Google will stop supporting early Nest thermostats on October 25

Tech Crunch - Apr 26th, 2025

Google has announced that starting October 25, it will cease support and software updates for the first and second generation Nest Learning Thermostats. This decision affects devices released in 2011 and 2012, as well as the European version from 2014. Owners of these thermostats will no longer receive updates or support in the Nest and Home apps, although they can still adjust settings directly on their devices. Google cited the need to focus resources on future advancements and newer models as the reason for this change.

Additionally, Google has decided to stop launching new Nest products in Europe, attributing the decision to the diverse and complex heating systems across the continent, which pose challenges in meeting the varied hardware and software requirements. Existing Nest devices will continue to be sold in Europe until stocks last. This move signifies a strategic shift in Google's approach to its smart home products, potentially impacting European consumers and the wider smart home market.

Europe Google Smart Home Technology Nest Learning Thermostat Software Updates Product Support

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates Google's decision to end support for older Nest thermostats and halt new product launches in Europe. It accurately reports the main facts and provides a clear explanation of the implications for users. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including reactions from affected consumers or insights from industry experts. While the article is timely and addresses a topic of public interest, it lacks interactive elements that could enhance reader engagement. Overall, the story is informative and accessible, though it could improve in transparency and source quality by citing Google's official statements and providing more context on the technical challenges mentioned.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, as it correctly reports Google's announcement about ending support for the first and second generation Nest Learning Thermostats starting October 25. The claims about the discontinuation of software updates and the cessation of new product launches in Europe are consistent with Google's official statements. Additionally, the article accurately notes that while app support will end, users can still manually adjust their devices. The only area that could be clarified further is the specific details about the discounts offered to users, which were not mentioned in the story but are part of Google's transition plan.

Balance

The article presents Google's perspective on the decision to discontinue support for older Nest devices and halt new launches in Europe. However, it does not provide viewpoints from affected users or industry experts, which could have added depth. Including reactions from customers or insights from smart home technology analysts could have balanced the narrative and provided a fuller picture of the implications of Google's decision.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a straightforward presentation of facts about Google's decision. The language is accessible, and the structure logically flows from the announcement to its implications. However, the article could benefit from a more detailed breakdown of the impact on users, such as specific features that will be lost, to enhance clarity for readers unfamiliar with the technical aspects.

Source quality

The article appears to be based on Google's official announcements, which are credible sources for this type of news. However, it does not cite any external sources or provide links to Google's statements, which would have strengthened the story's reliability. Including direct quotes or references to Google's press releases or blog posts could have enhanced the article's authority.

Transparency

The article explains Google's reasoning for discontinuing support and halting new product launches in Europe, citing unique heating system challenges. However, it lacks transparency regarding the basis for these claims, such as specific technical challenges or market analyses. Providing more context or linking to Google's detailed explanations would have improved transparency and helped readers understand the decision's rationale.