In April 2016, Memoori published an article highlighting that the long awaited security product range from Nest, still showed no signs of emerging. After a relatively quiet 18 months from Nest, on the security front at least, Google’s smart home acquisition finally announces Nest Secure.

Back then, we covered reports about a “not-so-happy corporate atmosphere,” which centered around Nest’s co-founder, Tony Fadell - co-inventor of the original iPod - and many were suggesting the firm’s internal struggles were to blame for its less than spectacular record since Google's acquisition.

“Perhaps this clash of egos spilling into the public domain has made pundits overly critical of a company just two year after an acquisition and major overhaul. However, the fact is that Fadell will continue to be under pressure until Nest, under his command, produces real results,” we foretold.

And reports that suggested “Google had become impatient with Fadell and his staff’s failure to create a home security product, in part because Fadell’s on-going hesitation on whether or not Nest should include a central hub device that would control sensors and other products in the home.”

Since then, Nest has been handed over to the mothership, Alphabet, to stand alone rather than be protected from severe scrutiny, as it was inside Google. Fadell left shortly after; “Fadell had been turned into a manager tasked with steadily growing his businesses instead of serving as a visionary CEO, and ultimately he walked away,” The Verge reported.

I’m going "to find more disruptive technologies and entrepreneurs and support them with time and money, and my network and experience, and to start other companies," said Fadell on this departure.

Now we finally have an entirely new range of Nest security products to look at; Nest Secure alarm system, Nest Hello video doorbell, Nest Cam IQ outdoor security camera, in addition to the associated software and services. The Nest Secure starter pack includes these products:

• Nest Guard is an all-in-one security base that provides the alarm, keypad and a motion sensor, along with voice.
• Nest Detect is a sensor that detects both motion and open or close movement in one compact, battery-powered product. Put it on a window and it will know when it opens. Stick it on a wall and it senses motion in a room.
• Nest Tag is a fob that can attach to a keychain, allowing you to arm and disarm Nest Secure without a passcode. Nest Tags are easy to share with family members and trusted people who regularly enter the home, like dog walkers.
• Nest Hello video doorbell – Nest’s first video doorbell combines security and intelligence of a Nest Cam with the convenience of a doorbell.
• Nest Cam IQ outdoor security camera – Purpose-built outdoor security camera that protects homes with imaging and intelligence, and tamper resistant, weatherproof components.

The company claims that Nest Secure is “the first alarm system that is actually enjoyable to live with, designed to be convenient for homeowners as they come and go.” They add greater flexibility to account for the different routines of members in any household and, crucially, made the whole system user friendly, in contrast to many other in the market.

“When we looked at the home security market, we saw a similar landscape to when we entered the thermostat market,” said Matt Rogers, Nest’s founder and chief product officer. “Just as people tend not to use programmable thermostats because of their complexity, the current home security offerings are also a huge pain to live with – whether it’s bulky hardware, false alarms or loud and stressful countdowns. That’s why 43% of people with alarm systems don’t ever arm them. We set out to design a product that isn’t just effective during a security incident, but is delightful and easy to use when people are at home with their families, living their lives, which is the vast majority of the time.”

Nest Secure will begin shipping US pre-orders in November, Canada and Europe in 2018; with a starter pack retailing at $499, and an extra $100 for the outdoor camera. The products look sharp and the words around them are strong but only time will tell if the much hyped security system will allow Nest to take its place atop the smart home tree.

"Today, Nest is delivering on the next phase of our strategy to create the thoughtful home," declared Nest CEO Marwan Fawaz on the day of the release.

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