# Google Pulls the Plug on Early Nest Thermostats, Leaving Users in the Cold

## Google Pulls the Plug on Early Nest Thermostats, Leaving Users in the Cold

Google is ending software support for its first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats, released in 2011 and 2012 respectively, and the European model from 2014. As of October 25th, owners of these early devices will lose the ability to remotely control their thermostats through the Google Home and Nest apps, effectively removing the “smart” from these smart home devices.

In a blog post, Google stated that while users will still be able to adjust temperatures and modify schedules directly on the thermostat itself, remote control and Google Assistant integration will cease to function. This means no more adjusting the temperature from your phone or voice commands for these legacy devices.

This news is likely to frustrate users who invested in the Nest ecosystem early on. While the core heating and cooling functionality remains, the convenience and remote control features that made these thermostats appealing are being phased out. This also highlights a growing concern in the smart home space: the long-term viability of connected devices. How long can users expect support and updates for these increasingly integrated appliances?

Adding to the shakeup, Google also announced that it has no plans to release new Nest thermostats in Europe. According to the company, the diverse heating systems and specific hardware/software requirements in Europe make it challenging to develop a one-size-fits-all solution. The 3rd generation Nest Learning Thermostat (2015) and the Nest Thermostat E (2018) will continue to be sold in Europe while supplies last.

To mitigate customer dissatisfaction, Google is offering discounts on newer Nest thermostats. US customers can receive $130 off the fourth-gen Nest Learning Thermostat, while Canadians are eligible for $160 off. European customers will receive a 50 percent discount on the Tado Smart Thermostat X.

The original Nest thermostats were developed by an independent company led by former Apple executive Tony Fadell. Google acquired Nest in 2014 for $3.2 billion, absorbing it into its growing smart home ecosystem. While 14 years of service may seem like a reasonable lifespan for a tech product, the lack of open-sourcing the hardware raises questions about the future of these older devices, leaving users to ponder the longevity of their smart home investments.