Nest: The Learning Thermostat

California-based company Nest Labs founded by Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers have developed a new automatic, energy-saving thermostat called ‘Nest.’ Measuring at approximately 3.2 inches in diameter and 1.44 inches deep (8.18 x 3.66 cm), the device is made up of a stainless steel ring and a 320 pixel round LCD display in its center to make up the core. The menu is accessed and controlled by rotating the outer ring. An additional tech-savvy feature is that it can be controlled via the use of a smartphone or a tablet, which permits freedom when controlling the device. Multiple devices installed within the same home can also interact with one another, ensuring that they work in harmony.

Nest is programmed in such a way that within its first week of usage, it will automatically learn the homeowner’s behavior; thus developing a corresponding schedule of heating and cooling. Internal sensors will observe when there has been reduced or no movement for extended periods of time and determine whether there is a pattern. The programmed schedule deemed fit by the device can also be adjusted and modified to the homeowner’s liking.

Once the pattern has been established, Nest will contribute to energy-saving by displaying a leaf icon on its LCD display whenever an energy-saving setting is currently is use. Users may also browse their ‘energy history’ and visualize what activities results in the most amount of energy saved. This aims to increase awareness about our lifestyle habits, and perhaps alter it in a way that is beneficial for both the environment and our lives. Nest will be released in mid-November, retailing at $250 through select stockists.

Source: designboom