Nest introduces 3rd-gen Learning Thermostat with bigger, sharper screen & new features

A week ago we reported that Google’s, err, Alphabet’s Nest had a new smart thermostat in the works per FCC filings, and today Nest is ready to unveil its 3rd-gen Learning Thermostat. Nest already automates heating and cooling, offers remote access, and aims to lower energy costs, so what’s new in the third version? The already sleek designed Learning Thermostat now has a bigger and sharper display that looks even better and it’s gained some new smarts behind it.

At first glance, the new larger screened Nest may look the same as its predecessor, but Nest says the new screen is actually 40 percent larger and features new graphics for easier viewing. Just like smartphones, our thermostats are getting bigger displays… and sharper ones too. Nest 3 packs a 229 pixels per inch screen now which jumps 25 percent over the old hardware. Oh, and it’s thinner so it sits closer to the wall.

Aside from a better body, Nest has also learned a couple new tricks in this update.

Farsight is a new feature that takes advantage of the bigger, sharper display by turning it into a digital or analog clock when you’re not adjusting it. Farsight can also display your target temperature from afar or be disabled to go back to the old behavior where the screen is off until you’re within about 3 feet of it.

Rounding out the new update is the Furnace Heads-Up feature:

Most heating and forced air furnaces have an automatic shutoff to avoid overheating. The Nest Thermostat will look for shutoff patterns that indicate there’s a persistent problem and if so, you’ll get a Heads-Up message in the Nest app and on the thermostat screen twice per year, and you’ll also get a notice in your monthly Home Report. (Furnace Heads-Up will be available for 1st and 2nd generation customers later this year.)

Nest also carries over the automated thermostat features from the first two versions like controlling your temperature remotely and setting home and away modes. Nest 2 is sticking around at a reduced price. Nest 3 is now available on Nest.com and pre-order on Amazon and Best Buy for $249, while Nest 2 is moving down to $199.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qkSkOn4h-A]