Google-owned Nest now allows users to control the Nest Learning Thermostat using only their voice, in what can be seen as the beginning of the device's integration into Google's services.
Google acquired Nest Labs for a price of $3.2 billion in January. Upon its acquisition, it was thought that the smart thermostat that is one of Nest's most popular devices will soon be receiving upgrades on how it operates.
The upgrades have now been released, albeit almost a year after Nest's acquisition by Google.
Owners of the Nest Thermostat are now able to control and monitor the device through their Chrome browser or by using the self-named Google app for iOS and Android devices.
One of the notable additions to the capabilities of the Nest Thermostat is the inclusion of voice controls that are powered by the "OK, Google" voice command service.
To begin using voice controls on the Nest Thermostat, users will first have to give authorization to Google to access the thermostat. Afterwards, the function will be unlocked for the user's computer, smartphone or tablet.
Users will be able to tell the Nest Thermostat to change the temperature of the room through their mobile devices or computer. Users will also be notified with Google Now cards to inform them when there are adjustments that the thermostat could make based on recommendations for actions and settings depending on the location of the user and the time of the day.
CNET revealed that voice commands on a thermostat is not first seen on Google's Nest, as that distinction belongs to the Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat which was released last year. The voice commands available to users for the device, however, were very basic, such as being able to only adjust the temperature to go higher or lower, and not to a specific number. In addition, because the microphone was located on the thermostat itself, users have to be in the same room to input the voice controls.
The voice commands for Honeywell's device pale in comparison to the commands that Nest users have available to them.
For mobile devices, tapping the mic on the Google app or saying "Ok, Google" will activate the voice command feature. From there, users can input their voice commands, such as "change temperature to 20 degrees." For users on their desktop, tapping the mic on Chrome or typing the commands directly in the search box will adjust the thermostat's temperature.
