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"Nest Labs \u2014 which Google recently acquired for $3.2 billion \u2014 is opening up its smart Nest thermostat and smoke detector to developers as part of a bigger effort to make them compatible with other web-connected household items, like washing machines, garage doors, lights and even cars. \nJust one day before Google kicks off its annual I/O developer's conference  in San Francisco, the arrival of the Nest Developer Program will allow developers \u2014 and ultimately consumers \u2014 connect smart products together in the house.\nSee also: Picking Sides: Will You Live in an Apple or Google Smart Home?\nThe news comes just a few weeks after Apple launched its own HomeKit for developers to act as a software hub for web-connected products. Google has become increasingly interested in home automation, too; in addition to the Nest acquisition, it's also in the process of buying web cam company Dropcam for $555 million.\nIn many of the detailed use case scenarios, the Nest thermostat will act as the main hub to connect all smart products in the home. Its early launch partners include Mercedes-Benz, Whirlpool,  Jawbone and Logitch.\nThe Nest thermostat knows which temperature you like and the Jawbone UP24 fitness tracker knows when you wake up, so in theory, the thermostat can heat up or cool down when you get out of bed. Also, your Mercedes-Benz car knows when you're on your way home and as you get closer to arrival, it will send a message to your thermostat to start heating things up.\nNest also announced \"if this, then that\" calls to action, such as \u201CIf my Nest Protect detects smoke, then send a text message to my neighbors.\u201D You'll be able to speak to the Nest thermostat hub as well \u2014 \u201COK Google. Set Nest to 75 degrees\" \u2014 and it will be obey accordingly.\nWhile Apple is creating a network that will work together on one centralized platform, Google is more focused on what happens after products can online. According to Ars Technica, Nest cofounder Matt Rogers \u2014 who, along with a majority of the Nest team, came from Apple \u2014 said the platform is platform-agnostic and might even work with Apple's HomeKit in the future.\n\"The home shouldn't be a platform war,\" he said. \"We're going to be neutral. Switzerland.\"\nWe expect more details about the program will come out of Google I/O later this week. \nHave something to add to this story? Share it in the comments. \nBONUS: Internet of Things and Smart Homes Explained\n"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2014/06/24/nest-developer-program/>