Google has announced that it is discontinuing two of its popular smart home devices, the Nest Protect smart smoke alarm and the Nest x Yale door lock. The decision comes as part of the company's effort to "build a platform that all device makers and developers can use to spur innovation in the home."

The Nest Protect, which has been one of the top-rated smart smoke alarms on the market, has been difficult to find in recent months. Users have reported that the device is either out of stock or limited to one purchase per customer, with slow shipping times. The device was first launched in 2013, with a second-generation model released in 2015 after the first generation was recalled due to a questionable wave-to-silence feature.

Google has partnered with First Alert, owned by Resideo, to launch a new smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, which will be available in the US and Canada later this year. The new alarm, priced at $129, will be able to interconnect with existing Nest Protect devices via Google's Weave/Thread communication protocol and will connect to the Google Home app over Wi-Fi to send alerts and notifications.

Existing Nest Protect devices will continue to receive security updates and function as expected through their expiration dates, which are 10 years from the date of manufacture for second-generation models. The devices are still available for purchase at the Google store and other retailers "while supplies last."

In addition to discontinuing the Nest Protect, Google is also killing its Nest x Yale door lock, which was launched in 2018. Existing locks will continue to receive software and security updates, and the lock will function as expected. Google is also bringing new features to the lock, including passcode management, from the Nest app to the Google Home app for the first time.

To replace the Nest x Yale lock, Google has partnered with Yale to develop the Yale Smart Lock with Matter, which is designed to complement the Google Nest doorbell. The $170 lock is designed to fit in with the Google Nest video doorbell aesthetic but will work with any Matter-compatible ecosystem over the Thread protocol, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.

The decision to discontinue these popular devices is likely part of Google's effort to streamline its smart home offerings and focus on its Google Home platform. The move is also seen as a way to open up the smart home market to more device makers and developers, allowing for greater innovation and competition.

The impact of this decision on Google's smart home business remains to be seen, but it is clear that the company is committed to creating a more open and innovative platform for its users. With the launch of new devices from First Alert and Yale, Google is positioning itself for future growth and success in the smart home market.

As the smart home market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Google's decision to discontinue these devices affects its position in the market. One thing is certain, however - the company is committed to driving innovation and growth in the smart home space, and this move is just the latest step in that journey.