Google's new OnHub router knows when you wave at it

Google Asus OnHub

Google says it's growing its router 'family', with a new OnHub made in partnership with Asus.

The search giant's first OnHub router, made with TP-Link, launched only a few months ago in August, with Google saying at the time that it was trying to make a router that was easy to set up, use and manage with an app, as well as delivering better wi-fi in a cylindrical model that you don't need to hide away.

"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 when launching the TP-Link OnHub.

The new Asus OnHub also sports a similar cylindrical look and features as the TP-Link OnHub, but adds an interesting gesture recognition.

Say hello for your device

The Asus OnHub's Wave Control feature has the router recognizing when you wave your hand over it, allowing you to prioritize wi-fi for a specific device.

It also sports one LAN and one USB 3.0 port, supports 802.11ac wi-fi and 5GHz networks, and can be controlled entirely through the Google On app.

Google also revealed that is rolling out the first software update for its OnHub routers this week, which will include "several performance improvements, including a new smart antenna algorithm" that selects the best antennas to send wi-fi over depending on the location of the device in the home.

"OnHub will intelligently select the best combination of antennas to direct wi-fi to your devices, based on their location and orientation," Google said.

The Asus OnHub is available for preorder starting today for $219.99.

TOPICS
Latest in Servers & Network Devices
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) vs Asus RT-AX55 on a TechRadar background
Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) vs Asus RT-AX55: What's the best budget router for your setup?
Asus ZenWiFi BT10 from the front on a wooden table wide image
Asus ZenWiFi BT10 review: sleek and super fast Wi-Fi 7 mesh, but you'll pay for it
Racks of servers inside a data center.
UK data centers ready for expansion
Netgear Nighthawk RS300 router sitting on a table next to its box
Netgear Nighthawk RS300 review: high-speed Wi-Fi 7 at a competitive price
TP-Link Deco BE63 - 3 devices showing ports
TP-Link Deco BE63 review: impressive Wi-Fi 7 mesh router system at a competitive price
Linksys Velop Pro 7
Linksys Velop Pro 7: A high-speed Wi-Fi 7 router at a more competitive price
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over