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Nest app updates with Thermostat control from Apple Watch, expanded camera options

Image Credit: TechCrunch

Google's Nest division updated its iOS app with several important features, most notably the ability to control its flagship Thermostat via the Apple Watch.

The Watch extension lets Thermostat owners adjust temperature without picking up their iPhone or another iOS device. Nest hasn't said whether its cameras or smoke protectors will eventually be controllable this way.

In the meantime, however, the Nest iOS app has received several other upgrades, all focused on camera support. Chief is the addition of "Spaces," which allows HomeKit-style grouping of devices by room — Nest products don't currenly support HomeKit. The feature lets people see all of their Nest cameras at once, although simultaneous live views require that an iPhone or iPad be on Wi-Fi.

The update also adds 1080p support for the Dropcam Pro, and automatic video quality, which can scale back if necessary to maintain a continuous stream.

Finally users can choose to share password-protected live feeds with friends and family. People granted access to a camera can watch on the Web via video.nest.com.

The Nest iOS app is a free download, and runs on any device with iOS 8 or later. On top of any hardware costs, though, video archival features require a Nest Aware subscription starting at $10 per month.