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The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat blends a terrific redesign with the smart features that we've all come to expect from the company's devices. Google arguably set the bar very high back in 2011, with a control set that mirrored an iPod, and the ability to learn your cooling or heating schedule from the get-go.

Between the facelift that makes it look more like a piece of art on your wall and the 'AI' power infused into its already well-regarded learning features, the fourth-generation Learning Thermostat is a pretty easy recommendation for most folks. Even when accounting for the price increase of up to $280, the fourth-generation model is more than a bit smarter, and now includes a temperature sensor in the box as well.

I especially liked the smaller changes, including the ability to accept or decline suggested temperature changes to my schedule, but besides the design, the best functionality change is the adjustable and more helpful display. Displaying the active temperature and visual for the weather from afar, and showing highs and lows as I get close, the FarSight feature means the new Nest Learning Thermostat is useful even when I'm not using it to adjust temperatures.

Setup within the Google Home app was easy for me, but my colleagues weren't as lucky, and most of the experience with the app is pretty basic. It might be intentional, but something a bit more full-featured would have been nice. Even so, adding Matter will make the folks waiting to use a Nest natively in the Apple Home app pretty darn happy. Myself included.

As a whole, the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat evolves into the modern age of the smart home in a successful fashion, which I think will make folks upgrading from a previous model quite happy (even though it's not plug-and-play). People new to Nest will find it to be feature-filled. That makes the decision of only releasing the fourth generation in the United States and Canada a bit more baffling.

Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen: price and availability

The Nest Learning Thermostat Fourth-Generation is available in the United States and Canada. You get your pick of Polished Gold, Polished Silver, or Polished Obsidian for $279.99 in the United States, or $379.99 in Canada. A temperature sensor is included in the box, but you can buy a single additional unit for $29.99 or a three-pack for $99.99.

As of now, there is no timeframe for when the fourth generation might launch outside the United States or Canada.

Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen: design

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks stunning.
• It was a simple install, though it's not plug-and-play if you're upgrading from an existing Nest.
• The larger, upgraded display steals the show and navigation is still impressively simple.

While the fourth generation model still inherently operates like the original Nest Learning Thermostat that dropped way back in 2011, it’s by far the biggest redesign the device has ever received. When mounted on the wall, it looks more like a piece of art hanging than a thermostat – especially in the ‘Polished Gold’ that I’ve been testing, which gives major rosy vibes when the light hits it right.

It’s the best-looking smart thermostat around, neither screaming 'technology' nor resembling a classic plastic thermostat. It’s sort of a cross between the two, with a design that allows the true smarts of the Nest Thermostat to shine through. More on that later.

Rather than a small, thick circular thermostat that gets placed on a bracket and then a mounting plate if you so desire, the Nest Thermostat fourth-generation has a slightly larger footprint on the wall itself. That’s not a bad thing, because this circular piece is attached via the bracket to your wall, acting as the stand for the thermostat's slim and elegant main hull.

It’s kind of like a supersize Google Pixel Watch 3, with the 3.9-inch circular, almost bezel-free dome giving the impression that it’s floating. You’ll turn this whole piece to the right or left to raise or lower the temperature. Google’s design team is still adamantly against touchscreens here, so you’ll click and turn it to complete most other tasks too (including some parts of the setup process), but you'll mainly use it to adjust heating and cooling modes.

The installation was really a breeze; in my apartment in New Jersey, where I’ve been testing the fourth-generation Nest Thermostat for several months, it took me no more than about 15 to 20 minutes to install. I wasn’t upgrading from a previous Nest, but considering the plate here is a different size, you will need to swap those out if you are. That's kind of a bummer, as it’s not a super simple swap for the faithful already invested in the ecosystem.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Still, Google provides mostly everything in the box, including the main bracket and a helpful wiring guide. Essentially, you’ll install the main steel bracket and use the included screws to get that on the wall. Then you have the thermostat base, which you’ll guide the wires through. You also get the mounting plate, which I opted to use, but that's optional.

Google is continuously moving things into its main Google Home app, which my colleague Lance Ulanoff, TechRadar’s Editor-at-Large, found particularly troublesome when trying to install his fourth-gen Nest Learning Thermostat. In my case, since I was setting this up as new in my ‘Google Home,’ things went a bit more smoothly – though Google Home did take a few tries to successfully connect to the thermostat after proper installation with wiring in my HVAC system, and ultimately, it’s a very basic control app for this thermostat.

