Google’s decision to end support for early Nest thermostat models raises questions about IoT sustainability, with differing compensation strategies in North America and Europe highlighting regulatory impacts on tech lifecycle management.
Google announced on June 1, 2024, that it will discontinue app and cloud services for first and second-generation Nest thermostats by August 31. While North American users receive a $100 store credit, European customers get a free third-gen device—a disparity highlighting regional regulatory pressures. The move comes as UN data shows IoT devices contribute 18% of rising e-waste, sparking debates about tech sustainability and planned obsolescence in smart home ecosystems.
Cloud Services Shutdown and Regional Compensation
Google confirmed on June 1 that 1st/2nd-gen Nest thermostats will lose app connectivity and cloud features by August 31. North American users qualify for a $100 Google Store credit, while EU customers receive free 3rd-gen replacements. This discrepancy stems from EU Regulation (EU) 2023/1664, mandating energy-efficient upgrades, as cited in Google’s press release.
E-Waste Concerns Amplified
The UN’s 2024 Global E-Waste Monitor (published May 30) reveals IoT devices now account for 18% of the 82 million tons of annual e-waste. ‘Forced obsolescence of functional hardware contradicts circular economy principles,’ stated UN researcher Ruediger Kuehr in the report. Parks Associates’ May 2024 survey found 63% of users now consider device lifespan when buying smart home tech.
The Local Control Countermovement
Matter 1.3’s new energy management APIs (released May 28) enable local processing of thermostat data, reducing cloud dependency. However, legacy Nest devices remain incompatible. The EU Parliament’s May 29 Right to Repair amendment, requiring 10-year parts availability, clashes with Google’s 7-year support window, raising questions about compliance timelines.
Historically, IoT manufacturers have struggled with long-term support—Google’s 2016 shutdown of Revolv smart hubs left devices permanently bricked. The Nest thermostat phaseout follows a similar pattern, despite improved hardware durability. Meanwhile, the 2010s push for cloud integration now faces backlash as consumers and regulators prioritize local control and repairability, reshaping smart home innovation priorities.
