Google's Nest Labs releases product updates in bid to plug more home appliances into Internet

Google's Nest Labs is releasing new versions of its surveillance video camera and talking smoke detector as part of its attempt to turn homes into yet another thing that can be controlled and tracked over the Internet.

The gadgets unveiled Wednesday are Nest's most significant product updates since Google bought the company last year for about $2.75 billion. A few months later, Google bought surveillance-camera maker Dropcam for $517 million to help Nest realizing its ambition of creating so-called "thoughtful" homes.

Dropcam is changing its name to the Nest Cam as part of an upgrade that will feature higher-definition video and a sleeker design. It will cost $199.

Nest's next-generation smoke alarm will have more sophisticated sensors and a 10-year lifespan, up from seven years. It will sell for $99.