New updates to Google Home for camera users: new AI image detection, requested features, and more!

[GoogleNestTeam]

We recently shared new updates to the Google Home app. You can read more in our community blog: New updates to Google Home for camera users: new AI image detection, requested features, and more!  Have any questions not covered in the FAQ? Let us know in the comments!

[EmptyNester]

Hi Kevin, unfortunately Google NEVER reveals that kind of information.  Unlike other companies, they seem to hold this information 100% locked up.  Us end-users have no idea when or even if this feature will show up.   I'm planning on staying with the Gen 1 cameras and the NEST app as long as I possible can.  Sadly the moving of the Nest app features to the Google Home app is moving as a snails pace in my opinion.  

[gilleslibre]

If I read correctly the announcement, the Web browser solution for viewing on a computer (https://home.google.com/), is to include sometime in the future, the ability to browse the historic videos. Does anybody experience this possibility at the moment? 

[EmptyNester]

@gilleslibre  Hello, I check for this every day hoping it will be there.  But so far nothing.  From my experience it isn't unusual for Google to make an announcement like that where they say something is coming soon but in their world soon can mean weeks or months.   I'm still holding out hope we will see that feature before the end of 2023.  

[kevin-in-ky]

https://home.google.com currently still only supports live view.  No clips, no history, no timelapses.   Its clearly not a priority for Google.    Next month it will be *10* years since Google acquired Nest in 2014 and still they are working to integrate the nest app to google home.   I'm guessing they have diverted all their developer resources to AI because there is no way this should have taken 10 years to do.  

My opinion is Google acquired Nest simply to eliminate a strong competitor and kill it.

[MS89]

I wish Google would provide some transparency. My indoor Nest Cam Gen 1, is still stuck in Google Nest. I've been on the preview programme since day 1 and I still haven't been prompted and its still not available in settings. 

[EmptyNester]

@MS89, hello,  I don't think you are missing anything as the NEST app for gen 1 cams still has more functions than the Google Home app.  They are still in the process of migrating features.  But back to your question.   My Nest Gen 1 cams have been appearing in the google home (preview) app for many months now.  Are you sure you have the Preview App?  Just to confirm when I go into the Google Home and click on the gear in the lower right corner and then scroll to the bottom is says just under the SUPPORT entry "Public Preview". 

[MS89]

Yes I've been in the public preview since the day it launched. Unfortunately the I don't have any option to transfer it, either in the nest app nor in the home app which is beyond frustrating at this stage. I've factory reset the camera twice hoping it would trigger, but it wont.

[LynnK]

I only have one Nest Gen 1 outdoor wired camera which I am using in the Nest app. I know I have to "migrate to a google account" from the Nest app before I can use the Google Home app and see my camera (with Public Preview of course) right? I don't want to lose any use of the camera and am still  a little confused at this point. How long will it take to get migrated?
And if I migrate can I still see the camera in the Nest app or does that go away right away? I'm not worried about missing features at this point I just don't want to lose use of the camera at any point. Will I still be able to see it in the Nest app until it gets migrated? 

[MplsCustomer]

@LynnK 

We migrated our Nest Account to a Google Account in 2020. We still use the Google Nest app for our 1st gen cameras and doorbells, but we can also see our cameras and doorbells in the Google Home app, though we still need the Google Nest app for full functionality.

It is optional for you to update to the beta "Public Preview" version of the Google Home app and try out what Google Nest is trying.

It is now also possible--if you wish--to "transfer" some 1st gen cameras and doorbells from the Google Nest app to the Google Home app:

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/New-updates-to-Google-Home-for-camera-users-new-AI-image...

