For the first time since its acquisition in February, Google will soon start extracting data from Nest thermostats. Earlier this year, Nest was bought by Google and at the time, the company said that it would not be sharing data but the statement was a bit vague.
But that is all about to change as Google and Nest are about to make it easier to use the thermostat with Android devices. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Matt Rogers, co-founder of Nest, said that Google Now will soon have the ability to change the temperature of Nest depending on your location.
For example, if Google detects that you are returning home, it can adjust your temperature so that it is optimal when you arrive. This means that Google will know when you are home or when you are traveling.
The reason for Google linking Android apps to a Nest is quite logical, as it makes the service more comprehensive and better-featured, and users can be reassured that it will be opt-in, according to Rogers. What’s a bit more concerning, though, is how the interview ends.
Rogers says that data sharing with Google is not that big of a deal because of that opt-in requirement. Since users have to explicitly give permission, he isn’t too concerned about a violation of privacy.
But the interview concludes with Rogers saying “We’re not telling Google anything that it doesn’t already know”, which is a bit concerning coming from someone who has a device in thousands of households around the world.
In reality though, he is likely right because if you own an Android phone and use Google Now, the company likely already knows where you live and where you work based on your travel habits. More so, it can access your email and other personal files so adding in the temperature of your home is only a small bit of information in a vast database.
Source: WSJ | Image via Techspot
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