ADT Security drops one of its most promising features with Google Nest

last time I have done a full review of ADTOver a year ago, the security company just released its new ADT Plus platform, as well as a more compact system Home appliances.

I came away impressed with the many improvements ADT has made to their system, including Useful smart features and trusted neighbor interactions Google Nest devices. The system can now recognize familiar faces and unlock compatible Yale Smart locks. It was still a bit challenging and needed constant development, but it represented a huge step into the future for the venerable security brand.

Now the wheel is turning again: Starting Thursday, ADT will be retiring some of the more advanced features offered by Trusted Neighbor. If you are using ADT or are considering it Pack his system (Available as DIY or with complete professional installation), here’s what you should know.

ADT is pulling out some Google Nest features

ADT Stop offering auto unlock technology with Trusted Neighbor on January 29, 2026. Previously, the auto unlock feature combined Google Nest’s familiar facial recognition via Nest Video doorbells With the latest smart locks from Yale University. The Nest Camera used early Google Video Artificial intelligence features To recognize facial profiles, then tell Yale Lock that someone with permission to enter has arrived. The lock was automatically unlocked, and then locked again With automatic lock.

I would hate to see this feature go. It was a unique interaction between several security brands, working alongside some of the latest brands Artificial intelligence features. I would have liked to see more high-tech interaction between multiple devices regardless of what brand they came from.

But the security landscape has changed very quickly in 2025, and I was not surprised by these changes.

Why does ADT remove features? My bet is new AI partnerships

ADT had only brief information for me when I asked why they were discontinuing this feature: “Automatic unlocking was an early experimental exploration within Trusted Neighbor. Although it has proven its potential, we have chosen to prioritize access methods that provide a more consistent and reliable experience.”

I wonder how Google’s own plans will impact this change, which comes after nearly two years in operation.

Google Nest is getting massive upgrades in 2025, thanks to Gemini for Home and the move toward more advanced AI in Nest home security. I have experienced these Gemini features And I love it, but not necessarily for the $20 monthly fee. It’s an example of how AI can really be useful in our lives, summarizing security footage and answering our questions about what happened at home while we were away.

However, Google worked on Gemini for home High ownership. As the company continues to invest in AI across the board while keeping its competitors in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising if Google is now reluctant to partner with other companies that might use generative AI features. However, there is room for other types of partnerships.

So, who pays for Google’s AI in the home? Good, Independent facial recognition partnership from Yale and Nest It’s still intact at the moment, but I’m keeping my eye on it. More interesting is the news about AT&T’s new Connected Life platform For smart home technology, including Google and security brand Abode.

AT&T Connected Life calls itself “the only provider to offer Google Home’s trusted smart home security.” Connected Life uses Google Home smart alerts mixed with Abode’s home security hubs, making it seem as if Google has switched dance partners. However, the platform doesn’t offer any advanced descriptions of Gemini or the familiar faces technology, suggesting that Google is keeping its full AI features close to the chest.

Is ADT still a good choice?

I still recommend ADT as a security system option for people who don’t mind long-term contracts and who are willing to pay a monthly fee that can go up to $50 or more for the full package (including professional monitoring, etc.).

However, it is important to remember that when security companies make exciting integrations with third parties, their survival is not guaranteed. Brands that have long-standing relationships with other smart home companies are your best bet. Take a look at My favorite security systems and Cheap security systems To learn more.

Oh, if you’re still interested Artificial intelligence features in your home securitythere aren’t as many integrations as what ADT offers, but you can still find highly effective AI-powered text summaries (describing what the video showed) and video logs from brands like bell, flashArlo et al.