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Google launching new Asus OnHub router hardware this week for $219

Google-asus-onhub-02

After first unveiling OnHub in August, a new wireless router that intelligently finds the best connection for its user, today Google is announcing its second OnHub router hardware through a partnership with Asus.

The new hardware is much like the TP Link-manufactured router it first launched and began selling for in the US and Canada for $199, but introduces what the companies call “Wave Control”. The feature allows users to adjust Wi-Fi speed by waving their hand over top of the Asus OnHub. Google breaks down the difference between the two models: 

“…each has a different elegant exterior design, along with two key differences. OnHub from TP-Link features a front-facing antenna reflector that acts like a satellite dish enhancing Wi-Fi range in that direction. OnHub from ASUS lets you control your OnHub with a wave over the top. For example, wave to prioritize a device to ensure it has enough Wi-Fi bandwidth, like Chromecast while streaming a movie.”

Like the first OnHub router, the new version from Asus also works with Google’s companion Android and iOS apps available for setup and configuration.

There is a slight difference in the designs (and price), but for the most part the two OnHub’s look quite similar:

Google-OnHubs-01

As you can see above, the Asus version comes in a slate gray color, while the TP Link OnHub comes in black or blue.

Google also announced that a software update for all OnHub users will arrive in the coming weeks with “several performance improvements, including a new smart antenna algorithm.”

The Asus OnHub will be available to preorder starting this week for $219.99 in the US from Google and Best Buy.

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s weekly Logic Pros series and makes music as one half of Toronto-based Makamachine.