When we say “enhance”, we mean Nest’s new protocol that allows devices, even outside of the Nest Products line, internet-free communication. Wi-Fi has always been necessary for developers to get their products connected to Nest’s cloud API, so this is a huge change for the better. Among the many connection issues solved with Weave, Nest says it will allow the “ability to connect power-constrained devices, as well as devices that require low latency and redundancy”. Functions will include access to home and away states, smoke and carbon monoxide alerts, motion and sound alerts, and peak energy rush hour events, via companies such as GE, Phillips Hue, Hunter Douglas, and Google’s OnHub; and on iOS, Android and web operating systems (PC Mag).
Smart, huh? Innovative, yes. It’s hard to picture it getting any more helpful than this. If I were to leave my home to a house sitter, I’d love to leave knowing that I could check in using resources I could trust. When once I could simply check security camera footage, now it’s possible to track actual door lock activity. Nest’s upgrade is great, and we’ll know a device is Weave compatible by seeing its “Works With Nest” logo on the box. We will soon see a number of familiar brands that are ready to be compatible with Nest’s Weave. However, integrations are not expected to be developer-ready until 2016.