Time Stamp on Latest Nest Cam

[Scotty274]

So I have been searching for a way to get Timestamps onto my camera footage, as without a timestamp its actually kind of useless legally.

I have found the help topic at https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9220856?hl=en which was essentially useless, as it told me to go to https://home.nest.com/ to view the camera footage, but that only works if you add the cameras via Nest app...

So I deleted the cameras off my home app, went into the Nest app, only to be told that I can't add my brand new cameras in the nest app, that this generation needs to be added via the home app.

So essentially I'm running around and around in circles to get timestamps on my footage, it's 2022, I honestly didn't think to check that such a basic feature was or was not included with the cameras when I bought them.

Or would these cameras be unfit for purpose and best to return them?

[MplsCustomer]

@Scotty274 

Sigh. The newer Google Nest cameras and doorbells released starting in the fall of 2021 work ONLY in the Google Home app and NOT in the Google Nest app or on the home.nest.com website (as we discovered to our surprise a year ago when we bought a Google Nest Camera [Battery]), AND timestamps are ONLY available for cameras installed in the Google Nest app (one of several functions lost because the new cameras and doorbells work ONLY in the Google Home app).

[Scotty274]

Cheers, not sure what you mean by "The fall of 2021"? I bought mine in October this year, so spring 2022? Do you mean autumn?

So they just can't do it at all?

[MplsCustomer]

@Scotty274 

I meant starting in the autumn of 2021. We bought a Google Nest Camera (Battery) the first week in September 2021, thinking it would be an improved Google Nest camera and because the week before Google Nest quit selling the Google Nest Outdoor Camera. Then we discovered our Google Nest camera didn't work with the Google Nest app.

And since it works ONLY in the Google Home app, the link you shared applies: "Timestamps are only available for cameras set up with the Nest app, this feature isn’t available in the Home app."

[Scotty274]

That's very disappointing. So I guess the only option I have then is to return them?

[MplsCustomer]

@Scotty274 

I can't advise you on that. I have no idea whether Google Nest will add back timestamps in the upcoming updates it announced 3 weeks ago:

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Recap-Introducing-the-new-Google-Home-app-and-Nest-devic...

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/The-Google-Home-app-is-getting-an-upgrade/ba-p/251162

[Scotty274]

Well on that second link, the screenshot shows timestamps on the video 

[MplsCustomer]

@Scotty274 

I do not know whether that really means the upgraded version will include a timestamp on the video footage.  Remember, I'm just another Google Nest customer.

[Scotty274]

Fair call, though you wouldn't think they'd publish that feature if it wasn't coming

[MplsCustomer]

@Scotty274 

I don't know. It's probably a screen capture from a prototype of the upcoming release.

The "Public Preview" isn't available for signup yet, but some customers have been invited to participate in the more limited "Google Home Preview". Maybe if one of those customers sees this post, they could comment on whether they're seeing a timestamp on video footage (unless they're subject to a non-disclosure agreement).

[Brad]

Hey folks,

Thank you for your feedback on this, I fully understand the frustrations of not having your new Nest cams in the Nest app or available on https://goo.gle/3A7x7ug web app. We have plans for a Google Home web app in the works, which you can read about here. 

However, the new Nest cameras and doorbell are exclusive to the home app because we wanted to create an integrated experience with your speakers and displays. A nest aware subscription applies to all of your cameras, speakers, and displays in the same home structure. Thank you for your continued patience, and support. 

Best regards,

Brad

[MplsCustomer]

@Brad 

I've been hearing the phrase "because we wanted to create an integrated experience with your speakers and displays" for over a year now.

Those of us who have Google Nest cameras and doorbells released prior to the fall of 2021 would like an integrated experience as well.

[Scotty274]

Hey mate,

Thats great, but it also lacks features, such as timestamps.

And to be honest, unless the criminals my camera captures stop and stare directly at the camera and identify them selves with 3cpoibts of ID, time stamps would be necessary....

[Brad]

@Scotty274

We’re always looking for ways to improve, and appreciate your feedback. You can send it at any time using your devices by saying, "Hey Google, send feedback," or by following the steps found here. 

Best regards,
Brad

[Brad]

Hi there, 

Just checking in to see how the conversation is going. Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns. We'll leave this thread open for a little longer for follow-up questions and concerns. 

Best regards, 

Brad

[Brad]

Hi there,

Just checking in on this thread and the activity on it. We'll leave this topic open for another 24 hours in case there are any follow-up questions or comments.

Best regards,
Brad

[Brad]

@MplsCustomer

We’re always looking for ways to improve, and appreciate your feedback. You can send it at any time using your devices by saying, "Hey Google, send feedback," or by following the steps found here. 

Best regards,
Brad