Google Kills Cloud Support for 1st and 2nd Gen Nest Thermostats: Smart Home Reliability Crisis?
Google's announcement to end cloud support for its 1st and 2nd generation Nest thermostats has sparked concerns among users. While the thermostats will continue to function locally, control via the Nest or Home apps, and integration with smart home platforms like Hubitat, will be lost. Many users face the prospect of replacing numerous thermostats. Alternatives suggested include locally controlled Zigbee/Z-wave thermostats or Ecobee thermostats (used with Home Assistant) for improved reliability and future compatibility. However, even newer Nest models with Matter support have limited functionality, raising questions about the long-term reliability of smart home devices and prompting a wider discussion on planned obsolescence.