The idea is that if you're currently using the Nest app, it will push you to use the Google Home app instead, and if you’re new, you’ll need to start with Google Home. Even if you bought the Nest Learning Thermostat for its Matter capability so you can use it with Apple's Home app (which does work eventually), you need to start with Google Home. Luckily, the team brought the easy installation help to the Google app, which will perform some checks, including a test of heating and cooling modes.

Once it's set up in Google Home, you get to take advantage of the major benefit of the Nest Learning Thermostat, and that’s the Matter support. Oddly enough, there is no Thread connectivity here, which is a strange omission. If you select your Nest Learning Thermostat within the Google Home app and then navigate to Settings > Device information > Linked Matter apps & services, it will generate a code that you can scan or send to Apple’s Home app, for example. You can also select and review the Matter code on the Nest Learning Thermostat itself.

You’ll need to set it up with a Google account in the Google Home app first, but the nice thing about a Nest thermostat is that the app eventually fades away, and you can focus on controlling it from the device itself or let the smart scheduling take the wheel.

As far as the classic mechanic, it’s smooth as ever with just the right amount of resistance to maneuvering the dial I’ve had more than a few friends ask me what it is when spotting it on the wall in the front of my apartment – it’s simply an eye-catcher.

The 3.9-inch LCD screen almost appears like it’s hidden behind the finish – a cool effect – and the content can change based on where you are. For example, if it doesn’t detect you directly nearby, it will use larger graphics that can be seen from a distance. If you approach, the Soli sensor – read as radar – will detect you and adjust the content as you get nearer. It’s dubbed the ‘Farsight’ display, and you can adjust it to show high and low temperatures, air quality, and even weather. You’ll set these from the device itself, but the weather animations are really neat.

It’s also a point of difference with competing thermostats like those from Ecobee, which tosses a speaker and a microphone into select models. I think the Nest Thermostat packs features that make more sense. Seeing the weather quickly as you’re heading out the door or picking what coat to wear is neat.

The display feels inherently meshed with this new look – it won’t steer away the folks who have loved Nest from the beginning, and it really looks dynamite. There also isn’t a better control system than just turning to the left or right and pushing in. Apple had it first with the iPod, but considering multitouch, I think it’s the gold standard for thermostat control.

• Design Score: 4.5/5

Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen: Performance

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• The Google Home app is pretty basic, and it has some connectivity issues.
• Yes, the Nest finally works with Apple Home.
• The AI-infused learning features impress and make cooling or heating a home easier.

I’ve been testing the Nest Thermostat Fourth-Generation for several months, which means I’ve used it for a few seasons, including summer, fall, and winter. That’s pretty important to see how the smart scheduling reasoning and, ultimately, the functionality of the Nest handle the swap from cooling to heating.

Much like any other gadget released in 2024, Google has tossed in some AI capabilities, mainly affecting how the Nest Thermostat adjusts the temperature. This makes the previous learning aspects of Nest – arguably, the main appeal – a bit smarter and quicker once you get in a rhythm, but also more actionable. For instance, with the new Smart Schedule feature, you can accept or decline the adjustments it suggests, whether that’s a degree or cooler at night or warmer in the morning.

Further, as it begins to notice the change from cooling or heating, it takes a few days to stop suggestions and focus on learning before updating and delivering a custom schedule that you can manage if you like.

These minute changes that the Nest Thermostat suggests could lower your energy bill (aka the cost of cooling or heating your home), but you may not see those impacts immediately. What you might be able to do here in the United States is to see if your utility provider offers any rebate for the cost, as the latest Nest isn’t the cheapest.

Beyond learning from your habits and adjustments – on the thermostat, via the app, or through a smart assistant – it will consider conditions around your home. For example, if it’s a warmer day in the winter, it might lower your heating temperature to save on energy and factor in that your home might stay warmer for longer on its own. It's the same thing for a cooler summer day, and it works quite well. Similarly, if your forecast predicts a frigid temperature turn, it might turn the heating on earlier to ensure you’re still at a comfortable temperature in your home.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

As with previous Nest thermostats, you can expect all of these to get better as you spend more time with the unit, and that’s exactly what I’ve found. I wouldn’t go into it expecting it to master your desired temperatures after just a few days, but you need to spend a week or two with it to see meaningful suggestions.

