What Is Nest Aware and How Does It Work?
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Nest Aware is the Google Nest subscription service for the Nest Cam. The subscription includes around-the-clock Nest camera video event recording and cloud storage of the footage. If you're considering subscribing to the Nest Aware service, here's what you should know about Nest subscription costs and other features.
You'll need a Google account to use the Nest Aware subscription service.
What Is Nest Aware?
Meant to complement Nest security cameras, Nest Aware is a live service that offers cloud storage for videos, 24/7 event or continuous video recording, and access to activity zones to customize motion alerts.
For most people, the video recording and cloud storage features are enough to justify the cost of a Nest Aware subscription. Being able to review video footage can be critical in an emergency or other situation, providing evidence or a point of reference.
All Google Nest camera-based smart home devices work with the Nest Aware cloud service, including the Nest Hello smart video doorbell.
The Nest Aware features differ slightly depending on the type of camera, display, or speaker you have and where you live. Visit the Nest Aware FAQ to learn the features available for your devices and region.
Why Get a Nest Aware Subscription?
If you don't own Nest Security cameras, there's no reason to subscribe to the service. If you own any Nest camera-based smart home devices and want only a live feed surveillance system, you don't need a Nest Aware subscription.
Nest Aware's main selling point is its cloud storage and 24/7 event or continuous video recording. This provides you with peace of mind, an extra layer of security, and a sense of control over your surroundings.
Another important Nest Aware feature allows you to designate activity zones that trigger motion alerts. This is beneficial if you have a camera looking out over a wide area, and you want alerts only for a particular region, such as your driveway or front door. By designating a zone, you can tune out passing cars, pedestrians, and other distractions.
If you purchase a newer Nest Cam IQ, the device's facial recognition feature requires a Nest Aware subscription.
How Much Is a Nest Aware Subscription?
A Nest Aware subscription costs $6 per month or $60 per year and comes with a free Nest Mini 2. This subscription tier includes 30 days of event video recording history. Event video recording means that while everything is recorded 24/7 and uploaded to the cloud, Nest Aware deletes video with no activity.
A Nest Aware Plus subscription is $12 per month or $120 per year. It features 60 days of event video recording history plus 10 days of 24/7 continuous video history. Continuous video recording means all your video is saved in the cloud. This plan also gets you a free Nest Mini 2.
Both subscription plans are per home, meaning that the plan covers all the Nest devices for your home. (An older subscription model was per device, so you had to pay more when you purchased new cameras.)
Both plans feature sound detection and emergency calling, as well.
When you buy a new Nest device, you'll likely be offered a 30-day free trial of Nest Aware so you can check out its features.
What if I Don't Buy a Nest Aware Subscription?
Nest devices have an abundance of features, even without a Nest Aware subscription. Nest devices give you a live or real-time video feed, intelligent alerts, the ability to save and share photo clips, and familiar face detection.
Nest devices deliver snapshots any time the camera detects motion. They aren't video-based, just photos. Still, it provides a frame of reference. A camera facing the front door of your home, for example, takes a photo of someone walking up when it detects motion. These snapshots are saved for a maximum of three hours at a time, however, and aren't viable proof or evidence if you should ever need it.
Ultimately, it's up to you if you need a Nest Aware subscription. Still, for $6 or $12 a month covering all the devices in your home, you may find that a Nest Aware subscription is worth the price.
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