Google Buys Nest Labs

Google this week announced one of its biggest acquisitions to date, paying $3.2 billion in cash for Nest Labs. While it’s not yet known how Mountain View will incorporate Nest Labs’ technology into current or future products, it would be a safe bet to assume Google is planning a foray into the connected home space.

Nest is primarily known for its connected thermostats and smoke alarms. The company launched the first generation of its products in 2011 and has enjoyed great reviews and a warm reception in the tech world.

“Nest’s founders, Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, have built a tremendous team that we are excited to welcome into the Google family,” said Larry Page, CEO of Google in a press statement. “They’re already delivering amazing products you can buy right now--thermostats that save energy and smoke/CO alarms that can help keep your family safe. We are excited to bring great experiences to more homes in more countries and fulfill their dreams!”

While Fadell and the rest of Nest’s team will now be Google employees, the company said it would continue to market products under the Nest brand. It won’t be Fadell’s first time working with a world-class IT firm: he previously was employed at Apple.

“We’re thrilled to join Google. With their support, Nest will be even better placed to build simple, thoughtful devices that make life easier at home, and that have a positive impact on the world,” said Tony Fadell, CEO of Nest.

Nest describes its mission as reinventing “unloved but important devices” and it will be exciting to see where Google takes that strategy. An Android-powered stove, anybody? How about a dishwasher that runs 4.3 Jelly Bean? It’ll likely be awhile before we’re treated to the fruits of Mountain View’s new acquisition, but a Google smart home sounds like something from the not-too-distant future.