Google Nest Cam 2nd Gen Review
Smart, Secure, Simplified
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Updated Sep 14, 2023
By Jason Rogers
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4.4/5Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) is a sleek and powerful device designed to enhance your home security with crystal-clear video footage. It's equipped with intelligent alerts and features like familiar face detection, making it an excellent choice for keeping an eye on your home's interior.
PROS
✅ High-Definition Video: Captures everything in 1080p HD, ensuring detailed and clear footage.
✅ Familiar Face Detection: Advanced technology for recognizing familiar faces, reducing false alerts.
✅ 24/7 Live Video: Offers continuous monitoring with a 3-hour event history without a subscription.
✅ Night Vision: Delivers clear video, even in the dark, ensuring round-the-clock security.
✅ Two-Way Audio: Enables communication with people and pets at home from anywhere.
✅ Google Assistant Integration: Works seamlessly with Google Assistant for easy control and automation.
CONS
❌ Subscription for Full Features: Access to more extended event history and advanced features requires a Nest Aware subscription.
❌ Privacy Concerns: Always-on camera in the living space may raise privacy issues for some.
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◦ High-Quality Video: Captures 1080p HD video, providing clear and detailed images, which is essential for identifying faces or objects, both during the day and at night with its night vision capabilities.
◦ 24/7 Live View: Offers around-the-clock monitoring with the ability to stream live video directly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, ensuring you can keep an eye on your home at any time.
◦ Event-based Recording: Automatically records and saves video clips when it detects activity, such as motion or sound, allowing for easy review of specific events without scrolling through hours of footage.
◦ Two-Way Audio: Features built-in speakers and microphone, enabling you to listen and speak to anyone in the room, which can be particularly useful for communicating with family members or pets when away.
◦ Intelligent Alerts: Sends personalized alerts to your device, differentiating between people, pets, and vehicles to reduce unnecessary notifications and focus on the events that matter most to you.
◦ Home/Away Assist: Automatically turns the camera on when you leave and off when you come home, respecting your privacy and conserving energy when you don't need surveillance.
◦ Google Home Integration: Seamlessly integrates with the Google Home ecosystem, allowing for voice commands through Google Assistant and interactions with other smart home devices for a cohesive experience.
◦ Easy Installation and Setup: Designed for simplicity, it can be set up in minutes and managed through the Google Home app, providing a user-friendly experience from start to finish.
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◦ Indoor Security Monitoring: Perfect for homeowners who want to enhance their indoor security, monitoring entry points, common areas, or specific rooms that require surveillance.
◦ Family and Pet Watching: Useful for keeping an eye on children, elderly family members, or pets, ensuring their safety and well-being while you're away.
◦ Remote Property Management: Ideal for property managers or vacation rental owners needing to monitor their properties remotely, ensuring everything is in order and responding quickly to any incidents.
◦ Smart Home Enthusiasts: A great addition for those invested in creating a smart home, as it integrates well with other devices within the Google ecosystem, enhancing automation and control.
◦ Working from Home: Offers peace of mind for individuals working from home, allowing them to monitor other parts of their home or deter unwanted visitors during work hours.
◦ Elderly Care: Provides an extra layer of care for families with elderly members, offering a way to check in and communicate easily, ensuring they are safe and comfortable.
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How does the 3-hour event history work without a subscription?
The camera automatically records and stores video clips of detected activity, such as motion or sound, in the cloud for up to 3 hours without a subscription. You can view these clips through the Google Home app to keep track of recent events.
Can the Google Nest Cam Indoor be used without an internet connection?
An internet connection is required for all features of the Nest Cam Indoor, including live streaming, recording, and receiving alerts. Without the internet, the camera cannot send data to your smartphone or store footage in the cloud.
Does the Google Nest Cam Indoor Wired 2nd Gen support multiple users?
Yes, you can share access to your camera with other users through the Google Home app, allowing family members or trusted friends to view live feeds and receive alerts.
How secure is the video footage captured by the Nest Cam Indoor Wired 2nd Gen?
Video footage is encrypted in transit to and from the cloud, ensuring that your data is secure. Additionally, Google offers features like two-factor authentication to further protect your account and footage.
What are the best practices for positioning the camera inside the home to respect privacy while ensuring security?
Position the camera in common areas like living rooms or hallways and avoid private spaces such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Utilize the camera's on/off scheduling feature or manually turn off the camera when privacy is needed.
