Can somebody provide more context about Nest's struggles?

I understand that their new products may not be selling that well (lots of cash for a CO detector / camera / etc) but what about the thermostat business where they have partnerships with most every energy provider and their setup process / support is great? What articles did I miss?

I ask because of self-interest: I just installed a couple and I appreciate them, and I'd hate to see the software support fall by the wayside / be decommissioned by their parent company.

EDIT: I'm reading about not enough revenue on the acquisition price and leadership issues, but I find it hard to believe a company with a solid thermostat product being sold in outlets across the country would collapse, especially given the current utility partnership incentives. That said, I've been surprised before.

Three problems. First selling to Google automatically put Nest into the "Are they going to sell my home data" category. Denials to the contrary that's Google's business model for everything so naturally people assume it's going to happen.

Second rush to market for their smoke detector Protect caused a debacle when it was discovered it was far too easy to silence a real alarm so they were all recalled, etc.

Third Nest has no relationship or respect in the home HVAC industry. Pretty much every HVAC tech and owner I've spoken to has a strong dislike for Nest. And while installing the Nest isn't that hard eventually everyone is going to have HVAC issues that need professional repair and people will get an earful about their Nest. This gets around quickly.

Of course now there's more competition also by traditional HVAC companies like Honeywell. Although I had a Nest in my previous house when I purchased a smart thermostat for my son for his house warming I purchased a Honeywell just for the reasons above.

Thanks for this summary. My HVAC company does not install Nests and recommended a Honeywell on their end as a smart thermostat. I'd be interested to hear why the techs hate it so much as I've had a good experience so far and having one in the house wouldn't preclude you from doing anything with regard to replacing the actual systems involved. Thanks again for the thoughtful reply.

Yes, hardware is hard. Consumer discretionary hardware is especially hard. Expect ups and downs. Just because a company is struggling now doesn't mean its success is over. (I know that's not exactly what you were saying; just thought your comment could use that clarifying follow up.)