Google
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is the latest iteration of Google’s premium smart thermostat, offering a bold new design and a wealth of new functionality. It carries a hefty price tag — and depending on your needs, the more affordable Nest Thermostat might be the wiser option. But what exactly is the difference between the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) and Nest Thermostat?
From pricing and available colors to features and design, here’s everything you need to know before making a purchase. And be sure to read our full fourth-generation Nest Thermostat review.
Pricing and design
Google
The Nest Thermostat is relatively affordable at $130, while the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is over twice as expensive at $280. There’s no denying the Nest Learning Thermostat looks better, thanks to a revamped design that features a large borderless display augmented with a stainless steel ring. The Nest Thermostat is no slouch, but its mirrored glass lens and plastic housing definitely feel cheaper.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is available in polished silver, polished obsidian, and polished gold. The Nest Thermostat is available in snow, sand, fog, and charcoal.
If money is a factor, the Nest Thermostat is the easier choice. It may not look as flashy, but it’s shockingly more affordable than the latest Nest Learning Thermostat.
Winner: Nest Thermostat
Installation
Google
The installation process is largely the same for both devices. You’ll need to pop out your old thermostat, then reconnect the wires to your Nest Thermostat or Nest Learning Thermostat. Google says the Nest Thermostat “works with 85% of systems,” though some systems may require a C-wire. The Nest Learning Thermostat “works with most HVAC systems.” If you live in a home built within the last few decades, you shouldn’t have a problem getting either running.
Be sure to check out the useful Nest Thermostat Compatibility Tool at Google if you have questions about your exact system.
As for the actual installation, you’ll be guided through the process via a mobile app. This offers plenty of diagrams and visuals, so even DIY novices should be able to complete the task. If you run into trouble or if you need to install a C-wire, it may be worth contacting a professional.
Winner: Tie
Features and controls
The digital clock face on the Nest Thermostat. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
As its price would suggest, the Nest Learning Thermostat is packed with features. Its large display is customizable, allowing it to show information such as the temperature, time, weather forecast, outdoor air quality, and more. You can also turn and press on the dial to load additional details. The most compelling reason to pick up this smart thermostat is because it will learn your routine and create a schedule based on your preferences. It’ll also look for ways to save money on your energy bill and give you suggestions for your heating and cooling schedule.
The Nest Thermostat is basic by comparison. While you can still control it remotely via the mobile app, it won’t create automated schedules or recommend energy-saving ideas. Its screen is also much smaller and it doesn’t have access to information like air quality and the weather forecast.
Winner: Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
Smart home compatibility
The fourth-generation Nest Thermostat supports Matter, and that means it works natively in Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
Just hearing “Nest Thermostat” immediately conjures up thoughts of smart home tech, right? After all, that’s the entire point — you’re able to control any Nest Thermostat from anywhere. That was true from the first Nest Thermostat years ago, and it’s true with this fourth generation.
But perhaps a little more important (if also a little bit on the nerdy side) is that we have to talk about a smart home standard called Matter. That’s a protocol that lets devices work with each other more easily. And it also lets devices from what previously were fairly closed ecosystems — think Google Home on one side, and Apple’s HomeKit on the other — play nicely.
Both the 2020 Nest Thermostat and the 2024 model support Matter. And that means either can work inside Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem — or with any other system that supports Matter.
Winner: This one’s a tie — and that’s a good thing.
Which is the better smart thermostat?
The fourth-generation Nest thermostat showing the current indoor temperature and the target temperature. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is without a doubt the better smart thermostat — but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically the best for your needs. While the extra features are great and can help you save money over the years, the hefty upfront investment won’t make sense for all families. But if you have the budget for it, this is the one to get.
For shoppers on a budget, the Nest Thermostat is a nice compromise. It’s missing out on a few powerful features, but it still brings smarts to your heating and cooling without breaking your budget. It’s also nice that you have four unique color options — so you can find a style that looks best in your home.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/nest-learning-thermostat-4th-gen-vs-nest-thermostat/
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum