Google Nest Protect - Smoke Alarm And Carbon Monoxide Detector (Battery)

This is a great upgrade to what, in my view, should be an item in every single household by law - a smoke & carbon monoxide detector. Let's talk packaging first. Now, I know this isn't the most important thing in the world but holy cow, Nest have put a lot of thought into packaging the Protect beautifully. This could quite easily be an Apple product the way the simple, yet attractive, environmentally friendly way the package is put together. There are plenty of hints & shortcuts included in the packaging to ensure that you can open it easily & install it properly. You have to download the (free) App first, followed by an easy set up via an IR reader embedded in the App & presented on the back of the smoke detector. Once scanned, you just follow the instructions on the App & job done ! The test cycle is a great feature - once it starts the test the voice prompt gives you a count down from 10 to 0 before sounding the 2 different alarm tones (one for smoke & one for carbon monoxide) & then reports success or otherwise. So no more standing on a chair with your head right next to the smoke detector testing & getting an ear full of alarm! You can even use the app to set off a test - genius! Another great feature is the ambient light the unit gives off when its dark & someone walks underneath it - a great touch if you are planning on installing on a landing or in a hallway - you can turn the feature off if you are planning on installing somewhere where the light would annoy you, such as a bedroom. The bracket to fit it to the ceiling was easy to install using the 4 top quality, self tapping screws - I usually throw away the screws that come free with this type of unit & use my own good quality ones but no need this time! The only downside is the price, but I suspect an awful lot of R&D needs to be paid for & let's face it what price can you put on your family's safety?

I am extremely happy with this product. Having been a little sceptical at first (my wife was simply reluctant) I decided to give it a go and ordered 2 from Amazon. Initial impressions are that a lot of thought has gone into this product. This product shouts quality from the moment you receive it. These are quick and easy to set up and install (took me 5 minutes from unboxing the product to having it linked up to wifi and up on the ceiling). From opening the box to installation the product is top quality and comes boxed with everything you'll need with an intuitive, easy to install wall/ceiling mounting plate, self-tapping ceiling screws, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Although they may seem expensive for what they are, the Nest Protect alarms are 2 alarms in 1 - with built in CO detection and extra features such as the pre-warning alarm talking feature and the night sensor path light which is very handy indeed. Although I haven't used it yet and I hope I never have to, I also like the idea that I can check on my house remotely using my phone (3G or above data connection required for optimum use). I wholeheartedly recommend the Nest Protect to anyone who is looking for a smart smoke and CO alarm. I have also ordered the Nest thermostat based on my experience with the 2 Nest Protects I now have in my home and I look forward to getting the thermostat installed on Friday for more smarthome antics 😀 I have summarised the pros and cons I have found in my own usage so far below Pros: Easy to install and setup Well built, premium quality feel Remote viewing of alarms using smartphone Logs history of usage shown on phone app Pathlight is a very useful for navigating hallways/stair landings at night Talks to other Nest products in the home Useful speech warnings and pre-warnings (the alarm talks to you) Alarm self-tests and tells you of any problems both verbally and on the smartphone app Built in CO alarm Cons Expensive compared to other standard smoke alarms Requires a wi-fi connection for remote access Disclaimer: Please note that I do not work for Nest or any Nest affiliated company. This is an individual, independent consumer review.

I have four of these around the house three of which are placed upstairs. Although these are in my opinion way over priced they have been amazing so far and the cost is outweighed by the safety features. Once you create an account with nest the set up is easy as 1,2,3 simply follow the instruction and they add to your account. All the alarms link together so when the bacon gets a little burnt while you have to answer the door and the house starts to billow smoke, you get a notification on every alarm that tells you there is smoke in X room, if the smoke continues to rise the alarm sounds. I have found it is fairly sensitive but not overly. Add in the carbon monoxide sensor and the overall cost doesn't seem that much. At night the alarm notices that the lights have gone out and illuminates green to show everything is okay, and white if you get up in the night to provide a night/ escape light. It even alerts to low batteries, and not the annoying constant cherp you get with lesser alarms. I also have them linked to my IFTTT account, which is linked to my heating (Eco Home). So should there ever be a carbon monoxide leak or fire the alarms shut down the boiler. Downside: Alarms have a 10 year lifespan after that you will need to replace them information on the net suggests that once they reach the 10 year mark they are forced to shut down and will not work. Alarms are expensive Overall I am impressed with the alarms, theres loads of features and hopefully I will never have to experience them in an emergency, but if I do I have confidence that they may save my life.