A new device from Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google has been spotted at the Federal Communications Commission or FCC, potentially hinting at an upgraded version of the Nest Thermostat.
What Happened: On Monday, a new "wireless device" from Google, identified as GJQ8U, made its way through the FCC. It is equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 60GHz radar, which aligns with the Soli technology used in the 2020 Nest Thermostat, reported 9to5Google.
The radar sensor in the 2020 model was used to activate the display when someone approached the thermostat and for Home & Away Routines. The new device also features a physical FCC label, unlike the electronic version used in other Google devices.
It is speculated that the new device could be a successor to the high-end Nest Learning Thermostat or a refresh of the entry-level model. Other possibilities include a Smart Display or a smart speaker, although the latter may not fully use the Soli technology without a display.
Why It Matters: In 2014, Google acquired Nest, a leading player in smart home technology known for its internet-connected thermostat, for $3.2 billion. Since the acquisition, Nest has faced challenges with new product releases, the departure of its founders, and ongoing privacy concerns.
In March 2021, the Nest unit introduced a sleep pattern tracking feature in its second-generation Nest Hub smart display. This feature used the device's built-in microphones and ambient light and temperature sensors to track sleep patterns and disturbances, raising privacy concerns but also opening up a new revenue stream for the company.