Google introduced its first OnHub router, which makes use of TP-Link hardware, about two months ago. On Tuesday, it made an announcement of a new OnHub, which it developed in partnership with Asus.
Google gives Wave Control to Asus OnHub
Google is introducing a new feature called Wave Control with the Asus OnHub. “It lets you boost the Wi-Fi speed for a particular device by simply waving your hand over the top of the ASUS OnHub,” the Internet firm said in a blog post. If there are multiple devices in the same direction, then how the router knows to which device it should boost its signal to is not clear.
To set it up and manage it, users will need the Google On app, a live Internet connection and a portable device running Android or iOS. The Asus OnHub comes with built-in Bluetooth and provides support to the Home automation wireless standard, but none of these functions are activated at launch.
Google has priced the new Asus OnHub at $219.99, which is twice the cost of many AC1900 routers. Google is accepting preorders for the new Asus OnHub now, and shipments will start sometime in November.
Similar to TP-Link OnHub
Google informed potential buyers that the new Asus OnHub is similar to the one from TP-Link. It is a dual-band AC1900 Wi-Fi router with a top speed of 1,300 Mbps on a 5GHz band and up to 600Mbps on a 2.4GHz band. Similar to the TP-Link OnHub, the Asus one also has one Gigabit LAN port and one USB 3.0.
Both the Asus OnHub and the TP-Link OnHub are cylindrical in shape, but there is a slight difference in their bases. Asus OnHub’s base is wider than its top. Similar to the first OnHub, the Asus model should be kept out in the open for proper functioning. This is because obstructions like walls have an impact on the Wi-Fi signal.
Google will soon make available the Asus OnHub and also release the first firmware update for its OnHub router. Smart Antenna is one of the improvements, enabling the OnHub to make an intelligent selection of the best combination of antennas “to send Wi-Fi to your devices, based on their location and orientation,” thus delivering faster and more reliable Wi-Fi.
