Nest Heatlink (Thermostat Controller)

[MarkP58]

I have an early (probably first Gen) Nest Learning Thermostat and may upgrade to get Hot Water control (UK version)...

I have read that Heatlink uses Thread wireless protocol which is now becoming a standard transport for Home Automation. I have a mixture of Apple HK, Zigbee, Wifi and Thread Networks plus a Homebridge instance.

My questions are as follows;

1) Which versions of Nest Thermostat/Heatlink use Thread*? And what versions of Thread are used?
2) As Heatlink unit may need to change location (current wiring inadequate for HW + Heating) I have Heatlink range concerns so wonder if the Nest Thread implementation can run over (and be extended by) Apple or Eve Thread routers (or other)? Or if Google's implementation is proprietary?
3) Does Nest Now support Matter and does this help with range or transport* issues?
4) Lastly, does my current First Gen Nest Thermostat (Heating Only (UK) use Thread/Matter also and is it running lastest thread standard.

I don't want to invest in another Thermostat and have range issues from Heatlink to Controller so trying to rule in or out Nest/Google as Matter Thread is supposed to be open standard not proprietary but range may need extending.

Thanks

Mark Perkins

[AlexD]

Thanks for reaching out to us here @MarkP58 . I would be happy to try and assist. 

1. There is no information I can provide about the version of the thread communication. The 3rd and 2nd generation should both use the same communication protocol. 

2. The connection can't be extended. It is a proprietary connection implementation that will only work between the display and the Heat Link.

3. At this moment the 3rd Generation and the E versions don't support Matter. And there is no information currently I can provide for future compatibility. There are devices such as the Nest Hub Max that are Matter compatible, but this will not help with the range between the display and Heat Link.

4. There is no first generation thermostat release for EU, this was only for the US version. The versions that were available in the EU, with a Heat Link, were the 2nd Generation, that is no longer available and does not have hot water terminals on the Heat Link, the 3rd Generation, which is the currently sold one and does have hot water terminals on the Heat Link and the Google Nest E version, that is a DIY option and does not have hot water terminals. They use the same proprietary connection between the Heat Link and display. 

[MarkP58]

Thanks for your reply. Seems Google really are lagging in the openness of the Home Automation IoT space.

It’s not great to hear one of the largest players with so many negatives in one response although I guessed this would be a typical google response.

I think Google needs to get with the program as I can see many others asking similar questions.

Regards 

Owner of;

Nest Thermostat x2

Nest/Google cameras x 7

Hub x2

Nest Aware subscription for 2 sites

Apple HomeKit user with many other accessory vendors connected through Homebridge.

Seriously considering ditching Google as there are now so many other choices now that work more openly.

[AlexD]

Thank you for all the feedback provided. I wish I had more news to share. Make sure to stay tuned to our official channels for future updates. 

We're always looking to improve both our products and services and we're always looking at the feedback we receive.