Nest Labs, the maker of famously closed-API learning thermostats and Nest Protect smoke/CO detectors, has finally sanctioned a handful of new partners since introducing its partner program last September.
At that time, Nest announced Control4 as its first partner, allowing the home automation vendor to monitor and operate its thermostat and later its smoke/CO detector.
Today, Nest announces new partners that have been sanctioned to integrate with its products. Dozens of home control products already have tapped into Nest without the company’s blessing. The new integration partners have been authorized by Nest and will enjoy ongoing support from the company, which is now owned by Google.
RELATED: Be Wary of Unsanctioned Nest Integration
The new partners will be able to use the designation “Works with Nest.”
Some of the partners, such as smart-LED maker LIFX, seem perfectly obvious to integrate with Nest products. For example, an AWAY mode can trigger the thermostat to set back and the lights to shut off. Or during a Nest Protect alarm, the lights can turn on to guide emergency responders to the premises.
Throw in products from Nest’s most recent acquisition, Dropcam, and you can have the lights flash and the Dropcam record upon an alarm event, say, when the Chamberlain LiftMaster garage door opens.
Other scenarios cited in the press release are not so intuitive. Like this:
“We’ve been working with Nest to create a home experience that is both purposeful and thoughtful, ” said Brett Dibkey, vice president and general manager of Integrated Business Units for Whirlpool Corporation. “Now your thermostat can interact with your washer and dryer to keep your clothes fresh until you need them, and even help you save energy.”
Direct from the press release, the new partners are:
Chamberlain – Open your garage with Chamberlain, LiftMaster or most brands of garage door openers when you arrive, and Chamberlain MyQ can tell Nest you’re home. Close it on your way out, and your thermostat can go into Away mode so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Available this fall.
Google – Just speak a command, “OK Google. Set Nest to 75 degrees,” and your Nest Thermostat will do as you say. And with Google Now, you can be on your way home, and your thermostat will start heating or cooling before you get there. Available this fall.
IFTTT – Create your own connections with one simple statement: “If This Then That.” For example, “If my Nest Protect detects smoke, then send a text message to my neighbors.” Available now.
Jawbone – Nest knows which temperature you like and the Jawbone UP24 band can tell when you wake up. Working together, Nest will start to heat up or cool down the home before you even step out of bed. Available now.
LIFX – If Nest Protect detects elevated smoke or CO levels, LIFX light bulbs can flash red to let you know there might be danger and help signal those who are hearing impaired. And when you’re on vacation and your Nest Thermostat is in Away mode, LIFX can make it look as if someone’s home by randomly turning on and off lights throughout the house. Available now.
Logitech – With the press of a button, the Logitech Harmony Ultimate universal remote can dim your lights, turn on your TV and start a movie. Now, it can also set the temperature on your Nest Thermostat, all from the comfort of your couch. Available now.
Mercedes-Benz – Your car can tell Nest when you’ll be home so your thermostat can start heating or cooling at exactly the right time. You don’t end up wasting energy when you’re not home and you’re comfortable the moment you walk in the door. You can also safely check on the status of your thermostat while driving. Available now.
Whirlpool – If your Nest Thermostat notices you’re away, it can have your Whirlpool washer and dryer keep clothes fresh and wrinkle-free when the cycle ends. The dryer can also switch into a longer, more energy efficient cycle when you’re away. And if you’re enrolled in Rush Hour Rewards with a participating energy provider, Nest can let Whirlpool know when an energy rush hour is about to happen, and your washer or dryer will delay the start of the cycle until the rush hour is over. Available now.
Meanwhile, Google Ventures and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers are leading the new Thoughtful Things Fund to provide developers an opportunity to enjoy support and visibility for getting projects off the ground.
Developers can submit their ideas at www.thoughtfulthingsfund.com.
Developers who are registered for Google I/O can also attend Nest’s session titled “Nest for Developers” on Thursday, June 26, at 2:00 PM PDT to hear Nest founder and VP engineering Matt Rogers and team discuss the program.
UPDATE: iControl, the cloud-based platform that powers ADT Pulse, Xfinity Home and other mass-market security/home automation solutions, plans to “participate in the program,” says VP marketing Greg Roberts.
RELATED: Analyzing Nest’s $555M Acquisition of Dropcam; Pro Security Device Coming
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