Nest 5.38 preps glass break detection for Nest Guard [APK Insight]

Yesterday’s Nest app update brought with it the ability to migrate your Nest account to Google, for better or worse. This Nest 5.38 update also has the beginnings of glass break detection for Nest Guard.

About APK Insight: In this ‘APK Insight’ post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in the case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.

Glass break detection

Nest has been promising that the Nest Guard, part of the Nest Secure system, would be picking up the ability to detect glass being broken since last year. Nest 5.38 includes a variety of details about how it works, via the microphone, pointing to this being closer to release.

<string name=”maldives_flintstone_glass_break_microphone_enable_modal_body”>Glass break detection uses your Nest Guard’s microphone. You can turn it off any time.</string>

<string name=”maldives_flintstone_glass_break_settings_description”>Your Nest Guard can sound the alarm when it thinks it hears glass breaking. This feature works best when it’s used in a quiet environment.</string>

If Nest knows more precisely where it heard the potential break-in — possibly if you have more than one Nest Guard listening in different areas — it will share that information in the alarm notification.

<string name=”maldives_alarm_blame_flintstone_glass_break”>Broken glass</string>

<string name=”maldives_alarm_blame_flintstone_glass_break_where”>Broken glass – %1$s</string>

Apparently, the Nest Guard’s glass break detection will not be available for users who choose or are required to use Nest’s “limited settings” for compliance with UL.

<string name=”flintstone_glass_break_enable_limited_settings_alert_body”>Glass break detection isn’t available with limited settings.</string>

<string name=”flintstone_glass_break_microphone_and_limited_settings_alert_body”>Glass break detection uses Nest Guard’s microphone and isn’t available with limited settings.</string>

How to update?

Nest 5.38 is rolling out now via the Play Store.

Thanks to JEB Decompiler, which some APK Insight teardowns benefit from.