The automated Nest thermostat can now be controlled using voice commands via the Google Now service from the tech giant, eliminating the need to open the app and configure manually.
Google announced the new feature, which lets users control the temperature via voice commands, this week. The California-based online firm utilized its $3.2 billion acquisition of the automation company in January 2014.
Users need only to tell the Google app what temperature the user wants and it will configure the thermostat remotely. Currently, the feature is available for Android devices; iOS users can still use the voice commands, but only through the Google app. Additionally, users will need to log in their account for Nest first to enable the feature.
The Nest thermostat is one of the first innovative web-integrated household device available on the market. It can learn a user's preferences and habits to automatically adjust the temperature. Tech experts and analysts believe that it will pave the way in the revolution of smart homes.
Google opened the development for the Nest thermostat and smoke detector in an effort to make the devices integrate with other household devices connected to the web, including cars, lights, garage doors and washing machines.
Over 4,000 developers, including smart sprinkler controller Rachio and smartwatch maker Pebble, are now part of Google's Work With Nest platform, which integrates connected products with Nest offers.
The Nest thermostat is its first smart product, which was launched in 2011. Two years later, Nest Labs announced its new product, a Nest smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
Google's acquisition still left Nest Labs use its own brand and be spearheaded by its Chief Executive Officer and founder Tony Fadell.