Google Unveils OnHub Wi-Fi Router For Home Use

(RTTNews) - Google Inc. (GOOGL, GOOG) on Tuesday launched a Wi-Fi router for home use, claiming improved reliability, speed and security with the new device that is designed for the smart home.

The app-controlled cylinder-shaped device with multiple internal antennas, named OnHub, will spare a user the trouble of unplugging and re-plugging cords, trying to interpret blinking lights or contemplating a call to customer support, Google noted in a blog post.

Trond Wuellner, Group Product Manager of Google, said that starting Tuesday, the Wi-Fi router is available for pre-order for $199.99 from online retailers in the U.S., including the Google Store, Amazon, and Walmart.com. It will be available for sale in retail stores in the U.S. and in Canada in the coming weeks.

The router comes with multiple internal antennas that will search the airwaves and select the best channel for the fastest connection. The smart software will automatically adjust OnHub to avoid interference and keep the user's network at peak performance.

"Many of us keep our router on the floor and out of sight, where it doesn't work as well. We replaced unruly cords and blinking lights with internal antennas and subtle, useful lighting, so you'll be happy placing OnHub out in the open, where your router performs its best," Google said in the blog post.

Users can prioritise a device so that they will get the fastest internet speeds for data-heavy activities such as downloading content or streaming a movie.

The router lets a user set up and manage Wi-Fi, all from the Google On app, available on Android or iOS. The Google On app tells a user how much bandwidth is being used by his devices, will enable a network check, and also offer suggestions in the event of an issue with the Wi-Fi.

Google noted that OnHub automatically updates with new features and the latest security upgrades, without interrupting the user's connection. In the future, OnHub can support smart devices brought into a home, whether they use Bluetooth Smart Ready, Weave, or 802.15.4.

Google said that the router is being manufactured by network company TP-LINK, but it plans to design new OnHub devices with other hardware partners in the future. The company indicated that it second partner, ASUS, will provide more news later this year.

GOOG closed Tuesday's regular trading at $656.13, down $4.74 or 0.72 percent on a volume of 1.46 million shares. In after-hours, the stock further declined $0.98 or 0.15 percent to $655.15.