Google Home hooks up with Nest camera

SAN FRANCISCO — Google’s voice-activated assistant is branching out to Nest’s deluxe security camera in an expansion that may amplify the privacy concerns surrounding internet-connected microphones.

The virtual assistant is being offered to owners of the Nest Cam IQ in a free update rolling out Wednesday. The move comes just two weeks after Nest moved back under Google’s direct control after spending nearly 2½ years as a separate company owned by the same parent, Alphabet Inc.

The $300 Nest Cam will give Google another potentially valuable earhole in its battle with Amazon and Apple to build digital command centers in people’s homes.

That ambition has already spurred warnings from privacy watchdogs about the potential for internet-connected devices being used as surveillance tools.

Google’s assistant already can be used to control Nest’s cameras and internet-connected thermostat through its internet-connected speaker, Home, and smartphones running on its Android software. This will be the first time that people will be able to interact with the digital concierge through a security camera.

The assistant is only supposed to be activated with keywords such as “OK, Google,” although the Home speaker has been caught listening when it was supposed to be turned off.

Privacy watchdogs are worried that Google may use some of the information collected from home devices to get a better understanding of a person’s specific interests so it can sell ads for products.