The thermostat also comes with a pebble-shaped sensor, which helps measure the temperature more accurately inside your home. The idea is to place this somewhere in your house away from the Nest Thermostat, which contains its own sensor, so it can get a proper read of the temperature and ensure the desired conditions are found throughout.

Including this in the box is pretty nice, and helps to make up for the price increase to $280. Unfortunately, although the Nest Thermostat works with Matter and therefore Apple Home the sensor doesn’t seem to move over. There were also several occasions when adjusting the temperature in the Apple Home app didn't work properly the first time, especially shortly after I first installed the unit. Thankfully that's now become far less frequent, and I’ve successfully controlled it from a range of Apple devices and through Siri. You can also integrate it through automation within Apple Home; the same goes for Google Home’s automation.

As far as the Google Home app goes, it’s pretty basic for controlling the Nest Learning Thermostat, but that might be intentional as the real appeal is these AI-infused learning features, which ultimately still impress. The fourth-generation Nest Thermostat shows an evolution in terms of features and revolution with design, but it’s still a compelling experience that lets you spend less time fiddling with a thermostat.

• Performance Score: 4/5

Scorecard Should I buy theNest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen? Buy it if...

You want an easy-to-use, good-looking thermostat

There's never been a better-looking thermostat than the fourth-generation Nest, and luckily, it keeps the impressive controls that made it a winner back in 2011.

You want a Nest Thermostat that works with Apple Home

Thanks to Matter support, after setup in the Google Home app, you can easily generate a code and add the Nest to your Apple Home.

You want a thermostat that factors in environmental conditions and does the heavy lifting for you...

Like every Nest thermostat before it, the learning features are the stand out feature here and it now factors in your local weather to see if it needs to adjust the temperature.

Don't buy it if...

You're not in the United States or Canada

Sadly, the fourth-generation Nest is only available in the US and Canada, so you'll need to consider a different model.

You don't want to use the Google Home app

You'll need to have a Google account and use the Google Home app to setup and get the most out of the Nest Learning Thermostat.View Deal

Also consider

Nest Thermostat E – Read our review here

With a much more affordable price tag, the Nest Thermostat E is an excellent model to consider if you can find it in stock as it utilizes the same easy controls that put Nest on the map.View Deal

• Memristors to bring brain-like computing to AI systems
• Atomically tunable devices offer energy-efficient AI processing
• Neuromorphic circuits open new possibilities for artificial intelligence

A new frontier in semiconductor technology could be closer than ever after the development of atomically tunable "memristors” which are cutting-edge memory resistors that emulate the human brain's neural network.

With funding from the National Science Foundation’s Future of Semiconductors program (FuSe2), this initiative aims to create devices that enable neuromorphic computing - a next-generation approach designed for high-speed, energy-efficient processing that mimics the brain’s ability to learn and adapt.

At the core of this innovation is the creation of ultrathin memory devices with atomic-scale control, potentially revolutionizing AI by allowing memristors to act as artificial synapses and neurons. These devices have the potential to significantly enhance computing power and efficiency, opening new possibilities for artificial intelligence applications, all while training a new generation of experts in semiconductor technology.

Neuromorphic computing challenges

The project focuses on solving one of the most fundamental challenges in modern computing: achieving the precision and scalability needed to bring brain-inspired AI systems to life.

To develop energy-efficient, high-speed networks that function like the human brain, memristors are the key components. They can store and process information simultaneously, making them particularly suited to neuromorphic circuits where they can facilitate the type of parallel data processing seen in biological brains, potentially overcoming limitations in traditional computing architectures.

The joint research effort between the University of Kansas (KU) and the University of Houston led by Judy Wu, a distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at KU is supported by a $1.8 million grant from FuSe2.

Wu and her team have pioneered a method for achieving sub-2-nanometer thickness in memory devices, with film layers approaching an astonishing 0.1 nanometers — approximately 10 times thinner than the average nanometer scale.

These advancements are crucial for future semiconductor electronics, as they allow for the creation of devices that are both extremely thin and capable of precise functionality, with large-area uniformity. The research team will also use a co-design approach that integrates material design, fabrication, and testing.

In addition to its scientific aims, the project also has a strong focus on workforce development. Recognizing the growing need for skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry, the team has designed an educational outreach component led by experts from both universities.

