Google Inc launched a Wi-Fi
router on Tuesday, the latest move in the company's efforts to get ready for
the connected home and draw more users to its services. The
cylinder-shaped router, named OnHub, can be pre-ordered for $199.99 at online
retailers including the Google Store, Amazon.com Inc and Walmart.com.
The router comes with in-built
antennas that will scan the airwaves to spot the fastest connection, Google
said in a blog post.
With the router, users will be
able to prioritize a device so that they can get the fastest Internet speeds
for data-heavy activities such as downloading content or streaming a movie.
The router can be hooked up
with Google’s On app, available on Android and iOS, to run network checks and
keep track of bandwidth use among other things.
Google said OnHub automatically
updates with new features and the latest security upgrades, just like the
company’s Android OS and Chrome browser. The router is being manufactured
by network company TP-LINK, Google said, hinting that ASUS could be the second
manufacturing partner for the product.