**Summary: Google Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor 2K (Wired) Review – A Major Step Forward, But AI and Subscriptions Are a Mixed Bag**
Google has released its latest wired security cameras: the Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen) and the Nest Cam Outdoor (Wired, 2nd Gen). While these models look similar to their predecessors—with the indoor version now available in a new Berry red color—the real upgrades are under the hood. The cameras finally make the jump to 2K resolution, deliver improved AI-powered detection, and offer better notifications, all supported by Google's new Gemini AI assistant. After two weeks of testing both cameras alongside the previous generation, it’s clear that these upgrades represent a significant leap in performance and user experience, though some key features come with a hefty subscription price.
**Effortless Setup and Improved Hardware**
Setting up the new Nest Cams is impressively simple. The Indoor model comes with a 10-foot USB-C cable, while the Outdoor version features an 18-foot weatherproof cable. All you need to do is plug them in, scan a QR code with the Google Home app, and connect to Wi-Fi (both support 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands). The Outdoor camera uses a magnetic mount that requires only a couple of screws, while the Indoor can be placed on any flat surface.
The jump from 1080p to a 2560 x 1400 (2K) resolution—with a wider 152-degree diagonal field of view—is a major improvement. This not only provides sharper images and clearer video but also enables a 6x digital zoom. As a result, notifications can now include animated previews that zoom in on the subject, making it much easier to decide at a glance whether you need to view the full video clip. Live feeds can also be zoomed and cropped to focus on specific areas, such as a driveway or garden gate.
**AI Detection Gets Smarter (But Not Perfect)**
One of the standout features of the new Nest Cams is the integration of Google’s Gemini AI. Both cameras are noticeably faster and more accurate at detecting activity compared to previous models, with a greater detection range. For example, the Indoor camera was able to pick up people walking across the street, while the Outdoor camera quickly detected someone entering a distant garage—scenarios the older models often missed.
The cameras come with six hours of free cloud video history (up from three hours in the previous generation), but to unlock the full range of features, you’ll need to subscribe to Google’s new Home Premium plans. The Standard tier costs $10 per month (or $100 per year) and includes 30 days of video history, familiar face recognition, and package, smoke, and CO alarm detection. The Advanced tier, at $20 per month (or $200 per year), adds even more powerful AI capabilities, such as descriptive notifications (e.g., “