Google Wifi and OnHub live in the same ecosystem. Same app; same network mesh.

SAN FRANCISCO—Rumors about the Google Wifi definitely raised some eyebrows. Google already has a router out on the market—the Google OnHub, and even after a year on the market, it isn't fully baked. What would happen to Google OnHub users when Google Wifi launched? Would they be abandoned?

After talking to Google reps at the show, the answer is a resounding "no." While the name might be different, Google isn't changing all that much from its previous router efforts, and the OnHub is still a compatible, supported product. The "Google On" app from the OnHub is still the primary interface for Google Wifi, and the OnHub can be a node in a Google Wifi mesh network.

Google had a few Wifi demo units at the show. Google Wifi is a simple white cylinder with an OnHub-style status light in the center. On the bottom of the unit are two Ethernet ports—one for the modem and another for a switch or single computer. There is also single button on the back to restart the router if it freezes up. The USB-C port on the bottom is a little odd. We were told it was only for power, which if there really are no data capabilities, is an interesting use case for a USB port. There's not too much else to say about the router—it looks nice and relatively compact.
It's good to hear that OnHub is sticking around. Now Google just needs to make the OnHub's USB port and smart home capabilities work.

The Google Wifi will be available in December for $129 for a single unit or $299 for a three-pack.