The Internet of Things linking everything from toasters to thermostats is taking on added dimensions with new products and services from Google-owned Nest. The goal: Make homes thoughtful, not just smart.

Google’s Nest Labs on Wednesday released 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.

An updated app enables control from smartphones, too.

Why so much emphasis on a webcam?

“Every day we leave the house and have no way of knowing what happens there – is it safe? Are my pets ok? Did the kids come home? We’re so connected to our email, our work, our phones, but we spend much of our lives completely disconnected from the one place that matters most,” wrote Matt Rogers, founder of Nest and the head of engineering, in a blog post. Now, Google says, it’s making them better.

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.(Watch a video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orc5fBf14vs

There’s more.

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.

Here’s a summary of the new products from Google:

• Nest Cam – “With full high-definition (1080p) video quality, a versatile stand, and improved motion alerts and night vision, the new Nest Cam allows people to keep an eye on what they care about from anywhere. And beginning next month, Nest Cam will be available in Europe.”

• Nest Protect – “The second generation Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is the first residential alarm to offer a custom, Split-Spectrum Sensor that uses two wavelengths of light to look for different types of fires. Also, Nest Protect alarms can now be silenced from your phone.”

• Nest Learning Thermostat – “The best-selling Nest Learning Thermostat is getting even better, now notifying customers when temperatures drop to help avoid frozen pipes and adding new integrations with other Nest products.”

• Nest app 5.0 – “The redesigned Nest app 5.0 brings together all three Nest products, across multiple platforms, for the first time, making it easier to access and control Nest products.”

“At Nest, we always wanted to build more than a thermostat,” said Tony Fadell, chief executive officer of Nest, in the announcement.

“Our vision was to create a thoughtful home – a home that takes care of itself and the people in it. Five years later, all the pieces are in place. We’ve built a portfolio of best-in-class products that each stand on their own while doing more together.

“More than 9,000 developer partners are using the Works with Nest developer program to help seamlessly integrate everything from washers and dryers to cars with our thermostat, smoke alarm and camera. And we’re working with energy and insurance partners to bring more value to our shared customers.

“Nest products are used in 190+ countries, across multiple platforms, and available wherever people shop. The result? Energy saved, lives spared, and countless memories recorded and shared.”

In some areas, Google says Nest customers can now get “rewards” from their home insurers, such as discounts.