Google reduces Nest Cam video quality to help with internet congestion

Google’s Nest security cameras are essential devices for many people, allowing them to keep a watchful eye on their homes and surroundings. But the search giant is taking a significant step to ensure that these devices don’t contribute to internet congestion in a big way.

Google emailed users earlier this week (h/t: TechCrunch) to inform them that they are temporarily lowering the video quality of Nest Cam devices in a bid to “conserve internet resources” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To answer the global call to prioritize internet bandwidth for learning and working, in the next few days we’re going to be making a few changes,” Google was quoted as saying by the outlet. “We believe these changes have the potential to help make it easier for communities to keep up with school, work, and everything in between.”

TechCrunch and Google note that Nest Cams can use as much as 400GB of bandwidth each month. But dropping the video quality to “medium-high” or “medium-low” uses 300GB or 200GB respectively.

The change will take place over several days, and users should expect to see a notification in the app if their settings have been adjusted by Google. Need or want higher quality security footage? Google says you can simply bump the quality back up if you wish, as they’re simply changing the default quality setting.

These aren’t the only services and products affected by coronavirus-related internet congestion, as the likes of YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and others have also taken measures to reduce bandwidth.

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