Google has announced that it is increasing the prices of its Nest Aware subscriptions, which provide users with advanced features and longer video history for their security cameras and doorbells. The price hike will affect both new and existing subscribers in the US, and could also be implemented in other countries soon.
According to a report by 9to5Google, Google has sent out notices to its US subscribers informing them that the standard Nest Aware plan, which covers all of a user’s devices, will now cost $8 per month or $80 per year, up from $6 per month or $60 per year.
The plan offers users intelligent motion detection, dog barking alerts, person speaking alerts, and 30 days of video history with recorded events. Without a subscription, users can only access up to three hours of recording saved on their device.
The higher tier Nest Aware Plus plan, which also includes 10 days of continuous video history and 60 days of video history with recorded events, will now cost $15 per month or $150 per year, up from $12 per month or $120 per year.
Google explained the price increase on a page saying that “subscription prices can change to keep up with market shifts, which can include inflation and local tax updates.”
The new prices will apply to new subscribers immediately, while existing subscribers will see the change on their next bill on or after November 6. Google also said that it will notify members outside the US 30 days ahead of any price increase, suggesting that the price hike could be rolled out globally in the future.
Google introduced the whole-home Nest Aware subscription plans in 2019, replacing the previous model where users had to pay for each camera separately.
The plans are designed to give users more control and convenience over their smart home devices, as well as enhanced security and privacy features. However, some users may not be happy with the price increase, especially if they have only one or a few devices that they want to use with Nest Aware.