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Google Announces a Router: OnHub

Posted by Soulskill on from the remember-when-google-was-a-search-engine dept.

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.

6 of 278 comments (clear)

  1. automatically install firmware updates by Nyder · · Score: 5, Funny

    I guess nothing would go wrong with "automatically installing firmware updates".

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    1. Re:automatically install firmware updates by linuxguy · · Score: 5, Insightful

      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.

    2. Re:automatically install firmware updates by ADRA · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Probably not considering they do it already with phones, nexus players, chomecasts, etc.. Though I do hope they have a fallback partition / auto-recovery in the case of things going south. I probably won't be buying one as I have a good setup already, but depending on how its implemented, I could see recommending this to the aunt betsy's of the world.

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    3. Re:automatically install firmware updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      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.

  2. Interesting, from someone other than Google. by ErikTheRed · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

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  3. Read the specs. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    The router has 12 sectored antennas, 6 per frequency. The 6 antennas are arranged in pairs around a circle. This provides excellent "cell" isolation and better beam forming enhancement.

    It is an excellent design concept, even if it does make stacking and hiding less convenient. It is a design previously used only on VERY expensive WiFi gear targeted at VERY dense environments like conference halls and stadiums.