Google wants to cure your Wi-Fi woes with its new OnHub router
Google (uh, I mean Alphabet) is continuing to branch out with another new hardware offering. And its OnHub router definitely sounds interesting.
In partnership with TP-LINK, the router looks like a big brother to Amazon’s Echo speaker so it can be placed out in the open for the best performance.
When setting up the router, it will automatically select the best channel for a fast connection. The real magic happens after that. During use, the router will continually adjust to avoid interference and keep the wireless signal rolling to all of your devices. The router is dual-band and can provide 802.11a/b/g/n/ac connections.
Priority traffic
Users can even manually prioritize a device to receive the fastest speed possible. So when you’re wanting to watch the latest movie on Netflix, you can tell the OnHub to speed up any traffic to an Apple TV.
Here’s a quick promo video. Click here if you can’t see it.
And to no surprise, there’s even a companion iOS app that can tie-in to the router. With Google On, you can see how much bandwidth you’re using, run a network check, and see any suggestions on how to improve the wireless signal if needed. Unlike other routers, it’s also easy to find your router’s password.
Like Google’s Chromebooks, the router will also automatically update with new features and the latest security fixes, which is a nice touch. In the future, Google said it is planning to make OnHub compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 and other smart home protocols.
Wrapup
The router will retail for $199.99 and can be preordered today from a number of online outlets, including Amazon.com. Google says the router will be available at many retail locations “in the coming weeks.”
Even though Apple has offered its AirPort Exterme router lineup for some time, the OnHub sounds like a nice choice – especially for non tech savvy users who aren’t comfortable digging through complicated settings menus. I am interested, though, to see if the router can live up to Google’s lofty promises during real-world usage.
For other news today, see: Pharrell, One Direction, and more lead Apple Music Festival, Appointments no longer necessary to try on Apple Watch, and Amazon’s Dash buttons can do more than order stuff for you.
