Request for Owner-Controlled Bootloader Unlocking – Google Nest Hub Devices

[Chris Hurst]

Hello Google Nest Engineering Team,

I own two Google smart displays: a first-generation Nest Hub and a Nest Hub Max.

Both devices have useful hardware, including high-quality displays, speakers, microphones, and networking capabilities. Unfortunately, their restricted software environments significantly limit their usefulness.

As an experienced IT and network engineer, I'm interested in repurposing these personally owned devices to run Linux, open-source home automation software, and custom AI assistants.

I understand that Google publishes Fuchsia source code and U-Boot source code for the Astro and Sherlock platforms.

I'm requesting information about the following:

1. Whether an official bootloader unlocking mechanism exists for either device.

2. Whether Google can provide an owner-authorized development firmware or bootloader.

3. Whether documentation is available for USB recovery, flashing, or loading custom operating systems.

4. Whether Google would consider enabling an opt-in developer mode for owners who accept responsibility for modifications.

I'm not requesting Google's private signing keys or access to confidential systems.

I'd simply like the ability to continue using hardware I purchased with software of my choosing, rather than unnecessarily replacing functional electronic devices.

If this request is outside the consumer support team's scope, please forward it to the appropriate Nest or Fuchsia engineering team.

Thank you for your consideration.

Chris Hurst
Chris...@gmail.com