Newsletter
Google has now officially launched a new “Google Nest” skill for Amazon Alexa, allowing Amazon Alexa-enabled devices to control some of its Nest-branded smart home products. More succinctly, allowing homeowners with “blended” smart home ecosystems to better integrate the two systems. At least on Google’s end, based on the announcement, made via the Nest community forums, and subsequent reports.
Google has also already allowed similar integrations with Alexa smart homes in the past. Ensuring Alexa users can access more of the best security cameras and devices on the market. And those connections will still work. Specifically, for integrations between Alexa and Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Cam Indoor, Cam Outdoor, Cam IQ Indoor/Outdoor, and Nest Doorbell (wired).
The change is effectively adding a new skill for controlling the new devices. Namely, the Nest Cam (Battery), Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, and Nest Cam with floodlight. The Nest Doorbell (Battery) is gaining support with the new skill as well.
What can you do with the new Google Nest Alexa Skill?
In terms of what, exactly, the new Google Nest Alexa Skill allows, that’s fairly straightforward. With the skill enabled, users can use their Alexa-enabled speakers, hubs, Fire TV, and tablets to interact with the above-mentioned Nest cameras. That includes live streaming, of course, but also two-way talk. Via simple commands such as “Alexa, show the front door” or another Nest camera name. Or by commands such as “Alexa, talk to the front door” for two-way talk.
Conversely, users can also set up Alexa in the Alexa app to announce doorbell presses and motion detection announcements.
This is still a one-way workaround, for now
Now, as already hinted above, the new Amazon Alexa skill doesn’t allow users with mixed smart home ecosystems to access Amazon devices on Google devices. That would require a similar integration to be created by Amazon. So this is still very much a one-way fix for those who have blended smart homes.
The feature is also still limited in terms of the availability of both smart home ecosystems. So it will only work where both Alexa-enabled devices and Nest devices are officially supported.