Key Points:
- Google has a new “wireless device” registered with the FCC.
- Speculation suggests it could be a Nest Thermostat with Google’s Soli radar technology.
- Soli offers features like presence detection and could hint at a Nest Learning Thermostat successor.
A cryptic new entry from Google has ظهر (zhuhr, appeared) on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website, sparking speculation about a potential update to the Nest Thermostat line. The device, codenamed GJQ8U, boasts Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but the most intriguing feature is the inclusion of 60GHz radar. This aligns with Google’s Soli technology, previously seen in the Pixel 4 smartphone.
While the FCC filing is light on details, it hints at a potentially significant upgrade for the Nest Thermostat. The 2020 model already utilized Soli to illuminate the display upon approach. This new iteration could leverage the radar’s capabilities further, offering more advanced features.
The possibility of a high-end Nest Learning Thermostat successor is tantalizing. Google faces pressure to deliver a worthy upgrade to its flagship smart thermostat. However, the lack of additional sensors typically associated with Nest Hub devices suggests this might be a more focused update for the base Nest Thermostat.
There remains a chance this could be a different smart home product altogether, perhaps a new Nest Hub variant. However, the absence of Thread support, a key feature for smart home hubs, makes this less likely.
While the true nature of GJQ8U remains a mystery, its registration with the FCC suggests an imminent release. With Google’s focus on smart home innovation, this new device has the potential to shake up the market, particularly if it brings advanced Soli-powered features to the Nest Thermostat line.
