The launch of Google’s OnHub router was just about the most exciting piece of modem-related news since Ethernet replaced dial-up. That says more for the router industry than it does the OnHub, but Google’s interpretation is still pretty cool.
Now a device root from a team of developers has revealed why the OnHub has a little more in its arsenal than most home broadband enablers… it’s pretty much a Google Chromebook in router’s clothing.
The team at Exploitee.rs (via SlashGear) was able to boot the device into developer mode by popping in a key sequence and… flipping a secret switch!
The devs also found a USB port that’s yet to have any use and posted their findings in a 21-minute video (below).
In its TL;DR summation, the team wrote: “The Google OnHub is at heart a Chromebook without a screen modified as a
router, and our root method is just a modified version of booting
Developer Mode.”
See also: Why Google’s OnHub router is a key for the smart home
The sleek, Wi-Fi-centric cylinder is designed to be the centre of
attention in the home and is capable of prioritising devices, meaning the
fastest available speeds are reserved for tasks like streaming media.
Users will also be able to manger the router completely from the Google On companion app for iOS and Android, while router owners will also be able to text the access password to friends.
That’ll mean no more crawling on hands and knees in order to find the key on the bottom of the router. It’s expensive at $199/£130, but just think of your knees…
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
