Google is expanding its ever-growing hardware empire by launching a new router which it claims offers “a new way to Wi-Fi.”
The attractive $199 OnHub router features internal antennas and subtle lighting, so users won’t have to hide it from sight.
As it’s out in the open, Google says it’ll perform better, claiming the OnHub “starts fast and stays fast”, while improving over time as it learns your habits.
“During setup, OnHub searches the airwaves and selects the best channel for the fastest connection,” reads a post on the Google blog.
“A unique antenna design and smart software keep working in the background, automatically adjusting OnHub to avoid interference and keep your network at peak performance.”
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Another differentiating factor is the ability to manage the router from a Google On companion app for iOS and Android.
Users can check on the bandwidth different devices are using, they can run network checks and troubleshoot connection problems.
Perhaps the neatest feature of the app is the ability to quickly look up the router’s password and text it to friends. That also means no more scrawling it on a post-it note or crawling on hands and knees looking up the key on the bottom of the router.
“At the end of the day, we want our Wi-Fi to just work, so that we can do all the things we love to do online. Here’s to Wi-Fi with the reliability, speed, and security you want at home, without the frustrations you don’t,” wrote Trond Wuellner, Group Product Manager at Google
The OnHub is available to pre-order now in the US, but will be rolling out to retailers in the coming weeks.
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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.