But not all smart home accessories are “appliances with a bonus app,” and the majority do offer something of value to your home. Usually, it’s in the form of integrating with a system like Alexa. Other times, it’s as simple as providing a more convenient solution to common household needs. A perfect example of handy smart home ingenuity comes from none other than Nest, makers of the popular series of door-mounted video cameras. They’ve engineered new software that can automatically detect if a package has been delivered or picked up, along with an instant alert that goes right to your phone. If you own a Nest doorbell camera, you won’t want to miss this exciting upgrade.
Nest delivers new package detection software to customers new and old
According to a blog post from Google, owners of the Nest doorbell system, the company is rolling out a new software feature capable of detecting package deliveries and drop-offs. This new system works via machine learning algorithms, which means the software compares multiple sets of data and images to accurately assess the presence of a box, a courier, or even a mail truck. Upon detection, the camera begins recording and can transmit an alert to the user’s smartphone informing them of the status of their package. They’ll also receive a video clip to look over so they can have an exact update of the conditions on the porch.
How can I get my hands on this new feature?
First off, in order to get this package detecting feature, you’ll need a Nest Hello doorbell specifically. However, if you already have one, you won’t need to buy a new one. Anyone with that particular model is capable of using this feature. That said, it’s not available for free. The new feature is built into the company’s subscription-based Nest Aware plan, which unlocks additional features like facial recognition and cloud video storage. Nest Aware is available to all Nest Hello owners for a monthly fee of $5. And yes, the Nest Hello can detect Prime deliveries, too. It’s just another fun perk about living life in the digital age.