[LynnK]

I appreciate your reply. I've been following all this for a long while and I have been easily confused with some of it. So I can migrate my Nest account to a Google account but not "transfer" my 1st gen camera, but still be able to see it on both apps? 
I did also get the free indoor camera to replace my old dropcam but of course it can't be added to the Nest app. If I migrate my Nest account to a Google account, I can still use Nest app for my old 1st gen camera (but not "transfer" it), and use the new Google Home app for my new indoor camera?
I appreciate your patience with all my questions that are probably obvious to most. I swear I have read through lots of discussions and info from Google! 🙂

[MplsCustomer]

@LynnK 

We've been using the Google Nest app since our first doorbell in 2019 (and are still using it), and starting in Sept. 2021 we now use the Google Home app for our two 2nd gen cameras, but we also have access in the Google Home app to many but not all aspects of our 1st gen cameras and doorbells. We are NOT using the beta "Public Preview" version of the Google Home app and have not "transferred" any of our 1st gen cameras.  (We are waiting for them to add the missing Nest app functions to the Google Home app.)

If you've already added your 2nd gen indoor camera (the replacement for your old Dropcam) to the Google Home app using a Google Account, then that Google Account is already attached to another Nest Account that Google Nest automatically created for you, and you won't be able to "migrate" your old Nest Account to that Google Account, and will need to use the workaround described under the "Error message: Google Account is already linked with another Nest account" subtopic in this Help topic on migration issues:

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9297676

[LynnK]

Awesome.  Exactly what I was hoping I could do. 

I have NOT got the Google Home app, or set up the 2nd gen camera, it is still in a box. I'm a "do all the research and do it right the first time girl" so I'm good there.

I very much appreciate your time and reply!

[aaronlmendoza]

Sad I had to look for a place on your app just to only be offered the ability to provide random feedback. What I needed is an option to fix the Ai or code you decided to use after buying out Nest. Google it’s not good. Your app is not what I’d expect from a company founded by coders like me. Now the methods your coder uses to compare faces is just getting really bad. It has been on one lately showing alerts for my graphic designer saying he’s in my garage repeatedly in the middle of the night… also apparently he and I hangout with tall trees in my front yard… `backticks can’t help`

[bramvmb]

When will the open garage door detection be available in europe (belgium)?

[MplsCustomer]

@GoogleNestTeam 

Why would any of us move our 1st gen cameras from the Google Nest app to the Google Home app if,  as Google Nest Community Specialist @EmersonB  said on the thread below, "the activity zone option will not be available in the Google Home app when you control your 1st gen Nest Cameras"???

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Home-Automation/Migrate-Nest-Cam-to-Google-Home-Beta-loses-my...

[EmptyNester]

I sadly agree with MplsCustomer on this.  The well designed features of the NEST app are moving across to the Google Home app at a snails pace.  It has been 2+ years now and the advances have fallen very short of my expectation from a company like Google.  And it is almost like the software folks that are doing this aren't even looking at the Nest app to see how things worked.  The idea that we now have CLIP Export is great but to not include the option of the time/date embedded in the video at the time of the export is a problem.  With out this law enforcement will not be very accepting of clips for evidence.  

[MplsCustomer]

@EmptyNester 

So far, it seems all Google Nest has done is to list the "Nest app only features" and remind us we won't get them:

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/13038234#zippy=%2Cnest-app-only-features

If these "Nest app only features" are NOT added to the Google Home app, why would any of us want to move our cameras and doorbells from the Google Nest app to the Google Home app?

The "Zoom & Enhance" feature, for example, is essential for us customers whose entrance doors are recessed, so that our cameras' views aren't dominated by the sides of the recessed entryway.

[ScrewNest]

Am I confused about the fact that the $2500 nest system I purchased is going to be garbage soon? Done with anything GOGLE this shows how big tech could care less about you just your pocket.

[EmptyNester]

Hello, I'm an end user like you.   Here is an article that might clear things up.   The product called "Nest Secure" is being discontinued and also the very old small indoor cameras known as DROPCAMS are being discontinued.   If you don't have either of those then all is good.  If you do have them here is what Google is offering...

https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-announces-the-end-of-multiple-nest-products-heres-what-you-need...

