Google has announced it is set to buy a “smart” thermostat start-up company in a deal worth $3.2 billion (£1.9bn).
Nest, founded by two former Apple executives, has developed a thermostat (pictured) which it claims can help lower heating and cooling bills by up to 20% by learning user behaviour.
It can work out whether a building is occupied or not, using temperature, humidity, activity and light sensors and can also be controlled via the laptop, smartphone or tablet.
Larry Page, CEO of Google said: “They’re already delivering amazing products you can buy right now – thermostats that save energy and smoke/CO alarms that can help keep your family safe.”
The transaction is expected to close in the next few months.
Last month the internet search engine giant bought a firm that makes “intelligent” energy efficiency systems for offices.