When Google purchased Nest Labs – the maker of Internet-connected thermostats and smoke detectors – the search engine giant saw the potential to create a software platform for controlling the myriad everyday devices and gadgets in consumers’ homes, a central hub for the so-called “Internet of things.”

With Nest Labs’ recent purchase of Dropcam, this vision is a step closer to becoming reality.

Dropcam, marketed as a home-security system, makes small Internet-ready cameras that can stream live video to mobile phones through an app. The service also delivers alerts based on activity sensed by the cameras and lets users communicate with people in their homes while they are away.

Nest will work with Dropcam to develop products and services that connect users to their home, the Wall Street Journal reports.

“Dropcam built their company from the ground up with the goal of helping people stay connected to the things they care about,” said Nest founder Matt Rogers in a statement. “In a matter of a few short years, their team has managed to create products that change how people interact with their homes.”

Understandably, the deal raises privacy concerns over Google potentially having access to live video feeds from people’s homes. In his statement, Rogers attempted to assuage those concerns by announcing that Dropcam will come under Nest’s privacy policy, which does not allow data to be shared with anyone (including Google) without a customer’s permission.