Google Enables Live Streaming for All Nest Cams, Doorbells
Move over, Twitch: Google Nest is rolling out the ability to live stream camera and doorbell video feeds using Chromecast with Google TV.
Starting this week(Opens in a new window), anyone with compatible devices—including Nest's 2021 lineup of outdoor/indoor battery and wired cameras, wired cam with floodlight, and battery-powered doorbell—can make home security part of their normal channel rotation.
Use the Chromecast voice remote to ask for a live stream from the device of your choosing; simply say "Show me the front door camera" to see a view from your doorbell. Or, for those dire moments when the remote is lost between the couch cushions, tap into a nearby Nest speaker or display by saying "Hey Google, show me the side-door camera on my TV."
Nest cameras can already stream to Google smart displays and a handful of Amazon gadgets; in May, the company added an Alexa skill that supports live-view streaming to Echo Show, Fire TV, and Fire tablets. As an added perk, doorbell users can engage in two-way chat with visitors through Alexa-enabled speakers, TV products, and tablets. Eventually, Amazon's tech will support announcements when any Google Nest device detects someone at your front door.
As The Verge(Opens in a new window) pointed out, it was possible to view video feeds from older Nest cameras on your big screen, but Google's newer models could not previously stream to Chromecast devices. It's currently unclear whether this new streaming feature is compatible with Chromecast and Google TV gadgets other than Chromecast with Google TV.
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