[MplsCustomer]

After more than 2 years, the Google Nest app features listed below (https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/13038234#zippy=%2Cnest-app-only-features) have STILL not been transferred to the Google Home app.

And after more than a year, the home.google.com website STILL does not provide access to video history or camera and doorbell settings.

So, why should we transfer any of our 1st gen cameras to the beta "Public Preview" version of the Google Home app and lose all of those features, as well as access to browser access to video history and camera settings on the home.nest.com website?

[jrl]

These days when someone breaks into your house they wear a mask to avoid being identified.  This makes the cams semi-useless for robberies.   What would make them useful again is if there was a mode that immediately sent a high priority notification if it detects a person with a mask on.   That would allow owners to instantly take action like turn the alarm on and call the police. 

[gilleslibre]

Yes, in addition to the cameras at my house, I also use the Ooma Home Security alarm system. This system calls me if it detects an intrusion in the premises, or detects a presence in the house. Have a look at this affordable system. It does not require a professionnal surveillance that would be costly if used, but instead calls you on your cellular phone. It arms itself when you go away from the house, when your cell phone leaves, and un-arms itself when it detects the arrival of the cell phone in the vincinity of the house. 

[gilleslibre]

Also, when Ooma detects an alarm, besides calling you, it offers you the possibility to redirect the call to a 911 (city surveillance), to automatically call the police. You are the one who decides to call 911 or not. To make this decision, you can have a look at your cameras from Google to see if there is indeed a reason to call. 

[spectre3brad]

[Fr] J'aimerai une notification visuelle sur le smartphone y compris lorsqu'il est verrouillé lorsqu'une personne sonne sur la doorbell ou entre dans une zone définie. J'aimerai bien également une apparition en mode pip sur Android TV dans le coin de la TV.

[En] I would like a visual notification on the smartphone even when it is locked when someone rings the doorbell or enters a defined area. I would also like an appearance in pip mode on Android TV in the corner of the TV.

[gilleslibre]

With the competition going jumps and strides ahead as witnessed by the enhanced resolution of their cameras, I wonder if Google is commited to keeping pace with them? Actually, for my girlfriend, for the coming spring, I am considering buying her the Wize cam v3 Pro  camera which has a higher camera resolution and quite inferior price tag, for the camera, and additionally for the cloud storage of the videos. Where is Google Nest going with their cameras and their eventual improvements?

[timmmmyyyyy]

I’m thinking of the Tapo products. Google have all but given up.

Tapo seem to have a good range of reasonable products and prices. The C120 is 2k 15/20fps, 24/7 recording available and seems to have decent reviews for £/$40. Same for the C325WB at £/$99. No subscription needed either. Got the C325WB arriving Sunday and will test my theory and integration then. Not sure if long term, it’s the answer but for the moment and no sub, I think it might be perfect. 

[gilleslibre]

Thank you for the heads up, I'll have a look at Tapo products also. I'm looking for a weather resistant camera as we are in Canada that can withdstand snow, hail, cold, rain, sun bleach, 24 / 7 cloud recording, ...

[timmmmyyyyy]

Fair enough. Worth a look anyway. I was thinking, long term, something like a PoE set up might be good. I saw that Reolink CX410 has 2k 30fps at night in full colour. Record 24/7 to and SD card or an NVR.

The Tapo ones seem to tick a box for wifi, outdoor and decent enough specs for what I really want. Price is the best point for me atm. They have date and time stamps on footage and privacy zones! Who thought that would be 'exciting'?! Will find out over the next week if I've hyped it up too much and I get what I pay for! 😂

[EmptyNester]

Thanks for the info on the other cameras.  Can anyone tell me if the TAPO or REOLINK (or any other camera) let me view both the live feed and recorded events from a computer browser?   I think I might be the only person left on planet earth that things this is important.  It is one of the things that keeps me with NEST cameras.   

