Nest developer programme connects to wider Internet of Things

On the eve of the Google I/O conference, the company’s annual developer shindig, home automation pioneer Nest Labs launched a developer programme to connect its thermostat and smoke alarm devices to the wider Internet of Things.

At the launch of the Nest Developer Program, owner Google said it had experienced interest from more than 5,000 developers who want to work together to create interactions among Nest products and others – both inside and outside of the home – from lighting to appliances to fitness bands and even cars.

Active collaborations include Jawbone, with its UP24 band which can tell when a user wakes up and will start to heat up or cool down the home before they step out of bed; LIFX light bulbs that flash red to let hearing impaired users know there might be danger from elevated smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) levels; the Logitech Harmony Ultimate universal remote can dim lights, turn on the TV and start a movie as well as set the optimum temperature; Mercedes-Benz car integration can tell Nest when the users will be home so the thermostat can start heating or cooling at exactly the right time.

In the future, Nest will also be integrated with Google voice commands, so smartphone users can say: “OK Google. Set Nest to 75 degrees.”

The Nest Developer Program provides developers with all the tools and support they need to start building across iOS, Android and the web. In collaboration with Google Ventures and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the company is also launching the Thoughtful Things Fund to provide developers an opportunity to secure funding for their projects.

“The Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect alarm are already helping people save energy, stay comfortable, and improve home safety – but that’s only the beginning,” said Matt Rogers, founder and vice president of engineering, Nest. “Our goal has always been to bring this kind of thoughtfulness to the rest of your home and life – and that’s what the Nest Developer Program is all about. To kick off the program, we’ve worked with iconic brands like Mercedes-Benz and Whirlpool, as well as new industry leaders like Jawbone and LIFX, to build seamless, secure and practical Works with Nest experiences for the home.”

Analyst Ovum forecasts M2M connections are set to grow rapidly over the next few years at a CAGR of 23 per cent, with the most important industry verticals expected to be healthcare, manufacturing, and energy & utilities, which are forecast to generate revenues of US$7.9bn, US$7.1bn, and US$7bn respectively by 2018.