Product Review – Google Protect - 5 out of 5 Stars

I recently reviewed the Google Nest (rated 4 out of 5 stars, but would be upgraded should they deliver the software suggestions and lower the price).  This review is the Google Protect, a smoke detector, which integrates with the Nest thermostat.  As with the Google Nest, the Protect experience from start to finish was excellent.  The packaging is straight out of the Apple playbook of packaging.  It is clean, environmentally sensitive and protective.  Instead of being round like the Nest, it is square.  The parts were clearly labeled and well thought through.  And it comes in four languages – Dutch, English, French and Spanish.

 

There are two versions of the Protect – wired and battery.  The wired version will attach to your security system and report the information to your home security-monitoring firm.  The battery model, which I purchased, is not attached to my home security system.  Both versions are simple to install – 4 screws and a screwdriver.  For the wired version, simply plug your product into your home security system, after installing the mounting bracket.  For the battery model, just screw the mounting bracket into ceiling (drill holes first).  Make sure that you follow the installation suggestions as to where to place it in your home for optimal smoke detection.

As with the Nest, the Protect’s setup software and instructions were clear and easy.  I was able to connect to my Nest quickly. 

The Protect is equipped with a photoelectric smoke sensor, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, a heat sensor, three activity sensors, an ambient light sensor and a humidity sensor.  That makes it one very sophisticated smoke detector.

There are several cool features to the Protect:  1) The most important feature of this device is that it detects – smoke, heat and CO and warns you in English (my selection, or in Dutch, French, or Spanish) along with a pulsing yellow light.  2) The next most important feature is that if the device detects smoke, heat or CO, it will connect to the Nest and instruct the Nest to shut down the furnace.  This obviously turns off the fan within the furnace/AC, preventing the fanning of the flames.  When tripped, it pulses a red light and tells you what to do.  3) There are motion detectors in the device that will activate a solid white nightlight, which has brightness adjustment.  There is no annoying flashing red light.  4) The battery status of the device can be viewed on your iPhone or iPad (and Android) with a green ring.  5) The device will report the battery condition to the Nest and then to the software.  There is no beeping or chirping for battery replacement in the middle of the night.

Product review: Google Protect

Cost: $99 plus tax.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Pros:

Detects smoke, CO2 and CO.

Turns off the furnace/AC if the above is detected.

It speaks in English what to do.

A nightlight turns on when motion is detected.

The battery condition is posted to the Nest software.

Cons:

Cost is the biggest negative.  This device is roughly double or slightly more than that when compared to a conventional smoke detector.   But given all of the other features that it has – like shut your furnace/AC off, it is well worth the added expense.

Conclusions:

This product gets a 5 out of 5 stars as it goes far beyond the normal smoke detectors.  The Nest can handle a string of Protects, should you install them in all of your bedrooms and other rooms.  They will all show up in the Nest iPhone app.  Together the Nest and Protect are excellent products and companions, they look good and function like you would hope.