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AT&T is the first 5G carrier in the US to reach gigabit speeds
The initial 5G rollout in the US has been underwhelming, in part because those vaunted gigabit-class speeds have been nowhere to be found. AT&T, at least, is inching closer to that goal. The provider has declared that it's the first US telecom to top 1Gbps on a mobile 5G network, achieving the feat in "multiple cities" using Netgear's 5G hotspot. In an interview with PCMag, the company's Igal Elbaz described it as a virtue of improving software.
Netgear's latest gaming router goes on sale in April for $199
Whether you're playing Fortnite, Apex Legends or PUBG, less lag means more wins. Netgear promises its new gaming router will deliver both. The company debuted the Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR300 WiFi Router at SXSW this week. It'll be available worldwide in April for $199, and pre-orders are open now.
Netgear jumps into 5G with AT&T-compatible mobile hotspot
Netgear is focused on the future of connectivity at CES 2019 with new products it believes can keep you online at home and on the go. The California-based networking company is showing off two new additions to its Orbi mesh router family designed to bring internet to the dead zones of your home and the Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot to provide high-speed connections while you're away.
AT&T flips the switch on mobile 5G in 12 cities this week
After nearly a year of talking about it, AT&T is finally ready to launch the US' first mobile 5G network -- and with just days to go before its self-imposed end-of-2018 deadline. Service officially starts on December 21st, when a handful of customers will snag a free Netgear Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot (below) for "at least" 90 days. The network is technically live now in parts of 12 cities (Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Louisville, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Raleigh, San Antonio and Waco).
Arlo's new security camera has a 4K sensor and built-in spotlight
As if you needed more choices to think about when picking out a security camera, Arlo has a new option for you: the Arlo Ultra. The wireless camera features a 4K Ultra HD resolution sensor with high dynamic range (HDR) and comes with a built-in spotlight that can place a bright beam on anyone who moves in front of the device. The camera will run you at least $400 when it starts shipping sometime during the first quarter of 2019.
Netgear's first WiFi 6 routers look like stealth fighters
Netgear is very clearly determined to maintain its reputation for outlandishly styled, high-performance WiFi routers. The company has unveiled its first routers using the WiFi 6 (aka 802.11ax) standard, and... well, just look at them. Both the Nighthawk AX8 and Nighthawk AX12 more closely resemble stealth fighters than networking equipment (to better position the antennas, Netgear said), and they appear to have the speed to match. Both can handle up to 6Gbps of wireless data traffic at any one time, tout "optimized" quad-core processors to juggle all that traffic and promise 25 percent higher data efficiency thanks to 1024 QAM. They're ready for your eventual multi-gigabit cable or fiber connection, then, and could be helpful if you're regularly transferring massive files between devices.
Arlo cameras will soon detect animals, vehicles and packages
Arlo's cameras are getting more AI-powered features though the Arlo Smart subscription service, which will soon detect packages, animals and vehicles. The features arrive later this year and will work with all Arlo cameras.
Netgear and Harman Kardon’s smart speaker doubles as a WiFi repeater
An unlikely partnership between router maker Netgear and audio company Harman Kardon has resulted in a smart speaker that does just a little bit more than its competitors. The Orbi Voice isn't just another Alexa speaker, it's got serious sound pedigree and it acts as a WiFi repeater too, spreading internet while it's pumping tunes.
Netgear’s Arlo is launching a smart doorbell
Today, Netgear announced that it is launching a Arlo-branded doorbell that works seamlessly with its line of security cameras and security lights. The wire-free Arlo Audio Doorbell can replace your traditional doorbell; every time someone rings the doorbell, the Arlo app will call your smartphone, which allows you to speak to your visitors or send a prerecorded greeting.
Arlo cameras are getting person detection and e911 services
Today, Netgear announced a couple of new features and service plans for its Arlo cameras. They are called Arlo Smart, and they use algorithms in order to cut down on junk notifications and ensure that what you're getting pinged about matters to you. Users can also access their recordings for up to 60 days and the cameras can reach emergency responders using e911 services.
