Could Nest have some competition from the Big G?
Google is reportedly working on its own internet-connected smart thermostat system, despite abandoning a similar idea two years ago.
The search engine giant has started developing a smart thermostat system to help users keep track of their energy use.
According to The Information’s sources and a leaked document, Google has been trialling internet connected thermostats as part of a project called EnergySense.
It seems Google is looking to a third party manufacturer to create the hardware itself, with Ecobee tipped to be the chosen one.
However, Ecobee CEO has said the firm isn’t working with Google directly, but there would be nothing stopping Google from using the company’s hardware.
Apparently, Google isn’t aiming to compete with the likes of Nest or Tado though, instead focusing on making the energy grid more efficient.
One person familiar with the EnergySense project suggested that Google wishes to build applications and services with the data it collects to improve the efficiency of the power grid in the future.
It has turned to non-employees that it calls “Trusted Testers” in the St. Louis, Missouri area of the US to test the software and hardware ahead of a more expansive pilot.
There’s no word as to when this will happen, or any indication to a release date as yet.
However, there are already smart thermostat products on the market such as Tado and Nest.
Tado works via a smartphone app that communicates via a small box connects to your heating system. This box replaces your existing thermostat and either lives on the wall or is attached directly to the boiler.
The app then communicates with the box telling it when you are leaving the house, arriving home and can adapt to weather changes.
Nest is a little different, in that it looks more like a normal thermostat but it learns what temperatures you like in your home to build a personalised schedule.
Like Tado, it knows when you leave the home and will adjust the temperature accordingly, even if you forget to turn the heating off before you leave.
Nest also has an app to adjust the thermostat when you’re away from home or for adjusting the temperature from a different room.
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Via: Engadget
