Look out, Amazon! Nest open-sources OpenThread to snag more IoT partners

By Christian de Looper May 11, 2016

nest employees going to google thermostat lifestyle 1 — Nest thermostat

You could soon see a ton of new devices on the market that work with Nest. The company is opening up the OpenThread code to now be open-source. OpenThread is basically how Nest and Nest-related devices connect within the home, and by opening up the code for the network, developers don’t have to create their own network.

OpenThread is Nest’s customized version of Thread, a protocol developed with the likes of Samsung and Qualcomm back in 2014 with the rationale that systems like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simply weren’t good enough. Open sourcing it is basically aimed at accelerating the Internet of Things market and taking on the likes of Amazon, which has found some serious success in devices like the Echo. As of now, developers can simply head to GitHub and download the OpenThread code to use in their products.

Once a device has been built using OpenThread, the Thread Group will approve certification for the device, giving developers access to the network and cloud. Ideally, this should help developers build devices without having to worry about creating their own networks.

Of course, just using OpenThread doesn’t necessarily mean that devices will play nice with Nest and Nest-built products. Developers will still need to join the Works with Nest program if they want their devices to integrate with Nest beyond simply using the same network.

Nest seems to be taking the same route Android did when it was first launched. Theoretically, by making the code open-source, the company should attract more hardware developers to create devices for an ecosystem led by Nest itself. Nest was once a clear leader in the smart home market, but over the past few years it seems to have somewhat lost that. As mentioned, Amazon has found huge success with the Echo connected speaker — perhaps Amazon’s success is owed to the number of services that are compatible with the Echo. If Nest can achieve the same level of compatibility, it could easily take on Amazon and forge a smart home ecosystem to be reckoned with.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Christian de Looper

Contributor

Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…

Smart Home

This BLUETTI portable power station is truly weatherproof

Man using BLUETTI AC240 portable power station while camping to cook

It seems like we're covering a new BLUETTI launch here at Digital Trends every month, but that's okay. Thanks to the brand's excellent products, innovative advancements, and great features, people all over can access reliable power. Its latest launch, the BLUETTI AC240, is an IP65-rated weatherproof portable power station that delivers a comprehensive energy solution for outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and beyond. Protected against dust, water, and elements, this expandable station creates an uninterrupted power source in any environment at any time. Moreover, it empowers users to stay connected, even with power-hungry devices, to tackle demanding tasks regardless of the current weather, environment, or location. Right now, you can save big by taking advantage of Early Bird pricing.
Buy Now

Why you should buy the BLUETTI AC240 all-weather portable power station

Imagine for a moment that you're camping with your family, hiking through the great outdoors, or even taking a long, scenic road trip through the countryside. In all of these situations, even when you're off-grid, you'll still need reliable access to power to charge your phone and tablet(s) and power up other electronics -- like a coffee maker when you wake up in the morning. Of course, power stations and power outlets don't exist randomly out in the wild. You could use your vehicle, but that will drain the battery and, in some cases, still won't provide enough power for what you want to do. Cue the BLUETTI AC240 portable power station and devices like it.

Smart Home

Snag this Roomba robot vacuum while it’s discounted to $180

iRobot Roomba 694 at Best Buy - WiFi connected robot vacuum

If you're on the hunt for robot vacuum deals because you think you need help from one of these cleaning devices to keep your floors spotless, you should head on over to Crutchfield where the iRobot Roomba 694 is available at $95 off. From its original price of $275, you'll only have to pay $180, which is an excellent price for all of the conveniences that you'll get from this machine. We're not sure how much time is remaining before this offer expires though, so you better hurry and complete your purchase while you can still pocket the savings.

Why you should buy the iRobot Roomba 694 robot vacuum
For its relatively affordable price, the iRobot Roomba 694 offers most of the important features that you would expect from a robot vacuum. It comes with a three-stage cleaning system that includes an edge-sweeping brush, roller brushes, and powerful vacuum suction. You'll be able to control the device through the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or using voice commands through smart home devices that are powered by Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa. Once the iRobot Roomba 694 is done, or when its battery runs low in the middle of cleaning, it will automatically returns to its base station for recharging.

Smart Home

DeWalt Spring Black Friday sale: Power tools and accessories from $15

A DeWalt drill being used.

If you have grand plans for a major home renovation project, you need the right power tools to facilitate this. Fortunately, there’s a huge DeWalt Spring Black Friday sale going on at Amazon so you can save big on plenty of great power tools as well as accessories for enriching the experience. There are hundreds of options within the DeWalt sale so the best thing you can do is hit the button below right now and see what’s out there for yourself. However, if you want some inspiration of what to consider, keep reading and we’ll take you through what we love most.

What to shop for in the DeWalt Spring Black Friday sale
Seemingly every household renovation task can be made easier with a good quality drill. That’s why it’s a great idea to buy the which is down to $99 from $179. A considerable saving of 45%, you get a compact and lightweight drill driver which can deliver 300 unit watts out of power. Its high speed transmission has two speeds of either 0-450 and 1,500 rpm with a 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck which provides tight bit gripping strength. It’s the workhorse everyone needs and is sure to last.