Google has announced a second OnHub router, but this time it’s being made by Asus.
The internet giant announced the first OnHub Wi-Fi router in mid-August. This $199 North America-only “new way to Wi-Fi” was made by China’s TP-LINK.
Now Google has announced a second OnHub unit, which is being made by Taiwanese manufacturer Asus. It features similar functionality and a similar cylindrical design – though this time it’s slightly bottom-heavy rather than top-heavy.
It’s still designed to be placed centrally in the home, with stronger-than-normal Wi-Fi connectivity thanks to the presence of multiple antennas, and the ability to search out the strongest connection.
The second OnHub also shares the first OnHub’s intuitive nature and easy set-up. Everything is controlled through a dedicated Google On app.
So what’s new? The Asus-made OnHub comes with a feature called Wave Control, which lets you boost the Wi-Fi speed for a particular device simply by waving your hand over the OnHub.
Related: Google OnHub: Why Google’s first router is the key to smart home 2.0
You’ll have to pay a little extra for this wavey feature – the Asus OnHub will set you back $219.99 when it arrives for pre-order this week. Or rather, it will set US customers back that amount. It’s not available in any other markets at present.
In addition to a second OnHub model, Google has announced its first major software update for the OnHub family. Besides general performance improvements, it includes a new smart antenna algorithm for figuring out the best antenna combination for each device, wherever it is in the home.
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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.
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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.
