UK: Virgin Media starts Google Smart Home trial

Virgin Media has announced that customers will now be able to add Google Smart Home devices to their packages to make their home more connected. The firm said it will even send out engineers to ensure that smart home devices are set up and work seamlessly.

During the trial period, Virgin Media will offer three bundles that include products such as the Google Nest Hub, the Nest Hello Doorbell, and the Nest Cam. The new range of Smart Home bundles will be available for customers in Cardiff, Manchester, and Southampton during the trial period and customers there will be contacted by email explaining how to sign-up to the service.

The three bundles, which all include tech support, are:

• Smart Home (£10/month on a 36 month contract or £20/month on an 18 month contract): Includes Nest Hello Doorbell and Nest Hub (7 inch screen)
• Smart Home Pro (£21/month on a 36 months contract or £42/month on an 18 month contract): Includes Nest Hello Doorbell, Nest Hub Max (10 inch screen, 6.5MP camera), Nest Indoor Cam and Nest Outdoor Cam
• Smart Home Pro Max (£28/month on a 36 months contract or £56/month on an 18 month contract): Includes Nest Hello Doorbell, Nest Hub Max (10 inch screen, 6.5MP camera), 2 x Nest Indoor Cam, 2 x Nest Outdoor Cam

Commenting on the new offer, Annie Brooks, Executive Director of Product at Virgin Media, said:

“Our ultrafast broadband, combined with Google’s exciting range of smart security products, allow our customers to take their smart-home ambitions to the next level and stay safe and secure. The flexible range of bundles on offer give our customers even more ways to get their hands on the smartest home security tech and with our specially trained engineers and support on hand from day one, they can have complete confidence in the service.”

In its announcement, Virgin Media did not provide any details on what will come after the trial but it’s likely that the firm will roll out the contracts to the rest of the country providing everything goes smoothly in the trial areas. The new offers, with their engineer installations, offer those less comfortable with technology a way to experience smart home products for the first time.