Why are Google withdrawing support for older thermostats?

[Simon2k]

Other than the clear push to get the consumer to buy a new bit of hardware, what reason does Google have for not supporting older thermostats? As a software dev, I'd image this is a software decision. The code already exists to support old hardware - why not continue to support it instead of forcing people to buy something they don't need?

[CoolingWizard]

@Simon2k , the end of product life happens in all kinds of technology.  As the technology advances the software to take care of older models becomes cumbersome and to improve overall efficiency, it more advantages to remove older software code.  Perhaps there is a technology leap, say AI, that requires more memory to operate and a sacrifice of old software code is required.  Or perhaps like day Microsoft or intel or even Google, the older product technology nor longer fits in the product road map. The older technology still works, just the advanced features capabilities are no longer available.  

The AC Cooling Wizard

[Simon2k]

I can understand that to an extent. But there are other options, like keeping the legacy app, unsupported. Or at minimum, open source the code so others can keep it alive.

It just feels really wasteful, given some will throw out the hardware just to get back a software feature they had. 

[Dubshoe]

I may not be presenting the question properly, so I’ll try again… Can the third generation be installed using the second generation Mounting Hardware… 

Am I correct in assuming the support that I had, that’s expiring on October 25, is supported and will continue with the third generation thermostat?

[Dubshoe]

I think my question is basic. With Support ending on second generation nest learning thermostat, I am looking to replace it with a third generation. Will the third generation install in place of the second generation without any difficulty… Thanks, Gary

[Frustratedddd]

No is the answer. 3rd Gen display will not fit directly onto a 1st/2nd Gen base.

There is no mention of the 3rd Gen stopping at present, BUT remember this is dishonest Google we are talking about here!

[Simon2k]

This is a really good point.  How long before 3rd / 4th gen devices are 'excluded' from the app too. There really is no excuse for this withdrawal of support, other than to force people to buy hardware they don't need. I suppose changing their mission statement away from "don't be evil" allows a bit more flexibility. 😁

[CoolingWizard]

@Frustratedddd 

Why are you saying Google is being dishonest? 

AC Cooling Wizard

[Frustratedddd]

@CoolingWizard

Really?

Have a look here, and after 4 years I have never had the item returned to me. I call that dishonest.

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Cameras-and-Doorbells/Doorbell-has-been-returned-to-Google/td...

[Simon2k]

There's a pretty strong argument here for dishonesty. 

Like several years ago, when Google had to pay up $60M in Australia for misleading people about data collection. Or as recently as last year, when Google were found to be tracking people despite using Private /Incognito browser modes. Or even that time when Google denied the extent of WiFi data being collected by their street view vehicles. None of this is honest behaviour really.

That aside and with regard to this, as a software developer of some 30+ years - I find it highly unusual that an older product can no longer be supported in any capacity. We have often written code which supports old and new products. Google probably have some of the best coders in the world - yet they can't continue to support an old product?  This is driven by money, not by tech advancement or limitations.

[Frustratedddd]

The worrying thing about Google is, Where do you actually get support?

Yes they may help at the start, BUT when they decide to have enough, they just close shop, and you cannot contact anyone.

Should anyone be able tell me where to contact Google and have a complaint that gets sorted, please let me know.

The ONLY way to contact Google is via email/chat, and they just do not answer. They hide behind emails, so hence you give up.

I find that dishonest, just hiding away!