Thoughts?

[gilleslibre]

I have read somewhere that the Wize cameras let you view from a computer browser, that is one of the reasons for me to select it for my girlfriend. It is far more convenient to be able to do so than from a tiny cell phone. 

[gilleslibre]

I checked on the Wize website, and it does provide a Wize Web View facility that provides for viewing from a browser on a computer. 

[timmmmyyyyy]

Yeah, reolink have a desktop apps but you can view cams through the browser too. Think the ability to view recordings comes with the app but stream only through a browser.  Tapo is streaming only I believe. Wyze isn’t as big in the uk, so never looked into it tbh, although, seems to tick a lot of the boxes too. A few of their AI features are hidden behind a paywall though. The Tapo (and I think Reolink to an extent) ones aren’t. Just rich notifications and cloud storage is hidden being their paywall. 

Ring really does offer a good service. I just want better specs, 24/7 recording and ideally, no sub options. You can view your clips online and download them. They have all the features you want. Favourite clips, privacy zones, date and time stamps etc. 

If you want event only, the stick up cam will give you 1080p 130 diagonal FoV and 25/30fps. Decent colour accuracy too. Cheap as well.  I’d recommend connecting to a power supply for best results, just like the nest cams. 

I find it totally wild, since I joined Nest in April 2023, how bad it’s become. 

Anyway, hope that’s helpful.

[EmptyNester]

Thank you guys for these answers. It gives me a great starting point.  I will dive into this a bit more this weekend.  

[timmmmyyyyy]

Well, well, well. Have a read of that: Google Lay offs 

If thats not a sign to change, I don't know what is... @EmptyNester @gilleslibre 

[EmptyNester]

hi Timmmmyyyyy,  yes that news does not bode well i don't think for the Nest Cameras.  And Google is very closed off at disclosing where they are at in the product cycles.  

By the way,  in your camera search it is also worth checking out the new EUFY E330 PROFESSIONAL.  They record 24/7 to a home base with no subscription needed (unless you want it).   The only negative for me is you can only view live images on your computer.  You can't view recorded events from there.  They can only be seen on phones and tables.

[timmmmyyyyy]

I did have a look BUT the requirement for the cameras to connect to the basestation, was the one downsides for me. I live in an apartment and where the cameras are, the connection just doesn't work. Too far away and old, thick stone walls etc. I tried it with the Arlo Ultra 2's and gave up and returned it. The other thing for me is the FPS. Only 15. Thats quite low IMO. You really want 20+. 30 is great. Thats being picky TBH; it was really the base station issue that put me off. 

Got the Tapo C325WB today. So far, the night footage is so much better but day isn't quite as good (colour wise) but it's a lot clearer. Will test out for the next few days.

[EmptyNester]

Hmmmmm, the think walls is a tuff one.  And I was also not happy with the 15F fps on the EUFY cams.  But I was willing to put up with it since is only security footage.   And watching some YOUTUBE review the EUFY didn't have very good audio. And they made no effort to filter out he really loud noise from wind.  It was pretty annoying even in light breeze.  However I this is not an area that the Google Nest cams do will in either.  For me at the end of the day it was not being able to watch recorded events from the EUFY on my computer which is where I do most of the monitoring from of my cameras. 

Looking forward to more feedback on the Tape after you have had more time with it.  Does it offer a way to view both live and recorded clips from a computer that is easy?  And I would want to know if I can see more than one LIVE image at once.  

Thanks again.

[timmmmyyyyy]

Hi,

I'll come back to you in a few days with some feedback. I had watched this and it does match up to that....so far. Worth a watch for the app usage. C325 Review 

Initial thoughts...

