Earlier we reported that Google had acquired Nest for $3.2 billion. For those unfamiliar with Nest, the device is a smart thermostat that can learn its user’s habit over the course of time. The device was co-created by Tony Fadell, a former engineer at Apple who worked on creating the iconic iPod that helped Apple launch into the music business. Now $3.2 billion is a lot of money and it might suggest that Google could have been facing a bidding war with other companies, but as it turns out, Google was pretty much the only serious bidder of the company. Prior to Google, Nest was reportedly looking to close another round of funding that would have valued them at $2 billion, but that was all tossed aside once Google came in with their offer.
Interestingly enough, it seems that Apple was not in the mix. It’s a little odd that Apple did not think of acquiring the company, especially since Nest would basically allow the Cupertino company to break into the home automation business, not to mention the design language of the Nest thermostat might be something Apple’s Jony Ive might have appreciated. Either way it looks like Nest will be Google’s property now, but as per our earlier report, Fadell claims that Google’s acquisition will not affect Nest’s day-to-day operations. What do you guys think? Should Apple have acquired Nest? Or is there a reason why they did not?