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Google has announced a new developer program and API for Nest products, which it purchased in February of this year. Already, companies like IFTTT, Jawbone, LIFX, Logitech, Mercedes-Benz, Whirlpool, Chamberlain, and Google are releasing complementary devices that communicate with the Nest thermostat and smoke alarm. For example, a Chamberlain garage door opener will communicate with the thermostat to set the temperature to “home” or “away” settings when the homeowner operates the garage door.
Nest executives say their home platform will be complementary to Apple’s HomeKit project. “The home shouldn’t be a platform war,” Matt Rogers, Nest co-founder and engineering head, said. “We’re going to be neutral. Switzerland.”
The next big challenge for Nest and other connected household devices is getting people to purchase them. Rogers noted that some utility companies are offering rebates to people who purchase the Nest thermostat, which has boosted sales. “Our goal is to make them free. Our products should be free,” he continued. “If you save people energy and save lives, those are good things that everyone should have.”
