Asus has officially launched the second OnHub-branded router, the imaginatively-named SRT-AC1900, that is designed to fit in to Google's new and easy-to-use router ecosystem.
Like the original OnHub router from TP-Link, the Asus SRT-AC1900 has a very different design to most traditional routers, making it blend more seamlessly with the items in a living room. The cylindrical design features nine internal antennas, and there's just two Ethernet ports on the rear of the device.
While the wired connectivity is limited, the Asus OnHub router is kitted out with a ton of wireless connectivity. The SRT-AC1900 supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac at up to 1300 Mbps, and 802.11n at up to 600 Mbps, with support for MIMO and 3x3 arrays on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
The router also has support for Bluetooth Smart, and can connect to smart home devices using either the Weave or Zigbee protocols. On top of this, Asus has introduced a feature where you can "simply wave your hand over the router to put your smartphone, notebook, or other device in the fast lane", which is certainly an interesting addition.
The SRT-AC1900 is controlled through Google's OnHub app for smartphones, and slots into their ecosystem in the same way the original TP-Link model does. The router is now up for pre-order through the Google Store for $220, which is slightly more expensive than the original $200 OnHub.