How does the familiar face detection feature work, and is it available without a subscription?
Familiar face detection uses advanced facial recognition technology to identify known faces and reduce false alerts. This feature requires a Nest Aware subscription for access.
Can the camera record continuously, or does it only record when it detects motion or sound?
By default, the camera records and saves video clips when it detects motion or sound. With a Nest Aware Plus subscription, you can enable continuous video recording (CVR) to record 24/7.
How do I manage and view event history beyond the 3-hour free storage?
To access event history beyond 3 hours, you will need a Nest Aware subscription, which offers access to video footage for up to 30 or 60 days, depending on the plan.
Is there a limit to the number of Google Nest Cam Indoor Wired 2nd Gen cameras I can add to my Google Home app?
There is no specific limit to the number of cameras you can add to the Google Home app, but network bandwidth and performance should be considered when adding multiple devices.
How does the Home/Away Assist feature work, and can it be customized?
Home/Away Assist uses the location of your phone and activity sensors in your devices to automatically turn the camera on when you leave and off when you come home. You can customize this feature in the Google Home app to fit your needs.
What happens to my camera's functionality if I decide to cancel my Nest Aware subscription?
Without a Nest Aware subscription, you'll lose access to recorded event history beyond 3 hours, familiar face detection, and other subscription-based features. Live viewing and motion/sound alerts will still be available.
Can the Nest Cam Indoor Wired 2nd Gen be integrated with smart home automation routines?
Yes, it can be integrated with Google Assistant routines, allowing you to automate actions like turning on lights when motion is detected.
Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Video |
• 2-megapixel color sensor • 135° diagonal field of view • 6x digital zoom • 16:9 aspect ratio |
| Camera |
• 2-megapixel color sensor • 135° diagonal field of view • 6x digital zoom • 16:9 aspect ratio |
| Video history |
• Captures and stores video clips of activity within the past 3 hours. • With a Nest Aware subscription (sold separately), Nest Cam can capture and store up to 60 days of event video history. |
| Audio |
• High-quality speaker and microphone • Full-duplex 2-way audio with noise cancellation |
| Night vision |
• Up to 15 ft (4.6 m) illumination • 2 high-power 850 nm infrared LEDs |
| Wireless |
• 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wi-Fi • WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 encryption supported • Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
| Security |
• On-device machine learning • Secure boot • Automatic security updates • 128-bit AES encryption with TLS/SSL |
| Power |
• Attached 10 ft (3.0 m) power cable with USB-A connector • Included 7.5W USB-A power adapter |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Dimensions | 3.88 in x 2.52 in x 2.24 in |
| Operating temperature | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) |
Introduction to the Indoor Google Nest Cam
In the ever-evolving landscape of smart home technology, the Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) emerges as a beacon of innovation and reliability. Designed to blend seamlessly into the modern home, this indoor camera offers more than just surveillance; it provides a window into your home, ensuring peace of mind with its cutting-edge features and intuitive operation. Whether you're looking to keep an eye on your pets, monitor your children, or enhance overall home security, the Nest Cam stands ready to meet your needs with exceptional video quality, smart integrations, and a user-centric design. This review delves into the capabilities that set the Nest Cam apart in the crowded market of smart home devices, highlighting its strengths and considering its limitations.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Minimalist Design
The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) is a paragon of modern home technology, embodying a minimalist and contemporary design ethos that Google is renowned for. Its sleek, cylindrical body is finished in a soft, matte "Snow" color, offering a subtle yet sophisticated aesthetic that complements any interior design scheme. Its unobtrusive design means it can sit quietly in the background, blending seamlessly into your home's environment without drawing unnecessary attention.
The compact size of the camera is a testament to Google's ability to pack advanced technology into a small, efficient form factor. Measuring just 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches in height, it is compact enough to fit on shelves, tables, or any corner of your room, ensuring it does not become a focal point of the space. Despite its delicate appearance, the camera is built with durability in mind. Its robust construction is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, ensuring it remains an integral part of your home security system for years to come. This balance of elegance and durability reflects Google's commitment to creating smart home devices that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting.
Versatile Placement Options
Flexibility in placement is one of the key features that set the Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) apart from its competitors. The camera comes equipped with a versatile stand and an optional wall-mounting plate, offering multiple installation possibilities to suit any home layout or personal preference. This adaptability ensures that you can optimize the camera's field of view, capturing crucial areas of your home without sacrificing the decor or design ethos of your living space.
