Google's Revolutionary 'OnHub' Router Fixes Bad Wi-Fi

There has been many high profile product launches this month from the likes of Apple and Amazon, so you might have missed Google’s launch of their brand new Wi-Fi router called ‘OnHub’. Google claim this brand new router will solve the most commonly occurring network issues in the home and small workplaces.

Google have worked really hard to make this router look aesthetically pleasing in order to solve a common efficiency problem. Google Group Product Manager Tron Wuellner, explained “many of us keep our router on the floor and out of sight, where it doesn’t work as well. We replaced unruly cords and blinking lights with antennas and subtle, useful lighting, so you’ll be happy placing OnHub out in the open, where your router performs its best.”

The router has a whole number of new features including 13 antennae and ‘smart software’ that allows OnHub to search for the best channel for the strongest connection when it is set up. The software runs in the background while the router is woking to continually adjust the channel. The OnHub is a clever little router as it also allows users to prioritise some devices to ensure that they have the fastest connection.

The OnHub offers users a new and innovative way to manage their router through the Google On smartphone application, which allows users to monitor bandwidth, run network checks, offer solutions to router problems and share the router’s password easily via text or email.

This state-of-the-art router is another device to add to Google’s ‘smart home’ range, with the company already promising continuous online updates and further OnHub devices from other hardware partners. 

The “easy router that cures bad Wi-Fi” (Mashable) has not launched in the UK yet, but expect it soon.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website.

Encrypted Communication Apps Could Be Banned in the UK

Over the past few weeks the press has been warning that WhatsApp and all other encrypted communication applications could be banned in the UK. But why would the government ban these extremely popular communication applications? 

In 2012, Home Secretary Theresa May proposed a new communications data bill called Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill, which would compel technology companies to track, record and store mobile phone and web usage from their users. It has become known as the “Snooper’s Charter” but aspects of the bill have been deemed “inconsistent with EU law” - most notably Article Eight of European Convention of Human Rights, which concerns an individual’s right to privacy.

WhatsApp, iMessage, SnapChat and other popular messaging services use end-to-end encryption to keep texts and multimedia safe from prying eyes. David Cameron had hoped to outlaw this level of privacy to help law enforcement services track and monitor potential terrorist threats.

Many technology companies have spoken out against the measures and refuse to remove the end-to-end encryption from their services. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, said that Apple has “never worked with any government agency from any country to create a backdoor in any of our products or services ... and we never will."

Out of the 55,772 readers of the bill, 49,079 voted against the changes proposed that meant providers, phone companies and technology firms store a record of all online activity. This would include everything from Google searches to Facebook conversations and SnapChat videos, which could be accessed at anytime by law enforcement agencies. 

Here at 360ict we understand the need to protect the country from potential threats, but do you think this bill takes it a step too far? Let us know your thoughts.

360ict provides managed IT services and emergency IT support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Bromley and Croydon. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website.