• Camera quality is decent. 24/7 recording is working well and there is a bit of customisation.
• You can allow the camera(s) RTSP access and that will allow you to stream the cameras to your desktop easily using VLC. If you want to have multiple cameras on screen, you'll need to buy an app. One way or another. I have been able to add the camera to Apple home via Homebridge but it's buggy and not perfect. I'll see if I can mess around with that to fix it or find a decent streaming app.
• Will you be able to view recordings online? Short answer in no. Streaming only. That being said, with some messing around (and depending on your existing set up) you can have it record to a NAS or computer and view it there as well as the Tapo app.
  • If you really want that and don't mind a sub and no 24/7 recording, as I mentioned before, ring will do that perfectly for you.
• It doesn't play nice with Goggle Home, if you want that. Just says it can't find it. Why?? who knows. Will email and ask if it's me, them or Google to blame.
• It's been easy to set up and customise and happy there is no sub needed but will report back in a few days if that view changes.

Depending on your home and ease of install etc, a PoE camera system is the way to go (long term), I think. Pros and cons to everything, you can decide for yourself. Once the initial hassle of set up is done; when new cams come out, you can choose to update and it's a simple switch over.

From what I can tell, the Reolink CX410 has superb 2k night vision at 30fps. They are releasing the 4k version (CX810) at some point. I only mention Reolink, as I have been looking at them. Especially for the night time footage and high FPS. FOV is not great, in comparison to others. Nest cams are 130° diagonally for example and their cams can be c.100°.

There may be others of course. You can use a SD card or NVR for them and they have decent apps Mac/windows. You can also remotely view the cameras. That's just from what I've seen. For me, just now, that would all be a bit too much hassle for little ROI. Cameras are cheap enough but I'd need the NVR or PoE switches and then the cable routing and lots of drilling....Nope. Not just now. Plus I want the wider FOV just now. The Tapo C120 will be out in Feb (in the UK) and that will do me for what I need to replace the last two Nest cameras I have and what I need them to monitor.

Sorry to ramble on. Thats just my thoughts and what I need but there is loads to consider for your needs.

[EmptyNester]

Hi Tim,  WOW  this has been fantastic.  I actually sat and watched the whole 40 minute review and it was really good.  Like you said he did an amazing job and showing everything that app does.  That was exactly what I would do the day I get any camera and try to learn a new APP, LOL.  

There is an awful lot to like about this camera.  With the color night vision being nothing short of incredible.  One thing I wonder about is being able to actually see someone's facial features when they are moving and walking at night.  From his video everything was clear as a bell until it was moving.   For the few times he was showing his face I think it might actually be a little difficult to make out who the person was.   ... but I might be nitpicking since I know on the nest cams this is very difficult as well.   Also, if someone looks into the camera and pauses for 2 seconds it might look clear.   Maybe this is something you can check out and report back.

I'm assuming if I were to use an APP on my iMac and view the cams via RTSP that it would not be encrypted video and there is a bit of a security issue once you go down that road?  Maybe I'm over thinking it.

I don't think I care about it playing nice with the Google Home app.  For what it is worth I have a small EUFY stand -alone camera the does work in the Google Home app AND it does show the live image on the Google Hub.  But most of the I just use the EUFY app if I want to see something on that camera.  

The NVR might be a needed thing because if someone steels the camera with the chip inside then all is lost.  That is what I like about the 24/7 cloud recording that Google brings to the table.   It sounds like TAPO only offers EVENT BASED cloud recording.  And we know that 90% of the time the start or end or middle is not recorded and you miss important things that went on.   That is also one of the things I like about the EUFY solution as the basestation records 24/7 and it is on your house. If the camera is stolen then you still have the footage (I think!).

This is also a stupid thing but I can't tell you how much I hate military time.  I want my AM/PM because otherwise it hurts my brain to much, LOL.  Looking in the settings that he showed in the review it does not appear to offer AM/PM time display.  

I need to think about this a little more but I may need to order one of these as well and try it out.  I look forward to hearing more commentary from you as you use it a bit more.   And GOOGLE if you are reading this and seeing what this camera does you really need to be paying attention because this show all the areas you are falling behind.

