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Google WiFi now shows which devices are struggling to connect
Run a large-enough WiFi network and there's bound to be that one device that can't quite hold on to a fast connection, like the tablet in your bedroom or a laptop in the backyard. But how do you quantify that flaky connection? Google can help. It's deploying an updated Network Check feature for Google WiFi routers that will check the performance of devices on your network and help you identify ones with unusually low performance. You'll know if you need to move an access point, move a device or (if it's truly bad) expand your network to provide better coverage.
Google WiFi adds site blocking to its family-friendly features
Google WiFi is a router that prioritizes ease of setup and use; it's a great option for people who want to combine quick setup with advanced family-friendly controls. Now, they're adding even more to the mix. Today, the company announced that Google WiFi offers site blocking, which allows parents to control access to over 8 million explicit websites. It will be available over the next day from within the Google WiFi app.
What we're using in July
There's a difference between what we test and write about for the site, and what Engadget editors actually decide to lay down their own cash for. Outside work hours, and when the review samples go back to the companies, what are our writers using? Which apps and services do we actually use? We've already talked about games, audio and the things we're watching, but this is Engadget: It's time to talk hardware. This week, Daniel Cooper decided to take the plunge with Google WiFi's mesh network after an accident destroyed his old wireless network. It's a story of pros and cons.
Google's next smart speaker may double as a WiFi router
If you're Google and you want the next Home speaker to clearly one-up the Amazon Echo, what do you do? Stick another device inside, apparently. A source speaking to the Information claims that an upcoming Home model will include a built-in WiFi router with mesh networking. You wouldn't need to buy a separate router (like, say, Google WiFi) just to connect devices around your household. And even if you already have a router, this would improve Home's performance by giving it a stronger connection in weak coverage areas.
Google WiFi helps keep you off the internet at night
Settling in and letting go of screens for dinner or bedtime can be a struggle for both kids and adults. Scheduling time to focus somewhere besides the internet, then, might make a lot of sense. Google's WiFi router now has a feature that can help you pause the signal in your home so you can get to bed or take care of important IRL things without the sweet distraction of WiFi.
Google WiFi, OnHub routers inexplicably crashed today (updated)
Google's smart router projects are supposed to provide hassle-free networking, but today many owners are experiencing just the opposite. Reports are streaming in of nonfunctional Google OnHub and WiFi units pushing little more than a flashing blue light. On Twitter, the Made by Google team is advising users to try setting up again, while a support forum thread that users in need of immediate access should use the credentials printed on the bottom of their devices.
Pros and cons: Our quick verdict on Google WiFi
Google WiFi is the company's latest (and very aptly named) wireless router. Like the OnHub router that Google put out last year, WiFi is meant to be sleekly designed and easy to use. This time, though, WiFi also can create a mesh network with other Google WiFi routers -- an alternative to standalone WiFi extenders in larger spaces, like multi-story homes. The device does indeed work as promised, and offers some useful parental control features, to boot. That said, power users (perhaps even some Engadget readers) will be turned off by the lack of a web console and the fact that there are only two Ethernet jacks. Mainstream users, however, are not likely to be disappointed.
The Morning After: Wednesday December 7, 2016
This morning, we're reading about how Google has upgraded its search app to keep personal information and news events separated, the same company's attempt to solve router troubles forever... and the Novint Falcon's transformation from haptic games controller to sex toy.
Google WiFi review: A hassle-free router comes at a price
Google's not new to the hardware game, but with its "Made by" range, the company is making a concerted effort to marry its smart software with the gear we run it on. We've already tried the Pixel phones, Daydream View VR headset, Chromecast Ultra and Google Home, but until now, there was one Made by Google gadget we'd yet to test, and it's the one that arguably ties all the rest together: Google's aptly named WiFi router.
