Google's Nest, maker of the smart thermostat, has purchased startup Revolv in a move that strengthens its position as a leader in the "Internet of things." Revolv made a hub that lets people control all of their smart devices from one app on their smartphone. When it comes to creating connected "smart homes," there are plenty of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled devices out there. The problem is that a LG Smart ThinQ refrigerator and Sonos speaker and Nest thermostat don't really talk the same language, forcing people to download different apps to control them. Nest, which was bought by Google in January for $3.2 billion, also recently acquired wireless security camera maker Dropcam.
The Revolv team won't be designing any new smart hubs (although it will continue to support older devices); instead, it will use its "experience connecting devices around the home" to help Google "continue to grow Works with Nest," according to a blog post from Nest, referring to its platform that connects products from Jawbone, Mercedes, Whirlpool and more. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
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