Nest has announced a new stage in the development of their home automation platform, a new Nest API that can be used by third-party developers to connect not only apps with Nest hardware and products, but other hardware as well. As an example, Nest indicates LIFX bulbs can be connected to Nest Protect so that they will turn red when smoke or CO is detected. This gives users an additional visual cue to potential problems. The new Nest API is being rolled out as part of a “Works with Nest” certification for partner companies to help develop the ecosystem and in the words of Nest, “anticipate people's needs and make their lives easier.”
Some other partners that have already gotten on board with Nest include Mercedes Benz and Jawbone, both of which use the API to connect their hardware to the Nest thermostat to help anticipate when heating or cooling cycles should be triggered. Later this year, Google Now integration is expected so that users can just speak a command like “OK Google…set the temperature to 75 degrees” to control their thermostat. Another integration that users may find particularly helpful is IFTTT which could be used to trigger events like messages when a Nest product detects certain conditions exist. Other partners announced as part of the release of the API include Whirlpool, Chamberlain, and Logitech.
Sources indicate the Nest APIs will be cross-platform for at least Android and iOS as Nest thinks users should not have to put their homes in the middle of a platform war, especially since their products impact life and safety. We anticipate there may be some more announcements about Nest integration during Google I/O.
source: Nest Developer Program
