Hasta La Gadget!

Programmable thermostats are proven to reduce the cost of heating in homes but the new Nest 2.0 sure takes it up a notch. The second generation thermostat looks pretty good, and will connect with more heating and cooling systems than the original.

The Nest 2.0 is 20% thinner than the original, and the design has been altered somewhat. The single, solid stainless steel ring surrounds a sleek lens, that shows the digital display of the thermostat. The lens replaces the grille from the first generation. It also comes with an updated thermostat. The new asterisk connector will allow you to use this with a lot more heating and cooling systems. It can even tackle three-stage systems that include heat pumps.

As with the original, the Nest 2.0 can automatically generate a custom schedule based on the way you use it, and can be remotely operated from your smartphone, and its updated app is available for both iOS and Android devices. The Nest 2.0 sells for $250 (USD).

[via Uncrate]

Nest‘s Learning Thermostat has certainly been turning some heads ever since it released less than a year ago. Its small form factor and sleek minimalistic design makes you wonder why all thermostats aren’t made like this. However, the Nest Thermostat is about to get even better. Today, the company announced the second-generation Nest Thermostat that’s both slimmer and smarter.

The new Nest is now 20% thinner than the original and has a solid stainless steel outer ring. They also removed the sensor grille on the front of the original Nest and replaced it with a smooth surface so that the display is uniform all the way around. The new look definitely puts the old design to shame.

However, Nest also made some changes to the inside of the device. First, they made installation easier by putting the mounting screw holes at the top and bottom, and also upgraded the wire connectors to make connecting the heating and cooling components easier than ever. And just like with the original Nest, you’ll find a built-level level on the inside as well.

The second-generation Nest is also now compatible with 95% of low-voltage heating and cooling systems, including 2nd-stage cooling, 3rd-stage heating, dual fuel, emergency heat, and whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers. They added a unique connector on the inside that’s now compatible with four different types of wires: W3, E, HUM or DEHUM.

Both the original Nest and the new Nest are getting a big software update as well. Version 3.0 consists of a lot of new features and makes the device even smarter than before. The device will now be able to automatically detect what kind of heating and cooling system you have, as well as provide you with reminders to change your filter. The thermostat is also compatible with Android tablets including the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire. Just download the required app and you’ll be set to go.

The second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat will begin shipping on October 15th and its available for pre-order now at a cost of $249.

Nest Learning Thermostat gets slimmer and smarter is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
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It’s been just about a year since former Apple exec Tony Fadell unveiled his newest project, the Nest Learning Thermostat. At the time, it was notable for being the sexiest thermostat in the history of household automation, with WiFi connectivity, mobile apps and an iPod-like click wheel for adjusting the temperature. Today, Nest Labs announced the follow-up to that product, and while it boasts the same tricks as the original, it’s noticeably slimmer and will work with a wider array of heating and cooling systems. Oh, and the company is finally releasing an Android tablet app, while the current iOS and Android phone applications are getting updated with new features as well. It’s up for pre-order now for $249, while the old model has gotten a price cut to $229. That’s the short version, but if you head past the break we’ll give you a more detailed walk-through of what’s changed.

Continue reading Nest Learning Thermostat gets refreshed with a slimmer design, improved scheduling features

Filed under: Household

Nest Learning Thermostat gets refreshed with a slimmer design, improved scheduling features originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What’s next for an energy-efficient thermostat designed by ex-Apple engineers? A limited promotion with a utilities provider to make it even more legit, that’s what. Now that Nest has broached online mega-retailer Amazon’s virtual shelves, the next stop on its trendy household domination tour’s taking it to Reliant, a Texas-based electricity company. Bundled into the utility’s “Learn & Conserve” plan, qualifying residents that sign-up for a two-year rate will receive one of the stylish, WiFi-enabled units, making the business of managing their energy settings a stylish and remotely controllable (via Android or iOS app) affair. Of course, you don’t need to be a resident of The Lone Star state to call one of these your own — Best Buy, Apple and Lowe’s will also eagerly claim your cash in exchange for this home-monitoring wündergadget.

Nest partners with Texas utility, offers intelligent thermostat to energy-conscious households originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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