Slashdot Mirror
Google Announces a Router: OnHub
An anonymous reader writes: Google has announced they're working with TP-LINK to build a new router they call OnHub. They say it's designed for the way we tend to use Wi-Fi in 2015, optimizing for streaming and sharing in a way that older routers don't. The router has a cylindrical design and comes with a simple, user-friendly mobile app. They say, "OnHub searches the airwaves and selects the best channel for the fastest connection. 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. You can even prioritize a device, so that your most important activity — like streaming your favorite show — gets the fastest speed." The device will cost $200, it supports Bluetooth Smart Ready, Weave, and 802.15.4, and it will automatically apply firmware updates.
Like with most things, there are pros and cons for this sort of thing. If you leave the automatic updates "OFF" by default, majority or users will not bother with updates on routers and when a vulnerability is discovered, crackers have a field day. By leaving them "ON" by default, but allowing concerned users to turn them off, perhaps you get to a reasonable medium.
It's an interesting concept, but I don't think I want to turn my router over to a company like Google or Facebook that makes their money Hoovering up every last bit of data they can get about me.
Help save the critically endangered Blue Iguana
Right, like I trust Google to be my router/firewall ... no way in hell I'd let Google be the gatekeeper for the internet in my house.
Because you can bet your ass they're going to get a lot more visibility into everything you do, and use it for their own purpose.
And I'm sure it will be remotely accessibly when law enforcement demands it and introduce several new security holes as it tries to be so easy to use it fails utterly. Mark my words, this will cause a lot of new problems.
I don't trust Google to do that at all. I use their services from a browser, but letting them be directly in charge of my network? No bloody way in hell.
Their "do no evil" pledge means less with every passing year.
Lost at C:>. Found at C.
I know this is the dumbest complaint about this device, but why circular? Why do these people design devices as if they'll be the only thing on our desks, shelves, whatever? There should be a new standard "desktop rack" that these devices can fit in.
Stupid sexy Flanders.
If you look at Chromecast, the vast majority of silent upgrades went smoothly.
If you look at Windows, the vast majority of automatic updates went smoothly. But "vast majority" for a very large user base still leaves a significant amount of users with problems. As has been discussed here many times.
Go buy a Cisco router and the WIFI HWIC modules for it. Granted, you'll spend 10x what that consumer-grade POS costs and you'll have to spend a considerable amount of time learning how to properly configure and secure it, but it will be reliable. And 802.11g.
I think the more relevant point the parent was trying to make here is the rest of that "consumer-grade POS" network hardware does not need to be rebooted on a regular basis, nor does it require a CCNA to set it up properly.
And with the usage profile of the average 4-person household, one should not have to spend 10x the cost to procure hardware rated for 24/7 use and load rated for hundreds of users in order to gain a modicum of reliability.
> The instructions for performing maintainence of my heat pump assume foundational HVAC knowledge, too. ...
> But for some reason, computer/network gear, despite being many times more complex pieces of machinery, carry this expectation that a retard like your mom who can't even understand/remember/figure out clicking File and then Open should be able to fully understand them.
The expectation is that mom can adjust the thermostat, without needing to know the differences between various types of refrigerants. Similarly, the goal is that she should be able to look at pictures of the grandkids without configuring ipv6.
Because consumer routers are directly connected to the internet, with no firewall between the router and the net, regular updates are required these days. Mom should be able to use YouTube, and do so safely she needs regular updates on the router.
Nerds like you and I can turn off those updates, install open-wrt, or whatever we want. Just like you CAN install a hotrod intake manifold, but doing so shouldn't be required in order to drive.
What would be different from auto updating vs. everyone manually updating? You would most likely get the exact same outcome. Vast majority will go smooth but some would fail.