“The overarching goal of our work is to develop atomically ‘tunable’ memristors that can act as neurons and synapses on a neuromorphic circuit. By developing this circuit, we aim to enable neuromorphic computing. This is the primary focus of our research," said Wu.

"We want to mimic how our brain thinks, computes, makes decisions and recognizes patterns — essentially, everything the brain does with high speed and high energy efficiency."

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• Androxgh0st’s integration with Mozi amplifies global risks
• IoT vulnerabilities are the new battleground for cyberattacks
• Proactive monitoring is essential to combat emerging botnet threats

Researchers have recently identified a major evolution in the Androxgh0st botnet, which has grown more dangerous with the integration of the Mozi botnet’s capabilities.

What began as a web server-targeted attack in early 2024 has now expanded, allowing Androxgh0st to exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices, CloudSEK’s Threat Research team has said.

Its latest report claims the botnet is now equipped with Mozi’s advanced techniques for infecting and spreading across a wide range of networked devices.

The resurgence of Mozi: A unified botnet infrastructure

Mozi, previously known for infecting IoT devices like Netgear and D-Link routers, was believed to be inactive following a killswitch activation in 2023.

However, CloudSEK has revealed Androxgh0st has integrated Mozi’s propagation capabilities, significantly amplifying its potential to target IoT devices.

By deploying Mozi’s payloads, Androxgh0st now has a unified botnet infrastructure that leverages specialized tactics to infiltrate IoT networks. This fusion enables the botnet to spread more efficiently through vulnerable devices, including routers and other connected technology, making it a more formidable force.

Beyond its integration with Mozi, Androxgh0st has expanded its range of targeted vulnerabilities, exploiting weaknesses in critical systems. CloudSEK’s analysis shows Androxgh0st is now actively attacking major technologies, including Cisco ASA, Atlassian JIRA, and several PHP frameworks.

In Cisco ASA systems, the botnet exploits cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities, injecting malicious scripts through unspecified parameters. It also targets Atlassian JIRA with a path traversal vulnerability (CVE-2021-26086), allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files. In PHP frameworks, Androxgh0st exploits older vulnerabilities such as those in Laravel (CVE-2018-15133) and PHPUnit (CVE-2017-9841), facilitating backdoor access to compromised systems.

Androxgh0st’s threat landscape is not limited to older vulnerabilities. It is also capable of exploiting newly discovered vulnerabilities, such as CVE-2023-1389 in TP-Link Archer AX21 firmware, which allows for unauthenticated command execution, and CVE-2024-36401 in GeoServer, a vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution.

The botnet now also uses brute-force credential stuffing, command injection, and file inclusion techniques to compromise systems. By leveraging Mozi’s IoT-focused tactics, it has significantly widened its geographical impact, spreading its infections across regions in Asia, Europe, and beyond.

CloudSEK recommends that organizations strengthen their security posture to mitigate potential attacks. While immediate patching is essential, proactive monitoring of network traffic is also important. By tracking suspicious outbound connections and detecting anomalous login attempts, particularly from IoT devices, organizations can spot early signs of an Androxgh0st-Mozi collaboration.

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• TrueNAS recommends hardening systems to mitigate risks
• Pwn2Own showcases diverse attack vectors on NAS systems
• Cybersecurity teams earn over $1 million by finding in exploits

At the recent Pwn2Own Ireland 2024 event, security researchers identified vulnerabilities in various high-use devices, including network-attached storage NAS devices, cameras, and other connected products.

TrueNAS was one of the companies whose products were successfully targeted during the event, with vulnerabilities found in its products with default, non-hardened configurations.

Following the competition, TrueNAS have started implementing updates to secure their products against these newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Security gaps across multiple devices

During the competition, multiple teams successfully exploited TrueNAS Mini X devices, demonstrating the potential for attackers to leverage interconnected vulnerabilities between different network devices. Notably, the Viettel Cyber Security team earned $50,000 and 10 Master of Pwn points by chaining SQL injection and authentication bypass vulnerabilities from a QNAP router to the TrueNAS device.

Furthermore, the Computest Sector 7 team also executed a successful attack by exploiting both a QNAP router and a TrueNAS Mini X using four vulnerabilities. The types of vulnerabilities included command injection, SQL injection, authentication bypass, improper certificate validation, and hardcoded cryptographic keys.

