Google Buys Nest For Hardware Design

Jan 14, 2014 - 8:10 am 4 by
Filed Under Google News

NestGoogle announced yesterday that they acquired Nest for $3.2 billion (yes billion) in cash. You read that right, they spent about 5% of their cash on hand to acquire a startup company that builds smart thermostats and fire detectors.

Why? Is it so Google can know the temperature in your house? Is it so Google can pitch you products based on your sleep patterns? Is it to completely freak out Google consumers?

I think not.

If I had to guess, it is about acquiring a company that knows how to make Apple-like hardware. Google does awesome software but their hardware isn't at the level of Apple. The iPhone vs Nexus device, no one would honestly say that holding a Nexus smartphone feels as good as holding an iPhone. If you do, you are lying. The software or features might be superior but the hardware feel is not.

Anyway, is that worth $3.2 billion? I guess to Google it is.

Forum discussion at Google+ and WebmasterWorld.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: April 1, 2025

Apr 1, 2025 - 10:00 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Ranking Reddit AI Translated Pages Too Well

Apr 1, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google

Google AI Overviews Tests Check Important Info Disclaimer

Apr 1, 2025 - 7:41 am
Bing Search

Bing Tests New Sitelinks Hover Shadow & Related Search Designs

Apr 1, 2025 - 7:31 am
Bing Search

Bing Copilot Answer Buttons To Image & Video Search

Apr 1, 2025 - 7:21 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

April 2025 Google Webmaster Report

Apr 1, 2025 - 7:11 am
Previous Story: Android Sugar Cubes