For those looking to monitor specific areas like the nursery, the entrance, or the living room, the stand provides a stable base that can be placed on any flat surface, such as bookshelves, desks, or countertops. The stand's swivel head allows for easy adjustment of the camera's angle, ensuring that you can fine-tune the field of view to your exact requirements.
Alternatively, the wall-mounting plate offers a more permanent solution for those who prefer an elevated view or wish to keep the camera out of reach of children and pets. Mounting the camera to the wall not only maximizes coverage but also integrates it more discreetly into your home's environment. The installation process is straightforward, designed to be achievable with basic tools and minimal DIY experience, ensuring that securing your home does not require complex modifications or technical expertise.
This dual-option placement strategy underscores Google's understanding of the diverse needs of modern homeowners. By providing both easy-to-use and secure mounting options, the Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) ensures comprehensive coverage without compromising on the aesthetic integrity of your home. It's this thoughtful consideration of both form and function that makes the Nest Cam a standout choice for those seeking to enhance their home security with a device that respects the design and usability aspects equally.
Smart Home Ecosystem Integration
Seamless Google Assistant Integration
The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) epitomizes the seamless integration of smart home devices with the larger ecosystem, particularly through its compatibility with Google Assistant. This integration extends the functionality of the Nest Cam beyond traditional surveillance, embedding it deeply into the fabric of a smart home environment. Voice command capabilities empower users to effortlessly access the camera's live feed on any Google Assistant-enabled device, such as Google Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max. This means you can keep an eye on your home with simple voice commands, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of your home security system.
This level of integration highlights the Nest Cam's role not just as a standalone security device but as an integral component of a holistic Google-powered smart home. It facilitates a more interconnected and responsive living environment where devices work in harmony to meet the user's needs. For instance, you can ask Google Assistant to show you the nursery room's live feed on your Nest Hub while you're busy in the kitchen, or to check on your pets in the living room without having to physically be there. This interoperability represents a significant step forward in creating homes that are more secure, intelligent, and tailored to the modern lifestyle.
Privacy and Data Security
In the digital age, privacy and data security are paramount, especially when it comes to devices that capture and store personal information. Google recognizes this and has implemented robust security measures in the Nest Cam to protect user privacy and data. Features like two-factor authentication add an extra layer of security to your account, safeguarding against unauthorized access. Moreover, video footage is encrypted before being stored, ensuring that your personal moments remain private and secure.
However, the very nature of an always-on indoor camera prompts necessary considerations regarding privacy within the home. Google addresses these concerns by providing users with detailed control over their camera's operation. For example, you can easily turn the camera off when you're home or set up activity zones to limit recording to specific areas, minimizing any privacy concerns. Despite these precautions, it's essential for users to thoughtfully consider the placement of their indoor cameras and the potential implications for privacy within their living spaces.
The integration of the Nest Cam into the smart home ecosystem, coupled with Google's commitment to privacy and data security, showcases the company's vision for creating devices that are not only technologically advanced but also trustable and respectful of user privacy. By balancing these priorities, Google ensures that the Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) is a compelling choice for those looking to enhance their home security while maintaining control over their personal and data privacy.
User Experience and App Interface
Intuitive App Control
The Google Home app is the central hub for managing the Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen), crafted to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience. This app is a masterpiece of design simplicity, offering a clean and organized interface that demystifies smart home management. Users can effortlessly navigate through the app, thanks to its user-friendly layout that categorizes functions logically, making features like live video feeds, event history, and settings customization readily accessible.
The app's design philosophy is centered around inclusivity, ensuring that individuals of all tech-savviness levels can confidently interact with their Nest Cam. It eliminates the often steep learning curve associated with smart home devices, allowing users to dive straight into its functionalities without hassle. Whether it's watching live footage, scrolling through event histories, or adjusting the camera's settings, the Google Home app makes these tasks straightforward and quick. This approach not only enhances user engagement but also ensures that users can fully leverage the capabilities of their Nest Cam without feeling overwhelmed by complex interfaces or jargon.
Enhanced Security Features
At the heart of the Nest Cam's appeal are its advanced security features, designed to offer more than just surveillance. The familiar face detection feature is a prime example of Google's commitment to intelligent, user-centric security solutions. Available with a Nest Aware subscription, this feature utilizes sophisticated facial recognition technology to distinguish between known and unknown faces. This capability significantly reduces the likelihood of false alarms, which can be a common annoyance with less intelligent systems.
