Google-owned Nest opens up to third-party apps

5,000 developers have already expressed an interest, says Nest Labs

Nest, the "smart" home thermostat and smoke alarm technology acquired by Google earlier this year, is to enable third-party developers to create apps that can communicate with its devices.

Previously, Nest did not allow third-party access to its devices, and so the move will be welcomed by developers. Some 5,000 have already expressed an interest, according to the Palo Alto, California-based company.

Nest was acquired by internet giant Google in January for $3.2bn (£1.95bn) in cash.

It boasts a line of household items that have been re-invented, such as a thermostat that learns what temperatures a person or household likes and builds a personalised schedule.

The company's smoke alarm can also detect carbon monoxide, and can be connected to Nest's thermostat as well as smartphones and tablets - enabling the homeowner to receive a message if the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm has sounded.

However, the prospect of third-party apps connecting to Nest will raise both security and privacy concerns.

Yesterday, Google added camera surveillance to its Nest digital home monitoring unit with the $555m (£325.99) acquisition of Dropcam, a home security start-up.

Dropcam makes in-home cameras that can be monitored over the internet using a smartphone app.