TrueNAS responded to the results by releasing an advisory for its users, acknowledging the vulnerabilities and emphasizing the importance of following security recommendations to protect data storage systems against potential exploits.

By adhering to these guidelines, users can increase their defences, making it harder for attackers to leverage known vulnerabilities.

TrueNAS informed customers that the vulnerabilities affected default, non-hardened installations, meaning that users who follow recommended security practices are already at a reduced risk.

TrueNAS has advised all users to review its security guidance and implement best practices, which can significantly minimize exposure to potential threats until the patches are fully rolled out.

Via SecurityWeek

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• First look at Dell Pro Max 18 Plus emerges in new images
• Pictures show a completely redesigned mobile workstation laptop
• Pro Max could either replace popular Precision range or be a whole new range, offering up to 256GB RAM and up to 16TB SSD

Leaked details have suggest Dell is developing a new addition to its workstation offerings designed to deliver high-performance capabilities for professional workloads.

Available in two sizes, the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus is expected to debut officially at CES 2025 and could either replace the popular Precision range or form an entirely new lineup.

The device allegedly features an 18-inch display, while the Pro Max 16 Plus provides a smaller 16-inch alternative with similar specifications. According to information shared by Song1118 on Weibo, which includes Dell marketing slides, the laptops will be powered by Intel’s upcoming Core Ultra 200HX “Arrow Lake-HX” CPUs. For graphics, the series will reportedly feature Nvidia’s Ada-based RTX 5000-class workstation GPUs, though the exact model isn’t named in the leaked documents.

Triple-fan cooling system

The Pro Max series is set to offer up to 200 watts for the CPU/GPU combination in the 18-inch version and 170 watts in the 16-inch model. VideoCardz notes that while we have already seen much higher targets in ultra-high-end gaming machines, “this would be the first laptop confirmed to offer 200W for a next-gen Intel/Nvidia combo.”

The laptops will reportedly support up to 256GB of CAMM2 memory. The 18-inch model can accommodate up to 16TB of storage via four M.2 2280 SSD slots, while the 16-inch version supports 12TB with three slots. The heat generated by these high-power components will be managed by an “industry first” triple-fan cooling system.

Additional features look to include a magnesium alloy body to reduce weight, an 8MP camera, and a tandem OLED display option. Connectivity options include Thunderbolt 5 (80/120Gbps), WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and optional 5G WWAN. The two laptops also feature a quick-access bottom cover for easy serviceability and repairability of key components like batteries, memory, and storage.

The Dell Pro Max 16/18 Plus laptops are expected to be officially unveiled along with pricing at CES on January 7, 2025, with a mid-2025 release window.

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• The total number of free channels is now 171
• Google TV Freeplay remains exclusive to the US
• There's been a recent boom in free TV with ads

We've already seen dozens of new free-to-view channels added to Google TV during 2024, and one more update has been rolled out in time for the holidays – bringing the number of channels available to US viewers to more than 170.

This latest update was spotted by 9to5Google, and should be available now if you're using a television set or streaming device with the latest Google TV software on it. You'll find them under the Google TV Freeplay app.

The new channels are Best of Dr Phil, Xumo Free Holiday Movie Channel, Xumo Free Holiday Classics, Xumo Christian Christmas, Continuum, Z Nation, The Design Network, Filmrise: Classic TV, UFC, Unbeaten, Big 12 Studios, Waypoint TV, and PursuitUP.

There are also updates for Stingray Greatest Holiday Hits, Stingray Soul Storm Christmas, and Stingray Hot Country Christmas. These new channels follow on from Designated Survivor and Places & Spaces – The Great Christmas Light Fight added in November.

Keep them coming

A variety of new features have been added to Google TV this year (Image credit: Google)

That brings the total number of channels available in Google TV Freeplay to 171 – though as 9to5Google notes, some of them are likely to be only available over the holidays (as a few of those title channels would suggest).

One channel has been removed at the same time though: it seems Motortrend Fast TV is no longer available. No doubt this chopping and changing of content is going to continue as we go through 2025 as well.

We've seen a steady rise in the number of free ad-supported television (FAST) channels available on streaming platforms in recent years: there are hundreds more available in apps such as Plex, Tubi, and PlutoTV.

You may remember Google TV adding extra channels in August and September of this year, as well as at other points during 2024. The software has also been given plenty of new features over the last 12 months as well.

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