By learning the faces of family members, friends, and frequent visitors, the Nest Cam can tailor its alerts to only notify you of unfamiliar or potentially unwelcome appearances, ensuring that your attention is drawn only to events that truly require it. This smart analysis of footage directly within the Google Home app represents a leap forward in personalized home security. Users can customize how they receive alerts and manage privacy settings, giving them complete control over their security experience.
The integration of familiar face detection not only enhances the security aspect of the Nest Cam but also adds a layer of personalization to the device. It understands the nuances of your home environment, adapting its functionality to fit your specific needs and preferences. This thoughtful incorporation of advanced technology into the user experience underscores Google's vision of creating smart home devices that are not just tools but integral components of a secure, intelligent, and responsive home ecosystem.
Camera and Video Quality
Exceptional Video Quality
The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) sets a high bar for video quality in the realm of indoor surveillance cameras. With its 1080p HD resolution, this camera captures every detail with remarkable clarity and precision. The imagery produced is vibrant and sharp, allowing for the discernment of subtle details that could be crucial in different contexts, whether it's identifying an intruder or simply checking in on family members.
The 135° diagonal field of view is another standout feature, broadening the scope of surveillance to cover more of your indoor space without the need for multiple cameras. This wide-angle lens ensures that you can keep an eye on a larger area, making it ideal for monitoring wide rooms or open spaces. The inclusion of such a wide field of view means that the Nest Cam can effectively surveil significant portions of your home, reducing blind spots and providing a more complete picture of your indoor environment.
Night vision capabilities are integral to any indoor camera's effectiveness, and the Nest Cam excels in this area as well. Utilizing advanced infrared technology, it delivers clear and detailed images even in low-light conditions. This means that the camera's performance is not hindered by the time of day, ensuring continuous surveillance and peace of mind around the clock. Whether it's the dead of night or a dimly lit room, the Nest Cam provides consistent video quality, ensuring that your home's security is uncompromised.
Reliable Performance and Connectivity
The performance of a smart home device is only as good as its connection, and the Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) ensures excellence in this regard with its dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. By supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, the camera offers flexibility and resilience in its internet connection, significantly mitigating the risk of video lag or disconnection. This dual-band capability is especially beneficial in areas with crowded Wi-Fi environments, as it allows the camera to switch to the less congested band, ensuring smoother video streaming and more reliable performance.
This stable and robust connectivity is crucial for maintaining effective home surveillance. It means that the Nest Cam is always ready to transmit live video feeds to your device, ensuring that you can check in on your home from anywhere, at any time. The confidence that comes from knowing your surveillance system is reliably connected and continuously monitoring cannot be overstated. It transforms the Nest Cam from a simple recording device into a vigilant guardian of your home's security.
Installation and Setup
Bringing the Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) into your home is a straightforward process, designed to accommodate both DIY enthusiasts and those who prefer the expertise of a professional installation. Below, we explore both avenues to get your device up and running smoothly.
Easy DIY Installation
Step 1: Unbox and Plan Your Setup
Start by unboxing your Google Nest Cam to ensure you have all the necessary components: the camera, the USB cable, power adapter, and the wall-mounting plate. Decide whether you want to place it on a shelf or mount it on the wall. Consider areas that would benefit from surveillance, like main living spaces or entryways.
Step 2: Connect to Power
Connect your Nest Cam to the power adapter and plug it into a power outlet. For wall-mounted setups, ensure the outlet is within reach of the camera's USB cable.
Step 3: Download the Google Home App
If you haven't already, download the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet. This app will serve as the control center for your Nest Cam.
Step 4: Add Your Nest Cam to the App
Open the Google Home app and tap the "+" sign to add a new device. Select "Set up device" and follow the on-screen instructions to find your Nest Cam. The app will guide you through connecting to Wi-Fi and configuring your camera's settings.
Step 5: Position Your Camera
For shelf placement, simply place your Nest Cam where it offers the best view. If mounting on the wall, use the included wall-mounting plate as a template to mark drill holes, drill the necessary holes, insert wall anchors, and secure the mounting plate with screws. Attach your Nest Cam to the mounting plate and adjust for the optimal viewing angle.
Professional Installation Support
When to Consider Professional Installation:
You're not comfortable with DIY tasks or handling drills and screws.