Data-stealing router malware bypasses web encryption
A recently discovered strain of router malware appears to be much worse than thought. Cisco Talos has learned that VPNFilter can not only render devices unusable, but can bypass the SSL encryption you often see on the web. A module in the malware intercepts outgoing web requests to turn them into non-secure (that is, basic HTTP) requests, helping it steal sign-ins and other sensitive data when possible. It can also use man-in-the-middle attacks to insert hostile JavaScript into outside websites, and target devices beyond the router itself, such as PCs on the local network.
Arlo's smart security light helps ward off nighttime intruders
Outdoor security cameras are all well and good, but what if you would like to scare intruders away in addition to recording their faces for posterity? Netgear's soon-to-be-stand-alone Arlo brand might have the answer. It just shipped a smart Security Light System that can both illuminate trespassers and switch on the company's cameras. You can tell the lights to change color or flash to be sure everyone knows there's a would-be burglar, and you can even use Alexa to control them without getting out of bed.
Netgear turns its security cameras into a separate business
Netgear's Arlo security cameras are apparently a hit -- so much so that the company is turning them into a separate business. The router maker has revealed that it's spinning out Arlo as a separate company, with the regulatory paperwork completed in the first half of 2018 and a public stock offering in the second. Senior strategy VP Matthew McRae (who used to be Vizio's chief technical officer) is expected to helm Arlo when all is said and done.
Google Chromecast devices are messing with WiFi connections
If you've been having some issues with your WiFi connection, the culprit could be your Chromecast devices. There have now been multiple reports of users losing WiFi connections when Google devices with the "Cast" feature, like Chromecast and Google Home devices, are added to a user's network. Initially, reports suggested that TP-Link Archer C7 routers were the only ones affected by the issue, but subsequent reports have noted that ASUS, Linksys, Netgear and Synology routers may also be impacted.
Netgear’s Orbi Satellite takes mesh WiFi networks outdoors
WiFi mesh networking is not for the faint of wallet, but if you're going to spend the money, Netgear's Orbi is one of the better systems out there. Until now, it's been geared toward indoor home and apartment use, but Netgear has introduced the Orbi Outdoor Satellite (RBS50Y). The device lets you expand coverage by up to 2,500 square feet, making it ideal for use by your pool, garage or guest house.
Netgear recalls Arlo outdoor camera power adapters over fire risks
If you bought one of Netgear's Arlo outdoor cameras and then snapped up an extra power adapter just in case, you may want to sit up and take notice. Netgear and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are recalling Arlo's aftermarket power adapter after receiving seven reports of the cord overheating and melting, in one case leading to a fire. Only 7,700 affected adapters were sold in North America between June and October, but that still presents a sizeable risk.
The best wireless router (for most people)
By Jim Salter This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. After spending over 100 hours testing 18 routers, we think the Netgear R7000P is the best wireless router for most people. It's fast and reliable at both short and long ranges, it balances the demands of connected devices automatically to avoid congestion, and it works well right out of the box, with no arcane tweaking required.
Netgear routers now feature Disney's parental controls
Circle with Disney's advanced parental controls are helpful if you want to curb what your kids can do online and when, but it has normally required a separate device you plug in to your WiFi router. Why can't it just be built into the router itself? It is now: Netgear has announced that its Nighthawk and Orbi routers now include Circle with Disney software. If you want to set a time limit on a given app or block racy material, you don't need anything beyond the networking device you already own.
Netgear's smart security light alerts you of unwanted guests
Netgear is taking another stride into smart home security under its Arlo banner. The company has already released a bunch of comprehensive surveillance cameras, and its latest piece of connected hardware is a wireless, outdoor security light. Like smart bulbs before it, the light hooks up to a mobile app to let you customize its color and brightness. But, you probably won't be using it to set the mood for a dinner party. Instead, it will ping you when it detects motion, and automatically turn on in the process. Thankfully, you'll be able to tinker with its sensors on your smartphone, so it doesn't blink every time a pet runs by.
AT&T's Netgear mobile hotspot promises twice the speed of LTE (updated)
AT&T has just announced the first mobile hotspot router, the Netgear Nighthawk, that can connect to the telecom company's "5G Evolution" network, which AT&T claims offers up to twice the speed of typical 4G LTE. The service is only available in parts of Austin and Indianapolis, and previously only to Samsung S8 users. The Netgear router will cost $50, and you'll need to have at least a $20 per month data plan to use it.
