Google is now launching a new OnHub wireless router that intelligently finds the best connection for its user.
The second OnHub router is made in partnership with Asus. The new Asus OnHub is essentially the same as the one made by TP-Link. Google first launched its OnHub router series in August, attempting to make a router that's easy to use and provides better Wi-Fi signal than what people are used to. This second model continues toward that goal with a similar design and a couple of interesting new features, according to The Verge.
It includes the introduction of “Wave Control,” a feature that allows users to adjust Wi-Fi speed by waving their hand over top of the device. The router will also be able to select the best antennas to send Wi-Fi over depending on the location of the devices it is connected to.
The new Asus OnHub has a dual-band AC1900 Wi-Fi router with the top speed on the 5GHz band of up to 1300Mbps and on the 2.4GHz band, up to 600Mbps. It features just one Gigabit LAN port and one USB 3.0. A built-in Bluetooth is also included and supports the Home Automation wireless standard, but these functions are not yet activated at launch, CNET reported.
The device contains the same cylindrical shape as the TP-Link OnHub, but it features a base that is wider compared to the top. The new version from Asus also works with Android and iOS apps available for setup and configuration. It comes in slate gray color.
Google has also announced the release of its first software update for all OnHub users in the coming week, bringing performance improvements and will add a smart antenna algorithm that enables the OnHub to intelligently select the best combination of antennas to direct Wi-Fi to devices across the entire house based on their location and orientation.
Interested buyers from United Stated can now pre-order Asus-made OnHub at Google’s website and Best Buy with a price tag of $219.99.