Today Google did what it does best: forgot about previous hardware and announced new stuff. Its new toy, Google Wifi (not a typo), is a $129 router with ‘smart’ features similar to its previous shiny new thing, OnHub.
The new system relies on mesh Wi-Fi routing capable of killing dead spots through use of multiple access points spread throughout the home — similar to Eero. Linking these access points together creates one large network capable of delivering consistent speeds no matter where you are in your home, a feature OnHub lacks.
For what it’s worth, Google also claims a single unit will have increased range over consumer-grade Wi-Fi routers. Then again, every router manufacturer under the sun makes that claim, and few actually hold up to scrutiny. We’ll just have to wait and see.
For now though, it’s a shiny new toy that Google is probably going to forget about by this time next year, but it does have a pretty sweet companion app that allows you to ‘pause’ your router for that all-so-important family time.
Google Wifi is $129 and available for pre-order in November. The three pack will set you back $299.
Follow our full coverage of Google’s hardware launch event here.
Join us on Facebook Live after the event as we discuss all the breaking Google product news.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.