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Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

arstechnica.com

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Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#61

Post by dannyr »

seanp2k2 wrote: post #55
cmrdporcupine wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The app also gives you insights into what's happening with your OnHub -- per device traffic sums, speed tests, alerts, etc. And we're constantly improving it. IMHO that's the real win with the OnHub; the router itself is constantly upgraded with up to date firmware with security updates and new features. And the mobile app that administrates it is constantly getting new features. Maybe I should transfer to marketing.

Honestly Google's rep for discontinuing support for stuff is why I'm not interested in such a connected device. Will it continue getting updates after Google drops it in 0-5 years? Who knows. Will the open-source community be able to put OpenWRT on it or something to give it life after it can no longer receive firmware updates? Not sure. I do know that my current Ubiquiti and Apple network infrastructure devices will…

You're not over Google Reader yet?

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#62

Post by dannyr »

umsm wrote: post #32
cmrdporcupine wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The app also gives you insights into what's happening with your OnHub -- per device traffic sums, speed tests, alerts, etc. And we're constantly improving it. IMHO that's the real win with the OnHub; the router itself is constantly upgraded with up to date firmware with security updates and new features. And the mobile app that administrates it is constantly getting new features. Maybe I should transfer to marketing.

I completely agree with untog. Apple's Airport device is so seamless that it's a pleasure to use. What kind of firmware / security updates do you get with OnHub? Aren't firmware updates dangerous if everything is working perfectly (the possibility to introduce issues)?

Is there anything out there that is already perfect and should not be improved?

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#63

Post by stsp »

some-guy wrote: post #36

I tried OnHub, but unfortunately it didn't have the option to force 5Ghz over 2.4Ghz for devices without going through some hacks. Where I live, 2.4Ghz wireless has 10% packet loss on average, no matter which router I use. I'm happy that routers are finally getting the UX treatment they deserve, and their target market isn't for people who know the difference between the two, but OnHub should keep the nitty-gritty de…

An AP cannot prioritize 5 GHz over 2 GHz. It's up to the client to decide what to connect to.

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#64

Post by untog »

seanp2k2 wrote: post #55
cmrdporcupine wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The app also gives you insights into what's happening with your OnHub -- per device traffic sums, speed tests, alerts, etc. And we're constantly improving it. IMHO that's the real win with the OnHub; the router itself is constantly upgraded with up to date firmware with security updates and new features. And the mobile app that administrates it is constantly getting new features. Maybe I should transfer to marketing.

Honestly Google's rep for discontinuing support for stuff is why I'm not interested in such a connected device. Will it continue getting updates after Google drops it in 0-5 years? Who knows. Will the open-source community be able to put OpenWRT on it or something to give it life after it can no longer receive firmware updates? Not sure. I do know that my current Ubiquiti and Apple network infrastructure devices will…

What reassurance does Apple give that Google do not?

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#65

Post by vox_mollis »

cmrdporcupine wrote: post #15
untog wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Curious: what do you do with the management app? I have an Apple Airport thing and had a similar experience - years of buying cheap routers then suddenly I had one that "just works". To the point that I haven't had to open/use the administration panel in an absolute age.

The app also gives you insights into what's happening with your OnHub -- per device traffic sums, speed tests, alerts, etc. And we're constantly improving it. IMHO that's the real win with the OnHub; the router itself is constantly upgraded with up to date firmware with security updates and new features. And the mobile app that administrates it is constantly getting new features. Maybe I should transfer to marketing.

All due respect, as you don't represent your employer, but a LAN-facing router that is automatically updated by a PRISM partner is an immediate no for those concerned about surveillance (dragnet or targeted) inside the home.

Edit: misread the specs, point still stands.

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#66

Post by dannyr »

georgehotelling wrote: post #41
mankyd wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Im curious how you think they'll shut your router off? Certainly, they could turn cloud based features such as this off, but the router itself?

My understanding is that OnHub routers are managed through a mobile app via Google's cloud. If Google end-of-lifed that service, owners would have no way to manage their routers.

The mobile app connects to the router directly not thru Google' cloud service.

The only thing that probably relies on Google's service is their "Send Feedback" feature.

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#67

Post by thrownaway2424 »

semi-extrinsic wrote: post #60
jhoechtl wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I haven't seen my Asus ac68 ever since. Reading these comments all the way down leaves the impression as the hefty overpriced OnHub is the only reliable wifi router on earth.

I haven't seen my $50 Buffalo N300 since I bought it, flashed and configured dd-wrt on it about 2 years ago.

Your N300 is not getting security updates, but my OnHub is.

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#68

Post by jethro_tell »

Animats wrote: post #53

The remote update "feature" means this has a built-in backdoor into your local network. So you don't want to install this in a law office, anywhere that has to be HIPAA compliant, or any environment requiring security.

Why would you put this in a business? I suppose the same argument holds for space stations prisons but we haven't brought that up.

The lack of remote updates for any router probably also means that it has a back door. There's a pretty extensive list of home router vulns out there already.

Being HIPAA compliant is not generally an indication of a well secured network.

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#69

Post by dannyr »

venomsnake wrote: post #9

> To create Recipes for things you would like to happen automatically, just register and login at IFTTT.com (it’s free) and connect to the OnHub channel. Then start cooking up the Recipes that serve you best. Because OnHub on IFTTT works with so many products and services, there are lots of options for Recipes you can create. And why this needs to be cloud service? Instead of locally running demon on a raspberry pi?

Maybe to make it more accessible to normal people?

Re: Google rolls out “If This Then That” support for its $200 OnHub router

#70

Post by jethro_tell »

some-guy wrote: post #36

I tried OnHub, but unfortunately it didn't have the option to force 5Ghz over 2.4Ghz for devices without going through some hacks. Where I live, 2.4Ghz wireless has 10% packet loss on average, no matter which router I use. I'm happy that routers are finally getting the UX treatment they deserve, and their target market isn't for people who know the difference between the two, but OnHub should keep the nitty-gritty de…

Do you have a router that does this or do you normally just turn of the 2.4Ghz band?
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