Nest preparing 4K-capable security camera

4K sensor zooms in, outputs at 1080p with more clarity

Nest Labs, the home automation company acquired by Alphabet in 2015, is preparing to introduce a 4K-like indoor security camera with enhanced 1080p zooming features before the end of the month.

The camera will not feature 4K video streaming support, but will instead feature a 4K-capable sensor that allows it to pan and zoom at 1080p resolution without any image loss. When the sensor detects motion, it will zoom in on a quarter of the frame and capture much clearer object and motion detail in Full HD than before. When the entire field-of-view is displayed, the image will be downscaled from 4K to 1080p.

The reason for this downscaling limitation is because many Wi-Fi networks are still not robust enough to support continuous 4K video streaming without serious compression algorithms in place. While it is possible that Nest could enable this later in a firmware update, the company wants to start by introducing a security product that does not compromise on capturing object and motion detail in mission-critical situations.

In recent months, the company has added unique algorithms to its security cameras that allow them to automatically detect doors, create “Activity Zones,” and integrate with nearby carbon monoxide detectors to capture live video feeds of hazardous situations. The feature allows single camera to monitor up to four zones and is available for customers using the premium Nest Aware subscription service.

Android Police says that the upcoming Nest camera resembles a shower head and features an LED ring around its lens to indicate a live recording session. While the current Nest Cam 1080p camera is available for $ 199, sources expect the 4K-capable model will be priced at $ 300 or above when it makes its way onto store shelves.