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SPENDING £229 on a doorbell may sound absurd but the Nest Hello could be a contender for gadget of the year.
This intelligent ringer is packed with wizardry that keeps an eye on your home and even answers the door when you’re not there.
StarTech has been testing the Nest Hello and it has got us buzzing.
Before we go any further, it’s worth noting that this is not an easy device to fit yourself.
Unless you are a DIY master, it’s worth getting Nest’s experts to stick the Hello to your wall and that privilege adds another £100 to the price.
If that hasn’t put you off, you are in for a treat as the Nest Hello really is quite brilliant. And its best feature is the ability to see and speak to whoever has just rung the bell no matter where you are in the world.
This all works via your smartphone and the simple Nest app.
During our test, we had a smartly suited sales rep ring the bell, and despite being in Amsterdam, we were able to see, talk and explain that we weren’t interested in their half-price double glazing offer.
There is, of course, a more serious side to the Hello as it will also spot any nimble-fingered thieves who may decide to approach your home.
The loud speaker inside the bell can also announce a pre-recorded message so they know they’ve been snapped. All of this live wide-angle video and sound is then beamed instantly to your phone.
The Hello watches over your home 24 hours a day and as long as you have a Nest Aware subscription, everything it spots is stored.
There are settings for the camera, which include being able to alert you to all movement and people, plus there’s also a nice way of setting zones so the camera doesn’t continually alert you to passing cars.
It’s hard to find fault with the Hello but there is one final expense.
The Nest Aware subscription stores recordings and without this, you only get a tiny snapshot.
Once you’ve tried the Hello with Aware added, it’s unlikely you’ll go back – but it is £4 per month. VERDICT: Having been sceptical about the Nest Hello we were hugely impressed.
It not only lets you know someone is outside but also keeps a constant watch over your home. Yes, it’s hugely expensive but the Hello is hard to knock.