Nest Brings Live Feeds to the Big Screen
Last week, Google announced a new feature for Nest products, confirming that all Nest Cams and Doorbells will sync with Chromecast. Instead of using a dedicated app, the Google Assistant will power the entire experience. Users can simply ask Google Assistant to see a feed from one of the connected cameras and the video will show up on a Chromecast-connected TV. While at launch it is unclear if this feature will extend to Wyze and Ring cameras, the forthcoming Matter specification may make this feature possible with non-Nest brand cameras.
The NPD Take:
- Nest users have been waiting for this feature for a long time. As a manufacturer, Google designs multiple connected products for the home and forging connections such as this helps to demonstrate the power of the Google brand and ecosystem.
- As a way to drive brand loyalty and convert more Google/Android users into Nest users, Nest should find more opportunities to integrate the functionality of their smart home products with other Google devices and services.
TP-Link Introduces New Smart Lighting
The success of the smart lighting market last year has encouraged more brands to wade deeper in the market. TP-Link, a company that has been making smart lighting products for several years, introduced its first product featuring RGBIC lighting and HomeKit compatibility. The Tapo L930-5 is a 5 meter flexible strip that works without a hub- although if you want to use voice commands with the products a hub is required. The RGBIC lighting feature means the lights can be used to produce multiple colors at once as well as more lighting effects. While pricing has been set for the Japan market, a US price and launch date have yet to be announced.
The NPD Take:
- Smart lighting continues to be an interest area for connected home companies. The entrance of TP-Link’s new Tapo L930 shows the company is looking to innovate in the market with the introduction of Homekit compatibility and RGBIC lighting feature. This new product ought to appeal to gamers who favor LED strip lights- the addition of Homekit and RGBIC will add value to other, more security minded users as well.