Nest announced Monday that it is launching the Nest Developer Program. The program will assist other companies in integrating their own products with the Nest smart home system.
The company is seeking out home devices already capable of connecting over Wi-Fi and developing programs that allow them to communicate with the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector and the Nest Learning Thermostat. Depending on the device involved, Nest could send information, accept commands, or a little of both. Nest is also working to build safeguards to ensure that these third-party devices can't detrimentally affect Nest systems. For example, the Nest Learning Thermostat will limit the frequency at which the heating and cooling systems can be automatically turned on and off, preventing a bug in a third-party product from causing damage to the system.
"What we're doing is making it possible for your Nest devices to securely interact with the things you already use every day," Nest said in a statement. "Things like lights, appliances, fitness bands and even cars. Because when we make connections between these different parts of your life, we can create personalized experiences that do even more to keep you comfortable and safe."
Nest has already worked with several companies to develop connecting programs that are available now. Thanks to a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, the car can notify the Nest thermostat when the drive is due to arrive home. The thermostat can then turn on heating or cooling systems at exactly the right time to reach optimal temperature the moment the owner walks in the door.
Smart LED light bulbs made by LIFX are set up to receive commands from Nest Protect. The lights will change to red and flash in the event of an emergency, drawing attention to the situation even if the owner is hearing impaired or wearing headphones.
The Jawbone wristband can notify the Nest thermostat when the user falls asleep or wakes up, adjusting the temperature accordingly. Whirlpool Washers and dryers can switch to a slower energy-saving cycle when the homeowner is away. When connected to the Rush Hour Rewards program through a participating energy provider, the machines can also switch to power-saving mode during peak usage times to ease the strain on the power grid.
Nest will later be adding support for voice control through its parent company Google, and a partnership with Chamberlain garage door openers will automatically switch the thermostat to away mode when the owner leaves. No specific release date for these services has been announced, but customers should expect support to be added sometime this fall.
