Dear Google Support,
I'm writing to express my concern about a critical limitation in the Google Nest Pro WiFi router: its dependence on an internet connection to function even for basic local network tasks. While power outages are a separate beast (when the lights go out, so does everything else!), when the internet drops, my entire smart home ecosystem grinds to a halt. Lights and thermostats become unresponsive, and even streaming my own movies becomes impossible. It's as if the internet is the router's lifeblood, without which it simply ceases to exist.
This dependence is fundamentally flawed. At its core, a router should facilitate communication between local network devices, regardless of the internet's status. This basic functionality shouldn't be held hostage by an external factor like internet connectivity. Moreover, it undermines the very purpose of a smart home. These systems should enhance our lives and add convenience, even when the outside world throws us curveballs.
Here's what I urge Google to consider:
- Prioritize Local Network Access: Implement features or settings that allow the Nest Pro to function as a traditional router during internet outages. This would enable essential local network functionalities like pinging IPs, local file transfers (PC-to-PC), and accessing local media servers, even if some smart home devices require cloud access due to manufacturer design. This core network communication within the home shouldn't be crippled by internet hiccups.
- Acknowledge Diverse User Needs: Recognize that internet access varies, not everyone lives in internet utopia. Design products that cater to a wider range of connectivity realities, including rural users like myself who face frequent outages.
By addressing these limitations, Google can make the Nest Pro and the entire smart home concept truly reliable and valuable for all users, regardless of their internet situation. This is not just a call for technical improvements but a plea for inclusivity and understanding of diverse user experiences.
I believe in the potential of smart homes to make our lives better, even when the internet isn't cooperating. I urge Google, with the assistance of Bard (Google's AI language model), to join me in making this vision a reality.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Ron Dickerson
