The Google Nest Doorbell has been my video doorbell of choice, based on its snappy performance, sharp AI detection and free video storage. But its last upgrade, with only minor changes, was back in 2022.
A new generation is long overdue in Nest’s home security line. That’s why I was happy to see reports about a new Nest line that’s bringing major updates to products, from indoor/outdoor cams and doorbells to a brand-new smart speaker option.
Gemini AI, with its conversational AI and other tricks, is already a confirmed upgrade for the new Nest generation, positoned to replace Google Assistant this year in the Google Home ecosystem. Here are the other upgrades I’m pumped about.
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Higher 2K resolution cams
Google Nest Cams have been stuck at a 1,080-pixel resolution for years, while the Nest Doorbell has a similar resolution with a different field of view to capture more vertical images. The next generation is expected to upgrade all these cams to a 2K resolution.
This welcome improvement not only adds significantly more detail to your security images and details, but it also brings Nest to the level of many other top security cameras, which have been steadily upgrading their resolution for years, while Nest has fallen behind.
According to reports, Nest cams may also get a new Zoom and Crop feature, though I doubt this rumor is particularly new. While Nest’s devices already come with a 6x digital zoom, this ability may allow them to be more permanently focused.
A new type of Nest subscription
The old Nest Aware subscription, raised to $10 per month in 2025, was confusing. It was hard to figure out the perks of the premium version and which AI or Gemini features you got with the paid subscription, and the whole thing needs streamlining. I was glad to see that Google is replacing the old Nest subscriptions with a new version called Google Home Premium and a higher tier called Google Home Premium Advanced.
It’s the perfect opportunity to clarify what’s offered with the subscription and make it easier for users to understand included detection features, like person versus face recognition, or Gemini video-searching versus long-term video storage. Right now, it’s too muddled for the average person.
Automatic local video storage (for up to an hour)
Technically, automatic local video storage existed on previous Nest Doorbells and similar devices, but Google seems to be highlighting it more in the new Nest generation. Nest cams get 3 hours of free cloud storage, which is very handy. However, there’s a small amount of local storage as well, so if Wi-Fi fails, the Nest devices can record events to local storage.
That local storage is big enough to hold around an hour of footage, and you don’t need to buy any extra hub, USB stick or microSD card to use it. Those features make this storage quite rare in the home security world, and a particularly useful backup without needing to pay a subscription.
If reports are accurate, Google is rephrasing its “3 hours of video history included” to “3 free hours of video previews that last up to 10 seconds.” This may be an attempt to curtail super-long video captures unless users are willing to fork over money for a Nest Aware (soon-to-be Google Home Premium) subscription. Though 10 seconds are enough time to check out most video events, it’s not enough to record the average conversation.
Daily summary video recaps
Daily summaries are one feature I’ve seen before in home security, such as Blink Moments and a variety of similar modes. They give you a recap of everything the camera captured in a day in one bite-sized chunk. Nest cameras and doorbells are now adopting the ability, too, instead of just event histories.
Daily summaries help when you get frequent visitors or when you’re watching a larger area for any unusual activity. If you haven’t looked all day, you can tap into the summary to see who stopped by, knocked on the door or delivered packages. It’s a particularly business-friendly option, since it’ll give you a recap of activity at a construction site or deliveries that came into a storefront.
360-degree sound on a new speaker
Google Nest’s smart home speaker is reported to focus on 360-degree sound, so the design, spacing and angles of the internal tweeters/woofers would spread sound in all directions. That’s not unheard of in smart speakers — Amazon’s Echo Show 10 and latest Echo tout their 360-degree sound, as does Apple’s HomePod line.
Such 360-degree sound features help fill larger rooms and open-floor plans with music or TV sound when connected to your entertainment system. Spatial audio could also become more noticeable. I like this feature in my home, and I’m glad Google is focusing on it for the upcoming speaker, which appears set to replace the old Nest Audio.
Take a deeper look at your home security options with my best list for outdoor security cameras, the top DIY home security systems and why I’m really enjoying AI features in home security.
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