|
Google just announced that it will soon drop support for the first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats. The devices won't stop working completely, but remote access is going away, as are software updates and compatibility with the Google Home app.
The older Nest Learning Thermostats that are losing support include the second-generation units for the U.S., released in 2014, as well as the European version of the second-gen thermostat, which also went on sale in 2014. The original Nest Learning Thermostat, which was released only in the U.S., landed in 2011.
Google says it will drop support for the thermostats starting October 25, 2025. Besides no longer receiving software updates, the older Nest Leaning thermostats will lose Nest and Google Home app support, meaning no more out-of-home control. Google Assistant will also lose access to the units.
You will still be able to control temperature, mode, schedules, and other settings manually on the thermostat itself, and existing schedules will continue to operate, Google added.
At least Google is offering discounts to affected Nest users for their trouble. U.S. owners of the older Nest Learning Thermostats can get $130 off the
|
|
But who would buy it? Unsurprisingly, there are beaucoup business beaus lining up around the block for this browser bachelorette. We've already heard that ChatGPT maker OpenAI is very interested, as testified in court by an executive. And another notable name in the AI space, search engine Perplexity, told a judge much the same thing. Bloomberg reports that Yahoo, which almost feels like legacy media at this point, would also be interested if Chrome becomes available.
That's three potential new homes for the world's most popular browser. But it's important to note that federal judge Amit Mehta hasn't yet made a determination on how Google will be punished for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. Just because prosecutors suggest breaking off Chrome doesn't mean that he'll agree it's an appropriate end. And whatever happens, Google will certainly exhaust its legal options with enough money to make Solomon blush. Google losing control of Chrome is not a foregone conclusion, even if it feels that way from recent reports.
But let's proceed under
|
|
