Nest Launches a New Doorbell
At last week’s product event, Google announced a slew of new devices including Pixel smartphones and a revamped Nest Wifi Pro. The company also introduced a new wired Nest Doorbell. The device is available now for $179 and noteworthy features include a choice of four colors, two-way talk ability and object-specific alerts for people, packages, animals, and vehicles. Google also boasts vastly improved picture quality in the new doorbell (which likely aids in its object detection) via a significant software update on top of the 960p image quality (the same as Nest’s current battery powered doorbell).
The NPD Take:
- Hard-wired smart doorbells offer a different type of convenience; not having to remove and recharge the device. Approximately half of the smart doorbell market is comprised of wired products.
- The advances in imaging software for this device will be a draw to new customers as well as those interested in advanced object detection features. Additionally, with new, lower cost brands coming to market with smart doorbell products, the step up in features and wired nature will likely appeal to more premium consumers.
Ikea Intros a New Matter Supported Hub
Ikea is a retailer perpetually interested in the smart home. Last week, the retailer announced its new Matter compatible smart hub would be available in November, in addition to a new mobile app that users can access to control their devices. The DIRIGERA smart home hub will sell for just under $60 and the philosophy with adopting the Matter specification is ease of use for Ikea’s smart home device owners. The device will feature WiFi, Zigbee, and Thread radios for connectivity in addition to USB-C and Ethernet ports.
The NPD Take:
- For a brand that is looking to simplify the smart home, Ikea made the right decision in adopting the Matter specification. As the market sees more Matter compatible devices come to market this year, DIRIGERA owners will be able to install virtually any they choose with ease.
- The DIRIGERA is an upgrade to a previous hub product called TRADFRI and will be able to connect with a much wider variety of products. Though many consumers are still confused as to whether they need a hub or not, the DIRIGERA’s $60 price will make it easier to justify.