At the Nest press announcement this morning for its new wireless camera and features, Google had nary a mention. Briefly, Nest noted the imminent collaboration with Google’s new software system, Brillo. That was it. Nest has been adamant that it runs separately from the Mountain View mothership, particularly with its customer data.
But tucked in its press release, Nest quietly revealed that it is leaning on its gargantuan owner. The device company is partnering with two Google divisions to help grease device sales.
Starting today, Nest is launching a promotional program for its thermostat for customers of Google Fiber, the search engine’s nascent broadband network. Fiber customers in the service’s first three cities — Austin, Kansas City and Provo — will receive a discount on the device ($200 versus $249) plus free installation. Fiber announced an expansion to 18 additional metropolitan regions in January. The Nest thermostat discount will extend to those markets as well.
Google has revealed scant figures on Fiber. According to one analyst, Fiber has locked down around 10 percent of the paid video market in its first city.
Nest also announced a new partnership with YouTube. A select few content creators on Google’s video site will be able to stream directly from the new Nest Cam. Nest is piloting the program with three YouTubers who run popular channels on consumer electronics, gaming and extreme sports.
Article source: http://recode.net/2015/06/17/caught-on-nest-cam-promotional-deal-with-google-fiber-youtube/