Google may launch a lower priced Nest thermostat with gesture controls

Google announced a bunch of new hardware last week, including the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G smartphones, the Chromecast with Google TV, and the Nest Audio speaker. However, the company may not be done yet with its device reveals for 2020. A new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims the company is getting ready to launch a new, more affordable Nest smart thermostat.

The new model will reportedly cost just $129, compared to the $169 price for the Nest Thermostat E and $249 for the current third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat. The device will supposedly have a plastic case to cut costs.

The most interesting thing about this new model may not be its lower cost. Gurman claims this version will support hand gestures for controlling temperature and performing device functions. For example, instead of touching it, a homeowner can move their hand up in front of the thermostat to increase the temperature, or move it down to lower it.

There’s no word on exactly when this new Nest thermostat will go on sale. The report simply says it is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. So far, Google has yet to confirm or deny this story.