Skip to main content

Google considers dipping its toes into home security with Dropcam acquisition

google considers purchasing dropcam edit 2
Google is considering buying Dropcam, a popular Wi-Fi camera used to monitor homes.

Update on June 2o, 2014: It has happened, Google’s Nest will indeed acquire Dropcam. Click here to find out more about the details.

According to a recent report from The Information, Google has expressed interest in purchasing Dropcam, a cloud-based video monitoring service. Getting its hands on Dropcam would help Google take an even bigger step into the home security market, following its recent $3.2 billion acquisition of Nest Labs, creator of smart thermostats and smoke detectors.

It is unclear where both companies stand on this potential acquisition, but Google’s Nest division has reportedly considered the idea, and would be responsible for making the actual purchase. Nest’s foray into home security could be interesting to watch if they decide to go through with the purchase, and blend Dropcam’s streaming video technology with ideas of their own. Several companies are gearing up household appliances to use smart technology, but Google could be the first to attempt a fully digitally integrated home – complete with Dropcam protection, of course.

If you’re unfamiliar, Dropcam is essentially a Wi-Fi enabled digital camera that can used to monitor your home. The device offers two-way audio functions, remote monitoring, and cloud-based recording and storage features. Having raised almost $50 million in its five-year history, it’s clear why Dropcam has caught Google’s eye. Dropcam, which touts its products as easy to use, would fit nicely into Nest’s similar outlook.

Home security seems like a natural move for Nest. Given the automation options already afforded by Nest’s products, an interwoven security system would be a logical next step, and would help the company break into the billion-dollar U.S. home security market. Additionally, since Dropcam is already a successful product, acquiring the company would mean less work at the drawing board for Google.

This supposed acquisition could see Google and Apple indirectly partnering up again. According to TechCrunch, Google’s focus will be on building a hardware network of smart home devices, while Apple could be working on a software platform to support it. The two tech giants recently agreed to end their smartphone patent wars, which could be a good sign of things to come.

(Via TechCrunch)

Editors' Recommendations

Chase Melvin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chase Melvin is a writer and native New Yorker. He graduated from LIU Brooklyn where he spent 3 years as the News and Photo…
Best security camera deals for January 2023
These are the best security camera deals available right now
Prime Day 2022 security camera deals graphic.

One of the best ways to protect and monitor your home, whether you're there or away, is with a smart home security camera. Wireless surveillance has come a long way, especially from the days when you had to pull wires all across your property to power and receive video to a DVD writer or storage device. Of course, almost everything is wireless nowadays, and with that comes a need to connect to the cloud and get a subscription service, at least if you want to store things online. There are a variety of wireless security cameras to pick from as well as wired models. We've collected the best security camera deals you're going to find on the internet today so that you don't have to go dredging through dozens of postings. Prices change often, so if you don't see a deal that works for you, check back often.
Google Nest Cam Battery -- $140, was $180

Why buy

Read more
Apple HomePod mini vs. Google Nest Audio

The Apple HomePod mini is arguably the best HomeKit hub on the market, offering impressive audio quality, an eye-catching design, and a surprisingly affordable price tag. If you’re not sold on HomeKit, however, Google Nest Audio gives it a run for its money. Google’s popular smart speaker clocks in at the same $100 price tag while offering access to Google Assistant -- making it easy to communicate with the rest of your smart gadgets.

If you’re in the market for either of these products, here’s a closer look at everything offered by the HomePod mini and Google Nest Audio.
Design
The next generation of the HomePod takes on an almost perfectly spherical shape versus the cylindrical shape of its predecessor. It looks somewhat similar to the Amazon Echo, but the elegant design comes as no shock -- Apple has always excelled at making attractive products.

Read more
Google rolls out Matter support for Nest and Android
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

Google has officially wrapped up its first wave of Matter updates by bringing the interoperability feature to Nest and Android devices. If you own products in these lineups, you’ll now be able to quickly connect them to other Matter-enabled products.

The rollout happened quietly throughout December, with the original Google Home speaker, Google Home Mini, Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Hub (1st Gen), Nest Hub (2nd Gen), Nest Hub Max, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro all receiving the update. You’ll also benefit from Fast Pair on Android, allowing you to quickly sync Matter devices to your home network. All updates happened automatically (so long as you’re running the latest firmware).

Read more