You want to ensure the camera is set up optimally for the best coverage.
Your desired installation spot requires running cables through walls or other complex setups.
How to Arrange for Professional Installation:
Research Qualified Technicians: Look for local professionals with experience in smart home device installations. Many security companies and electronic stores offer installation services for smart home products.
Consult Google's Recommendations: Google may have partnerships with certified installers. Check their website or contact their support for recommended services.
Schedule an Appointment: Once you've selected a technician, schedule an appointment. Provide them with details about your home layout and where you'd like to install your Nest Cam.
Prepare for the Visit: Ensure you have all the components of your Nest Cam ready. Clear the area where the camera will be installed to make the process as smooth as possible for the technician.
Discuss Your Security Needs: While the technician is there, it's a good opportunity to discuss the best positions for your camera based on your security needs and concerns. They can offer professional advice on how to maximize your camera's effectiveness.
Whether you choose the DIY route or professional installation, setting up your Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) is the first step toward enhanced home security and peace of mind. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Nest Cam is ready to protect and monitor your home effectively. Our group, Smart Home by Design, services the Greater Memphis area. We’re a certified Google Pro team - contact us to get started on building out your Smart Home.
Nest Aware Plan
Nest Aware is a subscription service offered by Google that enhances the capabilities of your Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen), along with other compatible Nest devices. This service is designed to offer users a more comprehensive and tailored home security experience by unlocking additional features and benefits that go beyond the standard functionality of the devices.
One of the primary advantages of subscribing to Nest Aware is the extended video history, which allows users to access their video footage for up to 30 or 60 days, depending on the plan chosen. This extended history is invaluable for those who need to review past footage, whether it's for security purposes, to check on home activities while away, or even just to capture memorable moments. Additionally, Nest Aware introduces intelligent alerts, such as familiar face detection, which can distinguish between known faces and strangers, enhancing the security of your home by reducing false alarms and focusing on events that truly matter.
Moreover, Nest Aware subscribers benefit from the ability to create activity zones, enabling focused monitoring on specific areas of their home, such as windows, doors, or cribs. This feature ensures that users receive alerts that are most relevant to their security needs. The service also includes emergency calling in some regions, which allows users to directly contact emergency services through the Google Home app, adding an extra layer of security. Overall, Nest Aware transforms Nest devices into a more powerful, intelligent, and customizable home security solution, providing peace of mind through enhanced surveillance capabilities and smart features.
Conclusion
The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen) solidifies its position as a top-tier choice for those seeking to enhance their home's security and connectivity. Its standout video quality ensures that every detail is captured with clarity, providing users with a comprehensive view of their indoor spaces at any time of day. The camera's advanced features, including familiar face detection and activity zones, elevate its functionality beyond simple surveillance, offering a smarter, more personalized security solution.
Integration with the Google Assistant enables the Nest Cam to fit effortlessly into the broader smart home ecosystem, making it a versatile tool for managing security and automation with ease. This synergy with Google's suite of products enhances the user experience, making home security both more accessible and more integrated into daily routines.
However, it's important to acknowledge the considerations that come with the Nest Cam. The requirement for a Nest Aware subscription to access its full range of features, including extended video history and more sophisticated monitoring options, may necessitate an additional investment for users looking for the most comprehensive security solution. Additionally, its design as an indoor-only camera means that those seeking to monitor outdoor spaces will need to explore additional options.
Despite these considerations, the Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired, 2nd Gen)'s overall performance, reliability, and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem present a compelling case for its inclusion in any smart home setup. It stands as a testament to Google's commitment to creating intelligent, user-friendly home security solutions that cater to the needs of modern homeowners. For those invested in creating a safe, connected, and smart home environment, the Nest Cam offers a blend of features and functionality that is hard to surpass.
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I'm Jason, your guide in the smart home tech world. My tech passion began in childhood, leading me to become an avionics technician in the Air Force and later earn a Computer Engineering degree. With a background in software and data engineering, I bring a unique mix of experience and knowledge to my product reviews and guides. I focus on the practical use of technology, offering insights on the latest smart home innovations rooted in both technical accuracy and real-world application.
Note, when you make a purchase through the retail links in our content, our team might receive a modest commission. Smart Home by Design never takes payment for editorial reviews, promoting only those products we have personally installed and evaluated in our homes. Read more about our policies here.
Email me: jason@smarthomebydesign.com