Get ready to dive into the world of AI-powered home security! I recently put Google's newest AI, Gemini for Home, to the test on the Nest Cam Gen 3, and here's my honest review.
The Future of Home Security is Here
After a year of anticipation, Google Assistant has been replaced by the cutting-edge Gemini AI, along with the launch of the Nest Cam Gen 3. This AI is specifically trained to control smart home devices and analyze security footage, so I was eager to see it in action.
What I discovered was a game-changer: a camera that not only captures security footage but also explains it to you! Gemini for Home excels at providing detailed text descriptions and daily summaries, although there's still room for improvement.
Let's break down my experience and uncover what you can expect from this advanced cam.
A Sleek Design, But No Battery
The most noticeable change in the Nest's indoor camera is its compact design, which now features a smaller form factor and a better-protected lens. While this is a welcome upgrade, the lack of a battery option might be a deal-breaker for some. As an indoor camera, it's likely to be near a power outlet, but I appreciate the versatility that batteries offer.
On the bright side, the cam includes both table and wall mount options, giving you flexibility in placement.
The lens has also been significantly upgraded, now offering a 2K resolution and a wide 152-degree field of view, along with a 6x digital zoom. These enhancements provide a fish-eye effect but cover a lot of ground, which is crucial for the AI features. The video quality and HDR night vision were impressive, with low latency.
The cam also reintroduces two-way audio, which is clear and picks up on details. You can adjust audio recording during setup to comply with state laws. The setup process is straightforward through the Google Home app, especially if you have it already set up and updated.
One concern I had was the camera's heat output. It ran hotter than any security camera I've tested, raising questions about its long-term durability. This could also be why there's no battery version yet.
Gemini for Home: A Game-Changing Feature
A more compact cam and higher resolution are great, but the real star of the show is Gemini for Home. This AI, tailored for security cameras, offers significant improvements over the outdated Google Assistant.
When subscribed and enabled, Gemini for Home provides several impressive features. It adds descriptive alerts, such as "A person walking two dogs passes by," instead of just "Person detected." This level of detail is a 2025 innovation in security cameras, and I found Gemini's accuracy impressive.
You can also ask Gemini for Home questions about specific events, like where a bicycle went or who delivered a package. The AI will search through video history and provide summaries. However, it's not always perfect, sometimes mistaking my cat for a person or a planter for a bowl.
Gemini for Home also generates daily summaries, describing everything the camera noticed, including people's actions and attire. These summaries are most valuable on busy days and can be customized to your preferences.
While these features save time, they come at a cost. You'll need the $20 Google Home Premium plan, which is pricier than basic camera subscriptions but more affordable than professional monitoring services. Other AI-powered video alert descriptions and searches have similar pricing.
Free Features for Nest Cams
One of the best things about Nest cameras is the free stuff! Previous models offered 3 hours of free video storage and free object detection for people and packages. The third-generation Nest cams take it up a notch, providing 6 hours of free cloud storage and maintaining free object detection.
If you want permanent cloud storage, you can subscribe to Google Home Premium for $10 per month, which also includes 30-day video storage and some Gemini for Home features. The $20 package unlocks full video searches and summaries.
Final Thoughts on the Nest Cam Gen 3
The Nest Cam Gen 3 is a significant upgrade, offering an improved design and the powerful Gemini for Home AI. The AI's alert descriptions and customizable daily summaries are valuable, but the $20 monthly cost might be a turn-off for some, especially when there are cheaper alternatives.
Remember, most of these features, including Gemini for Home and 2K resolution, are available on the Nest Gen 3 wired outdoor model and video doorbell. So, you can choose your preferred device and still enjoy the benefits discussed here.
If you're looking to save money, check out our guide to the best cheap security cameras.
