Google started shipping its Google Wifi routers on Tuesday in the U.S. Users who pre-ordered the three-pack for $299 or just one device for $129 should start receiving it today or in the coming days.
Google Wifi is not the first venture of the company into the network market.
Last year, the company launched the Google OnHub, but it received average reviews and it failed to gain popularity.
Google’s internet business, however, is looking to do exactly that not only with hardware and software but also with services.
Google Fiber recently slowed down deployment efforts in the U.S. as it searches for a way to provide wireless connections instead of fiber-based ones.
Bad day to be a router. Google Wifi is now available at the @GoogleStore, @Amazon, @BestBuy and @Walmart. https://t.co/0F3FBazSZ2 pic.twitter.com/QrGPGFXgGF
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) December 6, 2016
Google recently ordered a third-party study on the Wifi routers’ performance against top competitors Eero and Luma. Results showed the Google Wifi network bests its contenders in every respect, including signal strength and internet speed under a three-point setup.
Google Wifi: Specs and features
Google Wifi routers are compact white disks with just three ports and a LED light ring in the middle. The USB-C port is for power, while the other two are Gigabit Ethernet ports for direct connection.
Each unit comes with Wi-Fi support for the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. Google Wifi has 4 GB of SSD storage, 512 MB of RAM, and it gets its power from an Infineon TPM and an ARM quad-core processor.
Users must access the mesh routers’ configuration through the Google Wifi app on a mobile device, either Android or iOS. However, there are no apps for desktop computers. To factory reset a Google Wifi, the units come with a dedicated button on the back.
How to install Google Wifi and how does it work
Google packs the Wifi in white boxes containing the router and the power adapter. The three-pack version ships with three of each but only the primary one requires a direct connection to the modem.
To set up a wireless network using Google’s routers, users need to choose one and hook it up to their modem. Then, using the official app on their phone or tablet, they have to scan the QR code printed on the bottom of the unit to pair the device.
Next, Google Wifi needs a name and a password. The app will do the rest before offering the users to add more access points to the wifi mesh.
If you do, you need only to repeat the process: plug into a power outlet, scan the code, and wait for the Google Wifi app to configure the rest according to the original unit’s settings.
The way in which this works is not the same as traditional routers do. Google Wifi and other mesh router systems are both always sending and receiving data between devices so as to cover the largest area with the strongest signal possible.
Google’s software is incredibly helpful with this, as it provides an option to test your Wifi mesh setup to see if it could provide better coverage around the designated space. This test is available under the Network Check option in the Settings menu.
Google Wifi: Price and availability
A single Google Wifi costs $129 and a three-pack goes for $299. If you are looking to improve your wireless internet experience at home or the office, you can order your preferred Google Wifi pack directly from the Google Store.
Google Wifi routers are also available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy stores in the U.S., and online shoppers can buy their units from Amazon.com as well.
Source: Google
