Google is further scaling back its involvement in the smart home hardware market, announcing the discontinuation of both the Nest Protect smoke alarm and the Nest x Yale lock. This decision signals a shift in Google's strategy, prompting users to consider alternatives as existing products reach their end-of-life. The Nest Protect, like all smoke detectors, has a limited lifespan, typically around 10 years. With the second-generation Protect having launched a year before Nest became part of Google, many users are now facing the need to replace their devices. While the Nest Protect is currently still available for purchase on the Google Store at $119, Google has confirmed that it will no longer be manufacturing the device. This means that consumers who want to remain within the Nest ecosystem for their smoke detection needs will need to act quickly while supplies last. The discontinuation of these products raises questions about the future of Google's smart home offerings and the company's long-term commitment to hardware. Users invested in the Nest ecosystem may need to explore alternative solutions from other manufacturers as Google refines its smart home strategy. The company's decision highlights the importance of considering product lifecycles when investing in smart home technology.
