Google breaks and enters traditional home security market with new investment

Nest Cam Outdoor

  • Google and ADT have announced a partnership in the smart home and security space.
  • The partnership will see ADT offer and install Nest devices, while adopting Google’s machine learning smarts.
  • Google is also investing $450 million in the company for a 6.6% stake.

 

Google has provided smart home devices for several years now, largely thanks to its Nest gadgets. The Mountain View company isn’t stopping there though, as it’s just announced a major partnership with security and home automation provider ADT.

The partnership will see Google invest $450 million in ADT, earning it a 6.6% stake in the security provider according to the two companies. This investment is scheduled to close in Q3 2020.

So what does that mean for consumers, then? Well, Google says ADT’s technicians will be able to sell and install Nest devices like cameras and the Nest Hub Max. ADT adds that it will start offering “certain” Nest devices from this year, and will “expand the integration” in 2021.

Read: Your guide to the best smart home devices | The best smart plugs worth checking out

 

The search colossus also points to machine learning as a way to improve ADT’s security and smart home offerings.

“The goal is to give customers fewer false alarms, more ways to receive alarm events, and better detection of potential incidents inside and around the home. It will also provide people with more helpful notifications that make everyday life more convenient, like package detection,” reads an excerpt of Google’s announcement.

Google says ADT customers will also gain access to the Nest Aware subscription service, which usually start at $6 a month. This grants you access to intelligent alerts (e.g. when abnormal sounds are detected), zone-specific alerts, and 30 days of event video history.

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Hadlee Simons

Bilal