WiFi routers work best when they’re not tucked behind your gadgets, stuck on the floor, or otherwise positioned where you can’t see them… because if you can’t see them, the antennas have to work harder to blanket your space with wireless connectivity.
So Google’s come up with an interesting way to get you to stop hiding your router: dress it up and make it look like artwork that you want to show off.
The company has introduced a new set of interchangeable shells for the TP-Link OnHub router.
Google will offer three shells of its own for between $29 and $39.
There’s also information available for folks that want to make their own shells. The OnHub Makers gallery shows designs from artists and other crafty folks that used glass, paper, and other materials to create custom shells.
Right now all shells are designed specifically for the TP-Link OnHub router. There’s no word on if or when Google will offer shells for the Asus OnHub router.
via Google
Here is what I don’t get about this OnHub thing.
Google is telling folks that they don’t have to hide their router. Well, I believe that people don’t care about routers. People care about WiFi. The router is just a means to provide what I really what, which is fast and stable WiFi. I could care less whether there even is a router, so long as I have good WiFi.
Instead of making a router that is nice to look at, why not make a better router? Or, make a WiFi system that includes a router and range extenders that can easily be placed throughout a home and delivers good performance no matter where you are?
How about making cell towers works of art?
Social engineering of sorts. Clever. Really nice that they just released the specs for people to make their own without even having to measure.