Google has finally announced the long-awaited integration of the Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm with the Google Home app, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to consolidate its smart home ecosystem. This move will enable users to receive alerts and notifications for their alarm directly through Google Home, eliminating the need for the standalone Nest app.

The Nest Protect was the last device that required the Nest app for control and access, following Google's efforts over the past couple of years to transition its Nest cameras and other devices to the Home app. With this integration, Google can now focus on sunsetting the Nest app, although the company has assured users that it will maintain the app in maintenance mode indefinitely.

The new features for the Nest Protect will be available to Google Home users in Public Preview on Android this week, with iOS support expected soon. These features include receiving emergency and heads-up notifications for smoke and carbon monoxide, getting critical status alerts, and viewing when alarms were last tested and running a system-wide safety checkup. Users will also be able to create a schedule for automatic sound check testing when they're away from home, modify their configuration, and view their camera live feeds directly from the emergency alarm card.

In addition to the Nest Protect integration, the Google Home app is also getting expanded support for smart locks connected via the Matter protocol. This update will allow users to set passcodes, among other features, and will roll out through the app's Public Preview feature on Android, with iOS support coming in early 2025. The lock updates will enable more manufacturers' locks to work with Google Home, bringing more functions to the app, including passcode management and automatic locking.

Google has emphasized that not all of the features will work with all Matter locks, depending on the lock manufacturer. The added features will include passcode management, one-tap entry, automatic locking, vacation mode, one-touch locking, and push notifications for lock events. These enhancements will provide users with greater control and convenience over their smart locks, further solidifying Google's position in the smart home market.

Industry experts believe that this move will have significant implications for the smart home industry, as it demonstrates Google's commitment to creating a seamless and integrated ecosystem for its users. The expanded support for smart locks via Matter will also pave the way for greater adoption of smart home devices, as users will be able to control and monitor their devices more easily and efficiently.

In conclusion, Google's announcement marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to create a unified smart home ecosystem. The integration of the Nest Protect with the Google Home app and the expanded support for smart locks via Matter will provide users with greater convenience, control, and peace of mind, further solidifying Google's position as a leader in the smart home market.