Plume's WiFi extending pods are now available
If you're having WiFi issues in certain rooms and range extenders or powerline plugs aren't doing the trick, there's another option on the market. Plume's mesh-based "pod" WiFi system is now on sale following a pre-order campaign earlier this year. Like Eero or Google WiFi, you place a pod in rooms where you want internet, and they'll intelligently connect over multiple 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, providing uniform coverage around your home.
Watch the Made by Google launch event in 15 minutes
Google unveiled its plan for consumer hardware earlier today, showing off Pixel phones, the Google Home hub, Google WiFi router, Chromecast Ultra and Daydream VR headset, plus its Assistant AI ready to tie everything together. We liveblogged every second of the full presentation, but if you're in a hurry you can catch a quick runthrough of all the announcements right here in just 15 minutes, or head straight to our hands-on impressions.
Google's play for the living room starts with Home
Today marked Google's biggest hardware launch yet. Not only did it announce two Pixel phones and a Daydream VR headset -- it also unveiled a slew of products for the living room. We already heard about Google Home, its voice-powered assistant-and-Bluetooth speaker combo at the company's I/O developer conference this year. New today, though, was a mesh networking router and an updated Chromecast. We took a closer look at all three immediately after the event and came away with a dream of a Google-powered home.
UK pricing for Google's Pixel phones, Daydream VR headset and more
A wealth of leaks might've taken some of the sting out of Google's big event today, but there was quite a lot to take in nonetheless. Google spent a lot of time talking up its AI Assistant -- the same one that debuted in its Allo messaging app -- but who are we kidding? New hardware was the highlight tonight, and there's a lot of it, from a pair of Pixel smartphones to a new VR headset, 4K Chromecast and more. And now it's time to lay out how much all that new gear is gonna cost you.
Google WiFi is a router that simplifies whole-home wireless
Those rumors of Google giving WiFi routers another shot? They're true. Meet Google WiFi, a router designed entirely in-house... and with a few nice advantages over the OnHub line. Apart from being much smaller (no vase-like design here), its big trick is its ability to create an Eero-style mesh network. You only have to add additional units to your network to improve coverage -- there's a Network Assistant app that makes it easy to add more routers and improve your signal.
What to expect from Google's October 4th event
It's that time of the year when tech companies trot out their newest wares hoping to cash in on the holiday season buying spree and Google is no different. On October 4th the search giant is holding an event to show off, well something, but most likely some new phones. The company is mum on the details but of course that hasn't stopped the rumor and leak machines from spinning up and pumping out what we can expect from the Android maker's celebration of consumerism.
GoogleFi gives 360 addicts Xbox Live on the go
Obviously, quite a few possibilities open up when your whole town is wired for WiFi, but we can't say we really pegged drive-by 360 play as one of them. Mountain View, CA residents Brandon Wirtz and Jake Ludington fixed up Brandon's Jeep with 23-inch Samsung LCD and an Xbox connected to Google WiFi via Jake's laptop. The total cost of wire-free 360 action is about $4000 if starting from scratch, but isn't that a small price to pay for the freedom to frag?[Via BBC News]
Google WiFi enables Xbox Live in the car
After Google WiFi came to town, Jake and Brandon decided to put Mountain View's new all-access service to the test. The duo outfitted a 2007 four-door Jeep Wrangler with a 23-inch Samsung HDTV and Xbox 360, and then wired the console to a laptop that was connected to Google WiFi. And thus was born Xbox Live on-the-go (around in circles, around town). Pimp? Yeah, we think so.Video here.
Video: Xbox Live via Google WiFi on the road
Do you have a bottomless wallet? Do you Live in Mountain View, California, or anywhere with a steady Wi-Fi connection across reasonable distances? If you answered to both of those questions, then you too can enjoy playing over Xbox Live whilst being chauffeured across town. The fine people over at XYHD.tv decided to trick out their ride to play some Rainbow Six: Vegas with Major Nelson whilst driving around Mountain View. Their set up is impressive, and it could make road trips a lot less tedious, although your connectivity may vary from location to location. More in depth information as well as stills are available, but we got a video demonstration after the break.
