this further for you!

Best Regards,

Brad.

[Brad]

Hey Folks.

At this time, I'll go ahead and lock this thread. If you're still experiencing problems, feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

Best Regards,

Brad.