Nest App – Nest Review

I have used Nest products for several years. Have always been happy with their quality and ease of use. Ever since Google bought them, the quality of service has absolutely declined. My latest experience was with the Nest Hello doorbell. The app walks you through the installation process, which is well laid out. Connecting to the network is another matter. It tries to connect to another device, which in my case did not exist. Really. The screen shows the doorbell and the “assisting device,” again which does not exist. Needless to say, it does not connect. Is there an option to enter the wifi network info manually? No, that would be too logical and easy. Maybe allow me to choose the assisting device (I have an ourdoor Nest cam). Sorry, that is not an option either. By the way, if you have to try and “install” the device again via the app because it did not connect on the first try, you have to go through the ENTIRE installation process again (even though it is physically installed and functioning). There is not option to jump from scanning the device and trying to connect. Another great app design feature. After reading some info on the Google “community” I learned that this is a common problem and has been for some time. Apparently Google is not too concerned, or the problem likely would have been solved by now. I also spent an hour in chat trying to solve the problem. That is an exercise in masturbatory mayhem. Reset your doorbell, reset your Bluetooth, reset your router, reset your mobile device. If that doesn’t work reset them all again. Needless to say, I got nowhere and the doorbell is nothing more than a hi-tech looking gadget on my front door. The bell rings, but the camera does not function. Good job Google! I will be removing it and replacing it with the 79¢ button which gives me more functionality and less frustration.
Review by Bill L. E. on Nest.