Thanks again!

[timmmmyyyyy]

Hello,

So a few day and nights with the camera. Here's my thoughts. Obviously, these are based on what I want and have, so for you it may be a bit different.

As I'm an Apple user, I wanted to make sure that I could stream the cameras to my devices. Don't care about recording as I can use the Tapo app to DL later on, if I needed it. I managed to get streaming working perfectly, using Scrypted.  Can share links for what I watched, if you want that. I use an app called HomeCam that quickly displays the cameras in grid format. Basic, but it works well, for my needs. On every apple device too. So everything now plays nice. Scrypted does open the camera to HomeKit recoding but that its event only and not 24/7. Pointless for me. Just an FYI.

Also, you mentioned about the faces when it's really dark. My camera overlooks a shared courtyard and is well lit, so I haven't had any issues. Obviously for dark areas, it would be different. If you had security lights that came on with motion, for example, I don't see it being an issue.

Good points.

• Camera detail. Goes without saying, its better but its noticeable from 1080p
• Night time clarity is superb and the colours and detail are perfect for me. (in good lighting)
• Easy Setup and install
• App is good and customisable for what is stamped on the footage. Want the brand, name of cam and date and time stamp, no worries. Want nothing, you can have that too. This will be there when you record it. You can't retro add it. FYI
• With tinkering, I got it working with my devices.
• Custom clips can be created up to 10 min
• Privacy Zones work well, if you need/want that.
• 24/7 recording to the SD card, works well. 
• When you download a clip you can then 'Favourite it" so it's clear and saved. Useful if you downloaded a few clips and really want to refer to 1 or 2.
• Speaker on the camera is loud and super useful/clear.
  • Easy to use to speak through as well. I like the UI. Treats it like a call.
• Video at 20FPS has been steady for day and night and doesn't bother me, actually. I do like 30 but been surprised by the lack of stutter.

Bad Points/Annoyances/Observations

• HDR on the camera setting washes the video/colour out. Day and night. Does work TBF but I'd rather have the colours 'richness'. For what it's looking at (want to look at), it doesn't impact me.
  • At night It also doesn't quite like the security lights. Must be a frequency thing...whatever, I switched it off.
• Colour hue is much 'colder' during the day time, compared to the Nest. Not a big, just an observation. Night is fine.
• Time line scrolling. It doesn't scrub through the footage. That is kind of annoying. On Nest and ring, you can do a fast scroll through and it can quickly show you if it didn't detect anything OR if you are trying to look for something specific. You would want to know what happened but it is picking up motion events very well, so not been an issue so far.
• No quick 15 second rewind/fast forward option.
• You have to download the footage to be able to scroll through that. Say an event and it's 2 min, you want to scroll to the middle, download it to make that easier.. Cloud storage gives you that option straight away. SD no. Not a biggy but worth noting.
• No desktop apps. On my Apple Silicone MacBook, I can get the Tapo app (same as on the phone/iPad) but thats lucky. There is not way to view the device (cloud or otherwise) unless its through the app. Seems to be the thing now.
• If you do choose cloud recording, it doesn't like it having an SD card or NVR set up. Not an issue for me as the SD card and tinkering have everything I want.
  • Cloud service is not worth it IMO.
• You are stuck with 24hr clock. (doesn't bother me but you mentioned it)
• Doesn't work with the GH on a phone. Not even with Scrypted. It DOES if you wanted it for a Chromecast or Display. Then it works fine, apparently. Can't test that.

Few subtle things to work around/get used to but I am happy with it. Been super responsive and better sharpness for what I need it to do. Better this than the C120? Don't know. Can't get that yet in the UK but will definitely get one. At £/$40, I think it has all of the same stuff and probably better value. The C325WB, was £80 off Amazon. NO subscription, better quality, easy to use. Its a winner for me.

Some examples attached and how much storage I've used 48hrs.