The days when routers are often taken for granted and even dismissed into the deepest recesses of your home are officially over as Google unveiled OnHub, a new router that supposedly allows a new way to Wi-Fi. "Instead of headaches and spotty connections, OnHub gives you Wi-Fi that's fast, secure, and easy to use," Google said in a press statement on Tuesday.
OnHub is distinguished from the conventional router by the manner in which consumers use the product. First, the hardware packs technology that would enable users to access data at faster speeds because of less interference. "The router will adjust as needed, and users can even prioritize a specific device in the home to receive the best connection - say, for example, if you have friends over and your focus is just getting through a movie on Netflix without any hiccups," according to 9to5mac.
OnHub is also easy to setup and troubleshoot as it connects devices through an app both available to iOS and Android platforms. Here, users would be able to monitor usage, cut connected devices, send passwords and run diagnostics.
Google also highlighted the router's cylindrical design. This ensures that the router has better penetration throughout a home, The Verge learned. In addition, this appears to be a clever way of ensuring that the device is at its most effective. Google maintains that by designing a "ridiculously beautiful" device - with all the antenna and wiring hidden inside - users will no longer hide it in locations that could hamper performance.
OnHub is going to be manufactured in partnership with TP-Link. A second router is said to be in production as well, this time with Asus as a partner, reported Wired. It is now available for preorder in selected online retailers for $199.99, including Google Store, Amazon and Walmart.com.
