Google appears to be preparing to launch the fourth generation of its Nest Learning Thermostat. Details about the thermostat first leaked last week, and now the same leaker has posted more documents on the “Display screen.
The leak details a “high-resolution bezel-less display,” which looks like it will allow the Nest Learning Thermostat’s UI to expand into areas that are typically black borders on existing third-generation devices. Other leaked images show UI elements also looking closer to the display’s bezels.
Dynamic Far Sight is mentioned, but the leak doesn’t show how this new feature works. Farsight on existing Nest models allows the device to wake up when you walk up to it to display information like the weather, time, or room temperature. I hope dynamic mentions mean the fourth generation can show mixed messages this time around, rather than being limited to certain options.
The leaked document from Google also mentions “natural heating and cooling” and a customizable home screen for the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat. It’s unclear how natural heating and cooling will work, or how customizable the new home screen will be.
The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat will come with an oval decorative panel in the box, as well as the usual thermostat base, rear steel plate, and second-generation Nest temperature sensor. Google has only very basicly integrated its third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat into the Google Home app, but this new model has a full UI within the app that lets you change all settings and control schedules without having to switch to the Nest app.
Aside from the display changes, there’s no mention of hardware upgrades, but I’d expect Google to greatly improve the internals here after nearly 10 years. Third-generation learning thermostats are notorious for having Wi-Fi chip issues that cause the device to fail and have to be replaced. I personally had to replace my Nest Learning Thermostat twice due to Wi-Fi issues.
The leaker also says that this new fourth-generation model will cost $279, making it the most expensive Nest thermostat yet. The new Nest temperature sensors are said to be priced at $39 each, or $99 for three sensors. We’ll likely get an official release date and pricing during the Made by Google hardware event on August 13th.
